Ghana has achieved a major breakthrough in international trade relations, securing a 0% tariff concession on all its exports to China.
The agreement, which was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, follows high-level bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the ongoing China-Africa summit in Changsha.
In a tweet posted on Thursday, June 12, Mr. Ablakwa described the development as a “productive and impactful” outcome of Ghana’s diplomatic engagement with its largest trading partner.
He noted that the tariff-free access to the Chinese market is expected to deepen trade ties, spur job creation, and support the growth of Ghanaian entrepreneurs.
“China has offered a 0% tariff on all exports from Ghana,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
“This 0% tariff on all goods from Ghana and other Afrcan countries will bolster trade, create jobs, and produce more Ghanaian entrepreneurs.”
The Foreign Minister emphasized that China remains Ghana’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade volumes exceeding US$11 billion in 2024. He credited the new trade concession as a strategic victory aligned with President John Mahama’s broader economic vision.
Beyond trade, discussions also focused on industrial cooperation and infrastructure development. Among the key initiatives under consideration is the establishment of an integrated aluminium industry, leveraging Ghana’s bauxite reserves. The plan would include modern rail infrastructure to enhance cost-efficient transport and local value addition.
“Our discussions also touched on new industrial projects in line with President Mahama’s vision, including exploiting our bauxite for an integrated aluminium industry powered by modern rail infrastructure,” Mr. Ablakwa explained.
Looking ahead, Ghana and China are also exploring the possibility of setting up an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Ghana. The facility would be based on Ghana’s strategic lithium deposits—an increasingly valuable resource in the global shift toward clean energy and electric mobility.
“Our bilateral engagement further agreed to work towards establishing an electric car manufacturing plant in Ghana anchored on Ghana’s strategic lithium deposits,” Mr. Ablakwa revealed.
To formalize this cooperation, both countries are expected to sign a special Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in very soon. The EPA is intended to provide a framework for trade expansion, joint ventures, and technology transfer between the two nations.
“Ghana and China will soon sign a special Economic Partnership Agreement to concretize our mutually beneficial partnership,” he added.
Reflecting on the historical ties between the two nations, Mr. Ablakwa paid tribute to the foundational diplomacy of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and China’s Chairman Mao Zedong. He said the progress made is a testament to their vision of African-Asian solidarity.
“President Mahama’s administration is firmly committed to leveraging diplomacy for the transformation of our dear country. Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao will be proud of what Ghana-China relations have achieved 65 years after they laid the foundation,” the Minister concluded.
This landmark tariff concession and the broader economic partnership signal a new chapter in Ghana-China relations, one that promises increased industrial growth, technology transfer, and greater opportunities for Ghanaian businesses in the world’s second-largest economy.
