President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the Government of Ghana is actively engaged in negotiations with the United States to address a 15% tariff imposed on Ghanaian exports.
The tariff, which was introduced by an executive order from U.S. President Donald Trump on July 31, has raised significant concerns among Ghanaian exporters and policymakers.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the second batch of new Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Accra on Wednesday, October 1, President Mahama highlighted the government’s commitment to finding a resolution. He noted that the ongoing discussions with the U.S. also include the possible renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a key trade preference program that has historically allowed Ghana and other eligible African countries to export goods to the U.S. duty-free.
“Negotiations are ongoing with regard to the trade tariffs of 15% and the renewal of AGOA, which was a zero percent tariff on African nations, and so those negotiations are still ongoing,” President Mahama told the assembled diplomats.
AGOA, first enacted in 2000, opened the U.S. market to thousands of products from sub-Saharan African countries. Ghana, as a major beneficiary, exported approximately US$340 million worth of goods under the program’s preferential status. However, the most recent extension of AGOA expired on September 30, 2025, making the current talks even more urgent.
Key Ghanaian export sectors affected by the new tariff include cocoa derivatives, textiles, gold jewellery, cashew, and shea butter. The outcome of these negotiations will be watched closely, as it holds significant implications for Ghana’s trade prospects and the livelihoods of many exporters.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
