Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepening bilateral trade relations with the United States. During a high-level meeting with senior officials from the US Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., discussions focused on trade policy, investment frameworks, and economic cooperation.

Key Issues Discussed

The meeting addressed several pressing trade matters, including:

• The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is set to expire in September 2025. Ghana strongly supports its renewal, citing its role in attracting US investments, particularly in the garment and textile sector.

• Ghana’s Local Content Policy, which has impacted US mining firms operating in the country. Both parties agreed on the need for constructive dialogue to balance national development goals with investor interests.

• Concerns over the importation of excavators and over-aged vehicles from the US into Ghana, with emphasis on regulatory clarity and compliance with standards.

• Outstanding debts owed to American businesses, with assurances from Ghana’s Ministry of Finance that efforts are underway to resolve payments in a timely manner.

Impact on Ghana-US Trade Relations

The discussions underscored the importance of revitalizing structured trade and investment relations through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The US delegation acknowledged Ghana’s proactive steps in initiating dialogue and expressed willingness to collaborate on shared priorities.

As a follow-up, Minister Ofosu-Adjare is scheduled to meet with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in the coming weeks to continue consultations on trade and economic issues.

Ghana’s engagement with the US marks a significant step in reinforcing economic diplomacy and investment promotion. With AGOA’s renewal on the horizon and ongoing trade policy discussions, the future of Ghana-US trade relations remains a critical focus for both nations.