Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that he has formally invited the United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, for a meeting at his office on Monday, April 7.
The invitation aims to seek clarification on the recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 10% tariff on goods imported from Ghana—a move that has sparked concern among Ghanaian officials and business leaders.
President Trump’s announcement forms part of a broader wave of protectionist trade measures, which also include a 34% tariff on imports from China and a 20% tax on goods from the European Union.
These sweeping new policies mark a sharp escalation in global trade tensions and could have serious implications for developing economies like Ghana.
Minister Ablakwa is expected to raise critical questions about the rationale behind the tariff and its potential impact on Ghana-U.S. relations, trade volumes, and local industries.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Ablakwa stated that the meeting would serve as an opportunity for Ambassador Palmer to provide a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the tariff, which has triggered growing concern among Ghanaian businesses and policymakers.
“I can confirm that I have invited U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer, to my office on Monday morning to provide clarifications and reasons for President Trump’s imposition of a 10% tariff on Ghana,” he wrote.
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has also condemned the U.S. government’s decision.
In a statement released on Friday, April 4, the Association criticized the move as a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) protocols and principles.
It warned that the new tariff could have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s economy, especially for businesses that rely heavily on trade with the United States.