Ghana’s trade ties with the United States are set to receive a significant boost following the three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free access to the US market for eligible African countries and products.

The development was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a post on X on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

According to the Minister, the US decision followed a high-level bilateral meeting between Ghanaian officials and a United States delegation led by Acting US Ambassador Rolf Olson. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was aimed at reviewing Ghana–US relations and identifying priority areas for cooperation in 2026.

For two decades, AGOA has been more than just a trade arrangement. It has provided a lifeline for businesses, a source of foreign exchange, and a catalyst for industrialisation. Ghanaian cocoa derivatives, processed fruits, apparel, and other goods have gained a competitive edge in the US largely due to the preferential access the agreement provides. However, AGOA expired on September 30, 2025.

Announcing the outcome of the meeting, Minister Ablakwa said the US House of Representatives had voted overwhelmingly to extend the agreement for three more years, describing the decision as a major win for Ghana’s export-led growth agenda.

“The US conveyed another great news, specifically relating to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The House of Representatives voted massively on Monday, by 340 votes to 54, to extend AGOA by three years,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that AGOA’s extension is expected to have a direct impact on local manufacturing, particularly the garment and textile sector.

“This positive development will boost local garment production and create more jobs,” he said, expressing optimism that the US Senate would soon give final approval.

The meeting also reviewed progress made in 2025, with both sides noting improved trade and economic cooperation. Ghana welcomed the removal of a 15 percent tariff, imposed under the Trump administration, on a range of unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products from Ghana. Officials expressed satisfaction with its implementation.

Additionally, Ghana’s exemption from US visa sanctions and proposed $15,000 visa bonds applied to other countries was reaffirmed.

“Ghana will continue to be exempted from visa sanctions,” Minister Ablakwa said, describing it as a reflection of the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.

In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the US assured Ghana that special measures have been introduced to expedite visa applications, a move expected to ease current appointment delays.

Both countries also commended enhanced security and law enforcement cooperation, which facilitated the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the US in 2025, with further collaboration ongoing.

The Foreign Affairs Minister described the overall engagement as evidence of growing momentum in Ghana–US relations.

“We are impressed with the incredible positive velocity of our Ghana–US bilateral relations,” he said, adding that Ghana will begin negotiations in 2026 toward a bespoke trade agreement with the United States to further deepen economic cooperation.