President John Mahama’s administration is under increasing scrutiny following the U.S. government's decision to impose a 15% tariff on Ghanaian exports. The move has sparked widespread concern among economists, political analysts, and business leaders, who fear significant repercussions for Ghana’s economy, particularly in trade and employment sectors.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Afoase Ayirebi and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, criticized the government’s handling of early warning signs. He suggested that timely and high-level diplomatic engagement with U.S. officials could have averted the tariff.
“It is disappointing that despite all the signs being on the wall, we have ended up here,” Oppong Nkrumah stated. “We had earlier suggested that the president himself engage at the highest level, but this administration chose a different path.”
The tariff—announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on July 31—targets multiple African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon. The measure, which came into effect on August 1, is part of a broader U.S. policy aimed at addressing long-standing trade imbalances and enhancing reciprocal market access.
Ghana’s primary exports to the U.S. include cocoa derivatives, textiles, cashew nuts, shea butter, and yams. In 2024, Ghana exported approximately $1.2 billion worth of goods to the American market. Analysts warn that the tariff could reduce demand for these products or compel Ghanaian exporters to lower prices to stay competitive.
Oppong Nkrumah cautioned that the policy could trigger a ripple effect across the economy, leading to job losses and rising inflation. He urged the government to seek alternative trade partnerships, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to safeguard national export revenues.
The government has yet to release an official response to the tariff.
Source: theghanareport
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