Ghana and the United States are stepping up efforts to expand trade and investment under the extended African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as both sides signal a more reciprocal approach to future market access.
Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare held talks in Accra with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson on positioning Ghana during the 15-month extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which runs retroactively from Oct. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2026.
Although widely described as a one-year renewal, Olson said the measure effectively grants a 15-month window for AGOA-eligible exports to continue enjoying duty-free access to the U.S. market. The discussions centered on how Ghana can deepen export gains while aligning advocacy priorities with Washington, as the current U.S. administration places greater emphasis on commercial engagement and expanded market access for American firms.
Olson noted that while AGOA preferences remain intact, broader U.S. tariff developments include a 15% benchmark tariff announced under a separate legal provision following recent judicial actions in the United States. He stressed that AGOA-covered products would continue to benefit from duty-free treatment under the program.
Ofosu-Adjare welcomed the extension, describing AGOA as central to Ghana’s industrial employment strategy, particularly in textiles and garments. She said a single garment factory can employ as many as 5,000 workers, many of them women, offering inclusive job opportunities for young mothers and vulnerable groups.
She cautioned that additional tariff pressures could erode competitiveness and undermine job creation, especially in emerging industrial zones outside Accra. The minister also linked AGOA-driven employment to efforts to curb irregular migration, arguing that expanded economic opportunities at home reduce incentives for risky migration routes.
On eligibility criteria, Olson underscored that governance standards and effective dispute resolution remain key considerations in Washington’s periodic reviews. He raised concerns about outstanding payments owed to some U.S. entities, warning that unresolved arrears attract attention and may influence perceptions of Ghana’s investment climate.
Ofosu-Adjare acknowledged that inherited financial obligations are under review and said legitimate claims would be addressed through appropriate payment arrangements, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to honoring just debts.
The meeting also covered procurement practices, with the U.S. side encouraging wider use of competitive tendering to enable American firms to participate in bids. The minister said competitive processes deliver value for money but noted that sole-sourcing is permitted under Ghanaian law in urgent cases.
In a development tied to Ghana’s recent macroeconomic stabilization, Olson disclosed that the Export-Import Bank of the United States has reinstated short-term private sector financing facilities. He said the move could support purchases of U.S. goods and services, particularly in infrastructure and industrial expansion. Ofosu-Adjare welcomed the reopening of the facility, describing access to patient capital as a critical constraint for Ghanaian industry. She called for clear communication to ensure businesses fully utilize available financing tools.
Agricultural trade also featured in the talks, with the U.S. side highlighting tariffs on certain imports such as wheat and corn used as industrial inputs. The minister said such issues would be addressed in future engagements, reiterating Ghana’s openness to dialogue aimed at mutually beneficial outcomes.
Further communication is expected from the Office of the United States Trade Representative regarding possible reciprocal trade discussions, which could shape the next phase of Ghana–U.S. commercial relations beyond the current AGOA window.
