Ghana secures 0% tariff deal with China
Ghana has secured a 0% tariff agreement on all its exports to China, opening new opportunities for the country’s exporters and businesses. The deal was announced by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, following bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
China, Ghana’s largest trading partner, recorded trade volumes exceeding USD11 billion with Ghana last year. The elimination of tariffs on all Ghanaian goods sent to China is expected to boost exports, create jobs, and support local industries.
“This is a major win for Ghanaian exporters and our economy at large. The removal of trade barriers will not only strengthen Ghana’s position in the global market but also empower local industries and entrepreneurs to thrive,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The discussions took place on the sidelines of the China-Africa Summit in Changsha, China. Both countries explored industrial collaborations, including establishing an integrated aluminum industry in Ghana, leveraging the country’s bauxite resources. This aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of developing a fully integrated aluminum sector supported by modern rail infrastructure.
Plans were also discussed to build an electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Ghana, based on the country’s growing lithium deposits. This would position Ghana as a key player in Africa’s transition to green energy and technology.
“This is part of a broader economic diplomacy agenda. We are laying the foundation for Ghana to become a major hub for electric vehicle manufacturing on the continent,” Mr. Ablakwa added.
Mr. Ablakwa praised the leadership of President Mahama, saying the administration is committed to using diplomacy to drive national transformation. He added, “Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao would be proud of how far this partnership has come.”
