The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has called for an urgent, strategic, and bipartisan response from the Ghanaian government following the U.S. imposition of a 10% tariff on key Ghanaian exports. The measure, introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump, is said to be a reaction to Ghana’s 17% average tariff on American goods. The move has raised concerns among industries reliant on U.S. trade, including cocoa, textiles, and agriculture.
In a statement issued in Accra, the CDM described the tariff as a critical economic threat, warning that it could severely impact farmers, factory workers, and small business owners nationwide. The group urged the government, opposition parties, and civil society to unite in addressing what it termed “a direct challenge to Ghana’s economic independence.”
Victor Gyapong, a CDM convenor, stressed the real-world consequences of the policy, stating, “This isn’t just about trade figures—it’s about the cocoa farmer in Sefwi, the seamstress in Tema, and the cashew trader in Techiman. Their survival is at stake. Ghana must respond decisively and intelligently.”
The CDM noted that nearly 30% of Ghana’s cocoa exports to the U.S. consist of processed goods like cocoa powder and paste, which will now face the new tariff. Additionally, Ghana’s apparel sector, which employs thousands under youth employment initiatives, risks losing competitiveness in the U.S. market.
The group also questioned the legality of the tariff, given Ghana’s compliance with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. trade program that grants duty-free access to eligible African nations. “AGOA has clear rules, and Ghana has met them. Any concerns should be resolved through proper channels, not sudden tariffs,” said co-convenor Asare Kennedy.
Since 2000, AGOA has enabled Ghana to export over 6,700 product categories to the U.S. tariff-free, helping diversify the economy beyond raw materials.
To counter the tariff’s impact, the CDM proposed a five-point plan:
1. High-Level Diplomacy: Engage U.S. officials, including Congress and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), at the highest level.
2. Leverage AfCFTA: Accelerate intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to reduce reliance on U.S. markets.
3. WTO & ECOWAS Action: Seek redress through the World Trade Organization and rally ECOWAS for a united response.
4. Export Support Fund: Fast-track legislation to establish a National Export Adjustment Facility, financed by petroleum revenues, to aid affected businesses.
5. Boost Local Value Addition: Prioritize agro-processing and industrial growth to minimize dependence on raw material exports.
“This is not the time for political divisions or delays. Our response must be swift, lawful, and focused on national interest—Ghana first, always,” the CDM emphasized.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance, the group expressed confidence that Ghana could overcome the challenge through unity, strategic action, and resilience.
