Ghana Risks 100% US Tariffs Under Trump as Mahama Government Moves to Join BRICS

According to a report by JoyNews on Monday October 12, 2026, on Monday, Ghana could face potential tariff risks from the United States as the country moves to join the BRICS economic bloc.

The development follows US President Donald Trump’s previous warnings against countries that support certain BRICS policies, particularly efforts to reduce dependence on the US dollar.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that Cabinet has approved Ghana’s decision to seek BRICS partner status as an initial step towards becoming a full member.

Mr Ablakwa said he had informed India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, about Ghana’s decision and requested India’s support. He also explained that the government intends to maintain Ghana’s non-aligned foreign policy while pursuing partnerships that serve the country’s national interests.

However, the move comes with possible trade implications because President Trump has issued two separate tariff threats against countries associated with BRICS policies.

In November 2024, Mr Trump threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on BRICS countries if they created a new currency or supported another currency to replace the US dollar. He repeated the warning after returning to office in January 2025.

In July 2025, he also threatened an additional 10 per cent tariff on countries he considered aligned with what he described as the anti-American policies of BRICS.

However, the report notes that the threats do not mean Ghana will automatically face these tariffs simply because it seeks BRICS membership. The conditions under which the United States might apply the measures remain unclear.

Ghana already maintains significant trade relations with BRICS countries. The United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa and China were among Ghana’s five largest export destinations in 2025.

The government expects closer cooperation with BRICS to help attract investment, expand trade and support industrialisation.

Nevertheless, the potential impact on Ghanaian exporters remains a concern. Any additional tariffs could affect the competitiveness of Ghanaian products in the American market.

The report therefore highlights the need for the government to explain the expected benefits of joining BRICS and how it intends to manage possible trade risks while protecting local businesses and exporters.

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