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Okudzeto Ablakwa meets US Ambassador over imposition of 10% tariff
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The Ambassador of the United States of America, Her Excellency Virginia Palmer today honoured an invitation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) to discuss the imposition of 10% tariff by the United States of America on Ghana, effective April 5, 2025.
The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi and other officials from his Ministry joined the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The US Ambassador indicated that the tariff did not maliciously target Ghana but was intended
to address the significant trade imbalances between the USA and its partners such as Ghana.
The Ambassador however, informed that the tariff is being imposed, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA).
She further intimated that the 10% tariff imposition exempts some products like oil and gas,
and energy related products that Ghana exports to the United States.
It emerged that products
exported under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative are affected.
The meeting additionally discussed the possible exemption of other sectors, particularly with cocoa and garments.
Both sides agreed towork together to mitigate challenges including
potential job losses.
The Ministries of Foreign A ffairs and Trade, Agribusiness and Industry would continue to engage the USA authorities on how to mitigate and alleviate the effect of the tariffs on Ghanaian businesses and the Ghanaian economy generally through bilateral and diplomatie means.
Ghana and the USA affirm their strong and cordial relations.
Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
