By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Ghana has reaffirmed its position as a competitive and investment-ready destination at the recently concluded Ghana–USA Business Forum held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The forum was spearheaded by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, in collaboration with the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, and the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
The high-level engagement brought together business leaders, investors, policymakers, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora, with the objective of deepening economic cooperation and presenting Ghana as a strategic hub for trade and investment.
Ghana Ready for Strategic Partnerships
Addressing participants at his first U.S. business summit in 2026, Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith described Philadelphia as a city synonymous with enterprise, innovation, and economic leadership, noting strong parallels between its history and Ghana’s development trajectory.
He emphasized that Ghana has regained economic stability and is fully prepared to partner with international businesses.
According to the Ambassador, the country’s improving outlook is anchored in deliberate policy decisions, including fiscal discipline and the stabilization of key macroeconomic indicators.
Ambassador Smith projected an optimistic economic outlook for 2026, citing expectations of reduced inflation, a stronger currency, and renewed investor confidence.
Against this backdrop, he outlined investment opportunities across critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, fintech, digital and data services, and tourism.
He further highlighted the pivotal role of the Ghanaian diaspora, urging Ghanaians abroad to see themselves as strategic partners in Ghana’s next phase of growth and transformation rather than passive observers.
Agriculture Positioned as a Driver of Growth and Regional Trade
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, presented Ghana’s agricultural sector as a major pillar for sustainable growth and regional trade. He identified investment opportunities across value chains including poultry, cocoa and cocoa derivatives, shea butter, cashew, and foodstuffs.
He noted that these sectors benefit from both strong domestic demand and access to expanding regional and continental markets, positioning Ghana as a gateway for agribusinesses seeking to leverage Africa’s evolving trade frameworks.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to modernising agriculture through value addition, agro-processing, and public-private partnerships aimed at job creation, food security, and export growth.
Ghana as a Cultural and Pan-African Hub
Bringing a cultural and creative perspective to the forum, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, underscored Ghana’s standing as a global hub for Pan-Africanism and a welcoming home for Africans and the wider diaspora.
She encouraged participants not only to invest in Ghana but also to visit, experience, and connect with the country, highlighting tourism and the creative arts as sectors offering both strong commercial potential and deep cultural significance.
Institutional Support
The forum was supported by key government and trade institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI), Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and the Ghana Tourism Authority, reinforcing Ghana’s coordinated approach to attracting and sustaining foreign investment.
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
