The Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee in Parliament, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has urged the government to adopt a diplomatic approach in response to the 10% import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to him, diplomacy is currently the best option available to Ghana to alleviate the impact of the directive on the economy.
The Ofoase-Ayirebi MP stated that he was optimistic Ghana would be spared in the imposition, but that was not the case, making proactive measures necessary.
The directive, announced on April 2, 2025, was enacted through an Executive Order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA).
U.S. officials have defended the measure, saying it is aimed at addressing economic and national security threats posed by persistent trade deficits.
In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged the global impact of the tariffs but emphasised that Ghana’s response will make the difference.
He noted that the best option is to adopt a diplomatic approach, stating that Ghana cannot risk a trade war with the U.S.
“Nobody can tell me that the advisors did not see this coming or hint to the President, because these negotiations require a full briefing to enable you to present your position—not to find out why the tariffs were imposed when we have already been told,” he said.
Oppong Nkrumah therefore appealed to President John Mahama to heed the advice of the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, and initiate negotiations at the highest diplomatic level.
“Vietnam and other countries have already sent delegations, while some presidents have reached out directly. But we are here asking the Foreign Affairs Minister to lead. The President must do it himself,” he urged.
ALSO READ: