The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to urgently prioritise the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in response to a 10% tariff imposed on Ghanaian exports by the United States.
The tariff, announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2, is part of a broader set of reciprocal trade measures affecting several countries, including China and members of the European Union. Ghana’s inclusion on the list—with a 10% levy—has raised concerns about the country’s economic vulnerability to the US market.
Responding to the development, the Minority issued a statement signed by the Ranking Member on the Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, Michael Okyere Baafi, stressing the need for Ghana to pivot towards intra-African trade and reduce dependence on Western markets.
“Prioritize the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on the US.
“Expand exports of manufactured products to other African countries. Government should prepare to take advantage of trade diversion based on retaliatory measures that would be implemented by major trading partners,” the statement read.
The Minority also called for immediate, targeted support for exporters affected by the new tariffs. They recommended that government introduce specialised programmes—including financial assistance, training, and market intelligence—to help businesses adapt to the shifting trade environment.
They further urged intensified diplomatic efforts to safeguard Ghana’s trade interests, particularly by seeking an extension or alternative to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants Ghana preferential access to the US market.
“Develop specialized programs and policies to support exporters affected by the tariffs. Provide financial assistance, training, and market intelligence to help exporters adapt to the new trade environment. Advocate for the extension or replacement of AGOA to maintain preferential access to the US market.”
