Ghana-China Set to Sign Historic Zero Tariff Agreement by October End- President Mahama
Ghana and China are poised to finalize a zero tariff agreement by the end of October 2025, marking a historic milestone in bilateral trade relations that could transform Ghana’s export landscape.
Speaking at the Presidential Investment Forum in Beijing, President John Dramani Mahama announced that both nations have reached an agreement in principle on the zero tariff framework.
“We reached agreement in principle, and we have targeted the end of October to be able to sign off on the zero tariff principle,” President Mahama declared during his address to investors and dignitaries.
The President emphasized the transformative potential of China’s decision to eliminate tariffs on Ghanaian and African products.
“China’s decision to grant zero tariff access to Ghanaian and African products signals the confidence in our partnership,” President Mahama stated. “It opens vast new markets for Ghanaian exporters, agro processors and manufacturers.”
The agreement comes as bilateral trade between the two nations continues to flourish, with China serving as Ghana’s largest trading partner. Trade volumes reached $11.8 billion in 2024, representing significant growth from previous years.
President Mahama positioned the zero tariff agreement as a strategic response to growing global protectionism, praising China’s leadership in maintaining open trade channels.
“I want to commend the government of China for this act of solidarity,” the President said. “We are all aware that the multilateral rules-based trading system is being appended by universal unilateral slapping of tariffs on different countries. This is the time for us to solidarize and to come together. And this initiative by China is very timely.”
The zero tariff principle represents the latest chapter in Ghana-China relations, which this year celebrates 65 years of diplomatic ties. Ghana was among the first sub-Saharan African countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
“But trade is not the only part of the story,” President Mahama noted, highlighting the broader scope of China-Ghana cooperation. “Through the Belt and Road Initiative and the forum on China Africa cooperation, Chinese collaboration has strengthened Ghana’s infrastructure in energy and industrial capacity.”
The President revealed that between 2013 and 2024, Chinese investments recorded by Ghana’s Investment Promotion Center totalled almost $4 billion, “covering more than 400 projects and creating thousands of jobs for Ghanaian youth.”
During his address, President Mahama also outlined Ghana’s commitment to creating a favorable investment environment for Chinese partners.
“Ghana guarantees the security of your capital and your profits,” he assured potential investors.
