Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has appealed to the United States Government to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), stressing its significant impact on Ghana’s economy, particularly in the areas of exports, job creation, and foreign investment.
Her call comes at a time when concerns are mounting over the U.S. Government’s “America First” trade policy and the introduction of new global tariffs, which many fear could negatively affect African exports.
Speaking at an event in Accra on Friday, July 4, to mark the 249th Independence Day of the United States, the Minister emphasised that AGOA has served as a powerful vehicle for economic cooperation between Ghana and the U.S., especially in the garment, textile, cocoa, and processed food industries.
“One of the most impactful frameworks through which our economic partnership has flourished is the African Growth and Opportunities Act, AGOA. Since its inception in 2000, Ghana has proudly remained an eligible beneficiary country to date. Over the years, the program has created meaningful opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, particularly in textiles and apparel, agriculture and value-added manufacturing.
“It has supported livelihoods, enhanced export capacity, and integrated small and medium enterprises into global markets. In 2024 alone, official figures released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative showed that Ghana’s exports to the United States under AGOA reached approximately $1.2 billion.
“These trade flows are more than mere statistics. They reflect the livelihoods, dignity, and empowerment of Ghanaian workers, especially women and young people,” she stated.
