Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is urging President John Dramani Mahama and his African counterparts to directly engage the United States over its recent decision to impose a 10% tariff on Ghanaian exports.
In a passionate statement shared on his Facebook page, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency in the Eastern Region welcomed the efforts of Ghanaian ministers currently engaging the U.S. ambassador on the matter but insisted that the situation demands swift action from Africa’s topmost leaders.
“It is welcoming that a number of ministers are engaging the US ambassador on the matter of the 10% tariffs on Ghana after calls from Ghana.
“Importantly however the President and his colleague Presidents in affected African countries will have to take this up to ensure that Ghana and Africa aren’t negatively hit by the obviously negative impact that these tariffs will have on the Ghanaian and African economies. Time to act is NOW.!!” he wrote.
His comments come in the wake of a crucial closed-door meeting between Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer.
The meeting, which lasted over an hour, focused on the potential impact of the tariff and how both countries could navigate the possible economic challenges it poses.
Despite concerns over the tariff, Ambassador Palmer was quick to assure Ghanaians that the relationship between the U.S. and Ghana remains strong.
Addressing the media after her meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister, she expressed optimism about maintaining cordial ties.
“I had a great conversation with the minister of foreign affairs, and we talked about how the relationship with Ghana is very strong, and how we can keep it going that way.
“The sort of detail of what the tariffs are and some things the United States and Ghana can do to improve the relationship,” she stated.
