Mahama announces progress on Ghana–China zero-tariff trade deal
President John Dramani Mahama has announced progress toward a zero-tariff trade agreement between Ghana and the People’s Republic of China, a move aimed at expanding Ghana’s export capacity and deepening bilateral economic relations.
Speaking at the Presidency during the presentation of credentials by H.E. Cong Song, Ambassador-Designate of China to Ghana, President Mahama said the arrangement, once finalised, is expected to significantly improve Ghana’s access to the Chinese market.
“We’ve agreed on the zero tariff agreement between Ghana and China and we’re hoping that it will soon be signed and come into effect so that Ghana can export zero tariff into the Chinese market,” he stated.
The President noted that Ghana’s export basket to China is largely composed of raw materials and primary commodities, including oil and key agricultural products.
“Exports constitute of several things, mainly to do with oil and then also agricultural products like cocoa and rubber and other products. Some gold is also exported,” he noted.
President Mahama expressed optimism that the agreement would help strengthen trade flows, improve Ghana’s trade balance, and encourage greater value addition within the country’s export sectors.
“It is our hope that we’ll be able to expand that trade so that we improve the economic relations between our two countries,” he said.
He further highlighted Ghana’s participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as important platforms for expanding infrastructure development and trade cooperation.
“We want to see how we can expand the cooperation under that project,” the President added, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to deepening economic ties with China.
