AfCFTA and WTO must be leveraged to counter U.S. tariffs – CDM

The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) is urging Ghana to boost regional trade. They want Ghana to prepare to challenge the new U.S. tariff through legal means.

The group criticized the 10% tariff on Ghanaian goods. They called it economically damaging and diplomatically questionable under AGOA and WTO rules.

CDM recommended using the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) strategy. This would help diversify export markets for Ghana. “With Ghana hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat, now is the time to lead by example,” they stated.

If diplomatic talks with the U.S. fail, CDM suggested raising the issue at the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body. As a WTO member, Ghana can challenge trade restrictions that violate MFN or AGOA principles.

CDM also urged ECOWAS to support Ghana in protecting regional trade interests. They warned that punitive tariffs could harm West African economies in the long run.