President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 15% tariff on Ghana’s $2.2 billion exports to the U.S., effective August 7, as part of a revised reciprocal tariff policy targeting a $1.2 trillion U.S. trade deficit. The tariff, triggered by Ghana’s 17% duty on U.S. goods and failure to finalize a trade deal after April’s 10% baseline tariff, ends duty-free benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Cocoa ($200 million), oil, gold, and textiles face higher costs, threatening jobs in Ghana’s export sectors and raising U.S. consumer prices. X posts, like @UTDFrederick’s, label it a “major blow,” while @Joy997FM notes government inaction. Experts, including CUTS International’s Appiah Kusi Adomako, urge Ghana to leverage AfCFTA’s $10-20 billion trade potential to diversify markets. Ghana’s Trade Ministry has not commented, but urgent talks are expected.
