Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has made a strong case for the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) during high-level trade discussions with senior U.S. officials in Washington, D.C., on Monday, June 9, 2025.

The talks come at a critical time, as the United States pursues its new “America First” trade agenda, which includes a 10% tariff on global exports—posing fresh challenges for African economies, including Ghana.

Minister Ofosu-Adjare led a high-level delegation featuring Ambassador Jane Gasu Ahemtor, Acting Head of Mission Dr. Mary Awusi, Ghana Free Zones Authority CEO, and Deputy CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Abdul Razak. On the U.S. side, key participants included Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa, Thomas Bruns, and Giancarlo Cavallo of the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa.

The central focus of the meeting was the impending expiration of AGOA in September 2025. Ofosu-Adjare emphasized Ghana’s strong support for the program’s extension, calling it a "mutually beneficial platform" that has boosted U.S. investment in Ghana, particularly in sectors such as garments and textiles.

“AGOA has been instrumental in driving trade-led development and supporting job creation in Ghana. Its renewal is vital not only for Ghana, but for the entire sub-region,” she said.

The Minister also addressed pressing trade-related concerns, including Ghana’s local content policies, the importation of over-aged vehicles and excavators, and outstanding debts owed to American businesses. She assured U.S. officials that steps are being taken to resolve these issues and create a more predictable trade environment.

Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties and agreed on the need to revive the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) discussions to provide a structured platform for ongoing dialogue.

Minister Ofosu-Adjare is expected to continue bilateral engagements in the coming weeks, including a scheduled meeting with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), as Ghana seeks to solidify its trade partnership with the U.S. in the face of shifting global dynamics.