Flags of Ghana and China file/photo
When the Foreign Affairs minister, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that China is now offering Ghana 0% tariffs on all our exports, it received celebrations from many people. Honestly, it sounds like good news. Exporting to a developed country like China without paying any tariffs? That should mean more money coming in, right?
But as a proud Ghanaian who has seen how these kinds of “sweet” deals often go, I think we need to take a step back and ask ourselves: is this really in Ghana’s best interest?
1. It’s Not an Equal Relationship
China is not at Ghana’s level economically, technologically, or politically. If we’re not careful, this 0% tariff offer will only deepen our dependence on them. We’ll be exporting raw cocoa, gold, and timber, while importing back everything from toothpicks to mobile phones. That’s not balanced trade rather neo-colonialism in a modern wrapper.
2. No Motivation to Process Locally
Ask yourself: If farmers and companies can now export raw shea nuts, cocoa beans, or bauxite easily to China with 0% tariffs, what will motivate them to process those goods here in Ghana? A question that needs to run through our minds.
Ghanaians need jobs. We need factories. We need young people employed in industries. This deal could kill local processing because it will be easier to send the raw goods straight to China than to invest in adding value here at home.
3. We May Be Selling Our Future Cheap
Let’s not pretend China is doing this out of kindness. They have their own interests. By giving us “free” access to their market, they gain more control over our exports and in the long run, our economy. What if, one day, China decides to use this influence to pressure us politically? Or even cut us off? This is possible.
We’ve seen it happen to other countries. Ghana should not become overly dependent on one trading partner, no matter how powerful they are.
4. Environmental and Social Costs
If this deal encourages more mining, logging, and farming just to meet export demand, we may be in trouble. We’ve already seen how illegal mining (galamsey) has destroyed our rivers and lands. If we open the gates wider without proper regulation, we may end up destroying our natural wealth just to feed China’s industries.
5. It Could Undermine Our African Unity
Right now, Africa is working hard to trade more within the continent through AfCFTA. But if Ghana turns too much attention to China, we could weaken those efforts. Let’s not forget that Africa must rise together, not one country selling itself off while others struggle.
6. What Are We Really Gaining?
Ghanaians love good news, but we also know that not everything that glitters is gold. This deal might sound like a blessing, but it could easily become a burden if we don’t approach it wisely.
We must insist on trade that creates jobs, encourages local industries, and ensures that Ghana benefits first and foremost.
Let’s not sell our resources cheap just to make others rich. Let’s think beyond the handshakes and smiles—and ask: What’s really in it for us?
