- Minority calls for AfCFTA focus after US imposes 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports
- Urges support for affected exporters and diplomatic efforts to protect trade interests
- They stress shifting focus to intra-African trade and offer support for affected exporters
The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to prioritize the swift implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) following the imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports by the United States.
The tariff, announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2, is part of a wider set of reciprocal trade measures affecting countries like 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 exposure to the US market.
In response, the Minority issued a statement, signed by Michael Okyere Baafi, Ranking Member of the Committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism. The statement emphasized the importance of shifting focus to intra-African trade to reduce reliance on Western markets. The Minority also called for immediate, targeted support for affected exporters, recommending specialized programs such as financial assistance, training, and market intelligence to help businesses adjust to the changing trade environment. They further urged intensified diplomatic efforts to protect Ghana’s trade interests, including exploring an extension or alternative to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which currently provides Ghana with preferential access to the US market.
