Ghana’s trade relations with the United States are poised for a significant boost following the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by three years, a move expected to strengthen exports, support local manufacturing, and create jobs.
The development was announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a post on X on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, after a high-level bilateral meeting between Ghanaian officials and a US delegation led by Acting US Ambassador, Rolf Olson.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reviewed Ghana–US relations, assessed progress made in 2025, and outlined priority areas for cooperation in 2026.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly—340 to 54—to extend AGOA, describing the decision as a major win for Ghana’s export-led growth agenda.
“The US conveyed another great news, specifically relating to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) — the House of Representatives voted massively on Monday to extend AGOA by three years,” he said.
AGOA, which expired on September 30, 2025, has for over two decades served as a critical trade framework for Ghana, providing duty-free access to the US market for key exports. Products such as cocoa derivatives, processed fruits, apparel, and other manufactured goods benefited significantly from the preferential access.
The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that the extension would have a direct positive impact on local industries, particularly the garment and textile sector.
“This positive development will boost local garment production and create more jobs,” he stated, expressing confidence that the US Senate would grant final approval in the coming days.
The meeting also highlighted improvements in trade and economic cooperation, including Ghana’s successful exemption from a 15 per cent tariff imposed during the Trump administration on certain unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products.
Additionally, Ghana’s exemption from US visa sanctions and proposed $15,000 visa bonds applied to other countries was reaffirmed.
“Ghana will continue to be exempted from visa sanctions,” Mr Ablakwa said, describing the move as a reflection of the strong bilateral ties between both countries.
On sports diplomacy, the US assured Ghana of special measures to fast-track visa applications ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a step expected to ease current appointment backlogs.
Both sides also commended enhanced security and law enforcement collaboration, which resulted in the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the US in 2025, with further cooperation ongoing.
Describing the engagement as highly productive, Mr Ablakwa said it underscored the growing momentum in Ghana–US relations.
“We are impressed with the incredible positive velocity of our Ghana–US bilateral relations,” he said, adding that Ghana plans to begin negotiations in 2026 toward a bespoke trade agreement with the United States to further deepen economic cooperation.
