Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has invited the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, to Ghana for a crucial meeting on Monday, April 7, to seek clarification on President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on imports from Ghana.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Ablakwa confirmed the invitation, stating, “I can confirm that I have invited U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, to my office on Monday morning to provide clarifications and reasons for President Trump’s imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghana.”
The tariff, part of a broader set of U.S. trade measures that include a 34% levy on Chinese imports and a 20% tax on European Union goods, has sparked concerns among Ghanaian businesses and policymakers.
Moreover, the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has strongly codemned the move, describing it as a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) principles.
In a statement issued on April 4, the Association warned that the tariff would have dire consequences on Ghana’s economy, including:
1. A decline in demand for Ghanaian exports in the U.S. market.
2. Job losses as businesses struggle with reduced export opportunities.
3. Increased interest rates as financial institutions respond to economic instability.
4. A worsening trade deficit due to reduced export earnings.
5. Slower economic growth affecting national revenue and development.
The IEAG has urged the Ghanaian government to engage stakeholders in urgent discussions and pursue diplomatic efforts to challenge the policy. They also called for support measures to cushion affected businesses.
