Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, has expressed grave concern over the recent imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports by the United States. The tariff, announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025, has raised alarm within the Ghanaian business community, particularly among exporters.
In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Thursday, April 3, Awingobit described the tariff as a significant setback for the country’s export sector. He noted that it will exacerbate challenges for businesses already struggling to compete in global markets.
“This new tariff is a major blow to the Ghanaian business community, particularly those involved in export activities. The impact will be felt across various sectors, and it could undermine the competitiveness of Ghanaian products in the US market,” Awingobit said.
The executive secretary called on the Ghanaian government to swiftly address the situation and explore avenues for mitigating the negative effects of the tariff. He emphasized the need for the government to engage in dialogue and present solutions to safeguard the interests of exporters.
“We need the Government of Ghana to take urgent steps to address this issue. We hope that the government will provide clarity on how they intend to tackle this challenge and minimize its impact on businesses,” Awingobit added.
The US tariffs are part of broader trade measures that also include a 34% tariff on Chinese imports and a 20% levy on European Union goods. The White House has stated that these tariffs are reciprocal measures aimed at countering what the US views as unfair trade practices.
The imposition of the tariff comes at a time when Ghanaian exporters are facing a tough economic landscape. Awingobit’s call for government intervention highlights the need for swift action to prevent further strain on the country’s export sector.
