Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has invited the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, for a discussion on Monday, April 7, 2025 over President Trump’s recent decision to impose a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports.
The meeting is expected to address the rationale behind the tariff, its economic impact on Ghana, and potential diplomatic responses.
The new trade measure has sparked concerns among Ghanaian businesses, particularly in sectors such as cocoa, textiles, and agriculture, which rely on exports to the U.S. for revenue and growth.
In a post on his official Facebook page the Minister mentioned that, “I can confirm that I have invited US Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer to my office on Monday Morning to provide clarifications and reasons for President Trumps imposition of 10% tariff on Ghana”.
Ambassador Palmer—who has previously underscored the strong ties between Ghana and the United States—is expected to clarify the rationale behind the tariff and its possible impact on bilateral trade relations.
The meeting highlights Ghana’s intent to protect its economic interests while sustaining its longstanding diplomatic relationship with the United States.
President Donald Trump has unveiled a historic tariff policy, imposing a 34% tax on Chinese imports, 20% on goods from the European Union, and a 10% baseline tariff on imports from all countries, including Ghana.
The move, enacted under the 1977 International Emergency Powers Act, aims to address trade imbalances and revitalize U.S. manufacturing.
Critics warn that the tariffs could lead to economic instability, drawing comparisons to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which deepened the Great Depression.
The policy is expected to increase costs for essentials like housing and clothing, while straining international alliances.
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