Ghana risks 10% to 100% tariffs on exports to US under Trump’s threats as it moves to join BRICS
Ghana’s decision to seek BRICS partner status has raised questions about its exposure to US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, including an additional 10% levy for countries aligning with what the US president calls the grouping’s “anti-American policies” and a separate 100% warning tied to replacing the US dollar.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Cabinet has approved Ghana’s decision to join first as a partner country, with the aim of becoming a full member later.
He said he had officially conveyed the decision to India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and sought India’s support.
According to Mr Ablakwa, most of Ghana’s international partners have already been informed. He maintains that Ghana will retain its non-aligned position, with foreign policy guided by the country’s interests rather than allegiance to any particular bloc.
He also revealed that the interest in BRICS predates the current administration. A report by a ministerial committee established by Cabinet in 2023 recommended that Ghana join the grouping.
The government sees the move as an opportunity to broaden its development partnerships, attract investment and support industrialisation.
Ghana already trades extensively with the grouping.
Four of its five largest export destinations in 2025—the United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa and China—are BRICS members.
Ghana’s decision to join BRICS comes against the backdrop of Trump’s repeated warnings over BRICS and efforts to reduce dependence on the dollar.
In November 2024, before returning to office, Trump threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they created a new currency or supported another currency to replace the US dollar. He repeated that warning after taking office, on January 30, 2025.
