Ghana has secured a major economic breakthrough as China removes import tariffs on all Ghanaian goods, opening a new chapter in bilateral trade between the two countries.
The decision, announced by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian exports and foster industrial growth.
“This 0% tariff on 100% of goods from Ghana and other African countries will bolster trade, create jobs and produce more Ghanaian entrepreneurs,” Mr. Ablakwa said in a post on social media on June 12.
The announcement follows a strategic bilateral engagement between Minister Ablakwa and the Chinese Foreign Minister, His Excellency Wang Yi, held on June 11 in Changsha, China, during the ongoing China-Africa summit.
The two diplomats also discussed a soon-to-be-signed Economic Partnership Agreement to deepen economic cooperation and bring President John Mahama’s industrial vision to life. Key among the discussions were plans to utilise Ghana’s bauxite resources to develop a fully integrated aluminium industry supported by modern rail infrastructure.
Another pivotal area of cooperation is the proposed establishment of an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Ghana, leveraging the country’s growing lithium reserves to enter the global green economy.
The tariff removal comes as a significant relief for Ghanaian exporters, who previously had to factor import taxes into their pricing models—often resulting in higher costs for Chinese buyers. With this barrier removed, Ghanaian products will be more affordable and attractive on the Chinese market, potentially increasing demand and export volumes.
In turn, higher production to meet export demand is expected to translate into job creation and stimulate domestic entrepreneurship. Chinese consumers, on their part, will benefit from lower retail prices on Ghanaian goods.
China remains Ghana’s leading trade partner, with bilateral trade crossing the $11 billion mark last year. Ghana mainly exports raw materials like gold, oil, and cocoa, while China supplies machinery, electronics, textiles, and construction inputs.
The move further solidifies decades of cooperation between the two nations. In 2018, the two sides signed several strategic agreements, including the One Belt, One Road initiative, nuclear energy collaboration, regional aviation partnerships, and the $2 billion Sino-Hydro infrastructure deal. Other areas of cooperation include healthcare, stadium development, and law enforcement logistics.
Minister Ablakwa emphasized the diplomatic commitment of the Mahama-led administration to using global partnerships for national development.
“Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao will be proud of what Ghana-China relations has achieved 65 years after they laid the foundation,” he stated.
