Appiah Kusi Adomako, the West African Regional Director of CUTS, has characterized the 10% tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on Ghana as a chance for the nation to enhance intra-African trade and bolster its economic resilience.
His remarks follow Trump’s announcement of extensive tariffs, which include a 10% tax on imports from Ghana, a 34% levy on Chinese products, and a 20% tax on goods from the European Union—actions that have heightened global trade tensions.
In an interview with Eyewitness News on April 3, 2025, Adomako stressed the importance of Ghana and other African countries utilizing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to alleviate the economic repercussions of these tariffs.
“One strategy to navigate this situation is to strengthen our intra-African trade. The AfCFTA is expected to create a market worth nearly $3.5 trillion if we can effectively trade among ourselves and seek alternative trading partners. This could help us manage the challenges in the short to medium term,” he remarked.
In addition to Africa’s response to the tariffs, Adomako also criticized Trump’s strategy, cautioning that it could lead to unforeseen economic repercussions for the United States.
He pointed out that labor costs in the US are considerably higher than those in China, which may lead to increased production expenses and higher consumer prices.
“There are several factors that Trump may not have taken into account. While bringing jobs back to America is commendable, the method he is employing could, in the short term, induce inflationary pressures. This is due to the fact that the minimum wage in the US is significantly higher.
“In China, the minimum wage might be around $5, but if the same job is relocated to America, the cost could rise to approximately $200, ultimately resulting in higher prices for consumers. Therefore, the US should prepare for challenging economic conditions ahead,” he concluded.
