The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to take urgent steps to secure exemptions from the newly imposed 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports to the United States.
According to the Minority, the tariff threatens Ghanaian businesses that rely on the U.S. market and could weaken the country’s export sector if swift action is not taken.
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who made the call urged government to initiate diplomatic engagements with U.S. authorities in order to negotiate a waiver.
In a statement on his social media handles on Friday, he warned that the tariff would significantly increase the cost of Ghanaian goods in the U.S., making them less competitive.
“The newly imposed 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports to the U.S. will undoubtedly increase costs for Ghanaian products in that market. Ghanaian goods risk losing their competitive edge—an outcome that could severely impact businesses and livelihoods that rely on exports,” he said.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah stressed the importance of leveraging Ghana’s economic diplomacy efforts, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), to address the situation.
“At a time when economic diplomacy has been enhanced in the erstwhile government under pillars like the AfCFTA, Ghana must engage the United States and ultimately seek a waiver for our nation,” he added.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase Ayirebi further linked the issue to the government’s proposed 24-hour economy initiative, arguing that a thriving export sector is essential to the success of the programme hence, government must act quickly.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are yet to comment on the government’s response to the tariffs. However, industry players and business associations are expected to weigh in on the matter in the coming days.
