The Executive Secretary of the Exporters and Importers Association of Ghana, Mr. Asaki Sampson Awingobit, has expressed concern over the recent imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian goods by the United States government under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Speaking to Ahotor News, Mr. Awingobit described the decision as unexpected and unjustified, particularly given the longstanding trade relations between Ghana and the United States. He noted that Ghana exports a significant volume of goods to the U.S. market, especially agricultural products such as yam, Textiles, Sheanut butter, etc
“Our exporters, particularly those operating under the Free Zones program, send about 70% of their goods outside the country — with a large portion destined for the U.S. market. This sudden 10% tariff is a serious setback for them, especially at a time when President John Dramani Mahama is encouraging local companies to scale up value-added production for export,” he stated.
Mr. Awingobit emphasized that such a decision, made without prior consultation or provocation, undermines the spirit of international cooperation and puts Ghanaian businesses at risk.
In response, he called on the Ghanaian government and its counterparts across the continent to take bold steps in strengthening intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“This is the time for Africa to reposition itself. We must ease restrictions, promote unity, and encourage free movement of goods and people within the continent,” he urged. “If the European Union can create an open market across its member states, then Africa too can do the same. Ghana, for instance, could lead by example by removing visa barriers for African traders — let them simply show proof of accommodation and flight bookings and do business across borders.”
He further encouraged the government to explore and strengthen trade relations with alternative markets such as China. “Let’s enhance our relationship with China to increase our exports there. At the same time, we can engage the U.S. government diplomatically to revisit this tariff decision and protect the mutual benefits of our bilateral trade relations.”
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
