Saturday, 12 April

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

Business
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The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) is urging Ghana to intensify regional trade integration and prepare to challenge the new U.S. tariff through international legal mechanisms. 

The group’s latest statement described the 10% tariff on Ghanaian goods as economically damaging and diplomatically questionable under both AGOA and World Trade Organization (WTO) principles.

CDM recommended invoking the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) strategy to diversify export markets. 

“With Ghana hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat, now is the time to lead by example,” the conveners urged.

Additionally, the group suggested that Ghana could raise the issue at the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body should diplomatic engagements with the U.S. fail. 

“As a WTO member, Ghana has a right to challenge unilateral trade restrictions if they violate MFN or AGOA principles,” the statement read.

CDM further called on ECOWAS to rally behind Ghana and protect regional trade interests, warning that punitive tariffs set a dangerous precedent for West African economies.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah