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The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit, has disclosed that the removal of tariffs under the China-Ghana trade policy is a timely relief for local businesses to thrive.
In an interview with the Graphic Business, he revealed that the policy was a welcome relief that was likely to lead to a reduction in market prices, creating favourable conditions for the economy to thrive.
“The removal of tariffs under the China-Ghana trade policy is a timely relief, especially when you consider the burden we have been carrying from the Trump-era tariffs.
China’s dominance in the global port industry, combined with Ghana’s push for a 24-hour port system, will significantly ease trade flow and reduce costs for our local businesses.” He said.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that China will now allow all goods from Ghana to enter the Chinese market with 0 per cent tariffs.
Speaking after high-level talks with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, Mr Ablakwa described the agreement as productive and impactful.
He revealed the new tariff-free deal would cover 100 per cent of Ghana’s export goods, aiming to boost trade, create jobs and support local entrepreneurs.
“China is already Ghana’s biggest trading partner, last year, our trade volume reached over US$11 billion. This new move will strengthen that partnership even more.” he said.
According to Mr Awingobit, the timing of the new trade arrangement is significant, especially at a time when the Ghanaian economy is grappling with the effects of a depreciating US dollar and rising inflation.
“This new arrangement comes at a crucial time for Ghana. With the US dollar depreciating, cedi inflation gains even more significance.
China’s vast port infrastructure, together with our 24/7 port operations which is soon to launch, will relieve trade pressure. This not only eases import costs for Ghanaians but also amplifies the impact of this policy in stabilising prices and boosting economic resilience.” he said.
Ghana’s planned 24-hour port operations, expected to be launched soon, are central to making the most of the tariff-free trade arrangement with China.
President John Dramani Mahama announced that the long-awaited 24-hour economy initiative would officially commence on July 1, with Tema and Takoradi Ports set to operate 24 hours a day as part of a sweeping national plan to transform the country’s horticultural export capacity and unlock full agro-industrial productivity.
“On July 1, the 24-hour initiative policy will be ready to go into operation and our ports – Tema and Takoradi, will be declared 24-hour ports to support agro-industrial logistics, processing and exports. This is not just about longer hours; it is about building the infrastructure, energy, security and digital platforms to enable continuous, high-value production,” he said.
When combined with China’s global leadership in port logistics, this initiative is seen as a major boost to Ghana’s trade efficiency.
Analysts argue that aligning both countries’ logistics strengths could help Ghana improve cargo turnaround time, reduce congestion at key ports like Tema, and enhance competitiveness in West African trade.
The latest move, which removes tariffs on nearly 98 per cent of Ghanaian exports to China, is seen as part of Beijing’s broader commitment to deepen economic ties with African nations.
