Mahama Warns: U.S. Tariffs Threaten Ghana’s Economy and Global Trade Stability
President urges multilateral cooperation as Czech leader backs call for U.S. to reconsider sweeping trade measures
- Mahama says U.S. tariffs could force factories to relocate from Ghana
- Warns unilateral decisions undermine global partnerships and development
- Czech President Pavel supports diplomatic push for tariff reconsideration
President John Dramani Mahama has voiced strong concerns over the United States’ recent decision to impose sweeping tariffs on imports from all countries, including Ghana—a move he believes could destabilize global trade and harm developing economies.
The tariff policy, enacted by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, 2025, through an Executive Order under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), is intended to address America’s trade deficits and perceived national security threats. However, President Mahama cautioned that such unilateral trade measures could have far-reaching negative consequences.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel on April 8, Mahama warned that the decision could force companies operating in countries like Ghana to relocate in search of lower tariffs, thereby jeopardizing local industries and employment.
“These types of decisions—made without a collaborative, trade-based framework—risk eroding international partnerships and slowing down development,” Mahama stressed. “A multilateral approach is far more beneficial than countries acting alone in pursuit of their own interests.”
Czech President Petr Pavel echoed Mahama’s sentiments, describing the U.S. move as shortsighted and potentially damaging to global economic relations. He emphasized the need for diplomatic dialogue to persuade the U.S. to reconsider the tariffs.
“Such blanket tariffs only deepen global economic challenges,” Pavel noted. “Negotiated solutions are more likely to yield mutual benefits and avoid long-term fallout.”
Both leaders called for collective international action to engage the U.S. and advocate for a more balanced and cooperative trade environment.
