Political economist and development expert at Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof Lord Mawuko-Yevugah, has urged Ghana to explore strategic ways to leverage international economic policies and strengthen its position in global negotiations.
His comments come in response to economic measures being pursued by U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly in relation to fiscal discipline and foreign aid.
According to Prof Mawko-Yevugah, Trump’s approach to economic management focuses on cutting waste and prioritising fiscal discipline, even in a leading economy like the United States, noting that Trump’s negotiation tactics, such as threatening tariffs on Canada and Mexico before securing concessions, demonstrate the importance of strategic bargaining in international relations.
While acknowledging Trump’s blanket freeze on USAID funding, Prof Mawuko-Yevugah believes that, in the long term, the U.S. may consider countries on a case-by-case basis based on their strategic importance. This, he suggests, presents an opportunity for Ghana to position itself advantageously.
He emphasised that Ghana should look at ways to leverage its economic strengths, particularly in foreign direct investment (FDI).
He argued that Ghana must engage American companies operating in the country to ensure investments are directed into critical sectors and that these companies retain part of their earnings within the local economy.
“I think in the in the interim, he’s trying to use a blanket approach, but bilateral relations exist between America and other countries. So I think Ghana should also exploit ways in which you can also leverage. I mean, there are things that we can also do as a way to to leverage. Because, for example, if you look at America companies in Ghana on foreign direct investment, how are we treating them?
“It’s about time we also started to talk to these development investors, asking them that look as a country, we expect you to do ABCD. We are directing you to certain sectors of our economy for investment, and we are making sure you retain some of your earnings. So I think it’s an opportunity the same way,” he stressed.
Furthermore, Prof Mawuko-Yevugah pointed out that other global powers, such as China, are actively reshaping their economic relationships with North America, and Ghana must equally explore avenues for economic engagement that create mutual benefits.
By adopting a proactive stance in international trade and investment discussions, he believes Ghana can strengthen its bargaining power and ensure that global economic policies, such as those of the U.S., work in its favor rather than against it.
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