Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit
The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit, has called on the government to urgently seek alternative markets in response to the proposed tariffs by the United States on Ghanaian exports.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb Business on the sidelines of the Kwahu Business Forum, Awingobit stressed the need for Ghana to shift its focus toward regional trade opportunities, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“At the time the US imposed the tariff on us, I announced that there is a need for the Ghanaian government to look for opportunities elsewhere. We must tap into the African Continental Free Trade Area to ensure that the 54 countries participating in the AfCFTA can start trading effectively now,” he said.
He added, “I believe market access is key to us, it’s paramount. I strongly believe the government should take the lead in this effort and move forward. The biggest market we were exporting to under AGOA was the US. Now that the US is trying to impose tariffs on us, it gives us the opportunity to look elsewhere.”
He highlighted market access as crucial to the survival and growth of Ghanaian businesses, stressing that the government must take the lead in promoting value addition and export diversification.
Awingobit also expressed optimism about the Ministry of Trade’s efforts to spearhead engagements with other countries to promote Ghanaian goods.
“Looking elsewhere now, I’m happy that the Ministry of Trade wants to lead the charge, to reach out to other countries. China, for instance, is a huge market—the biggest market so far as Ghanaian produce is concerned,” he added.
SP/MA
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