Ghana Engages U.S. in Talks to Reverse 15% Export Tariff and Renew Expired AGOA, Mahama Confirms
President John Dramani Mahama disclosed on October 1, 2025, during the swearing-in of new ambassadors and high commissioners at the Jubilee House, that Ghana is actively negotiating with the United States to lift the recently imposed 15% tariff on Ghanaian exports and secure the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which lapsed on September 30, 2025.
The dual efforts aim to safeguard Ghana’s vital U.S. trade ties, worth approximately $340 million annually under AGOA’s duty-free regime for products like cocoa derivatives, textiles, and shea butter.
The 15% tariff, enacted via executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump on July 31, 2025, and effective August 7, targets Ghana and 15 other African nations to address perceived trade imbalances, impacting key exports like cocoa, crude oil, cashew nuts, and textiles.
AGOA’s expiration—after a 2015 extension to 2025—has left sub-Saharan exporters facing compounded duties, with the U.S. signaling support for a one-year extension amid congressional funding stalemates.
Addressing speculation linking trade talks to deportations, Mahama firmly denied any financial incentives or compromises on security. “There was no financial consideration as part of the understanding between Ghana and the United States,” he stated, vowing Ghana would not serve as a “dumping ground” for deportees with criminal records.
This follows controversy over Ghana’s September 2025 agreement to accept West African deportees from the U.S.—including 14 arrivals like Nigerians and Gambians—prompting lawsuits from 11 detainees alleging illegal handling and UN calls to halt transfers of those with U.S. torture protections. Mahama emphasized sovereignty: “Ghana will not… accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,” amid reports of some deportees being rerouted to Togo without documents.
