Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith has intensified economic and agribusiness diplomacy efforts aimed at creating sustainable jobs at home and reducing the vulnerability of Ghanaian youth abroad.
The Ambassador made the remarks during high-level economic and agribusiness engagements with Pennsylvania State Senator, Scott Martin, where discussions centred on investment opportunities, agricultural transformation, and long-term economic cooperation between Ghana and the United States.
According to Ambassador Smith, improving livelihoods in Ghana, particularly through agriculture and agribusiness, is critical to preventing young people from undertaking risky migration journeys that often expose them to harsh law enforcement encounters, including with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
He emphasized Ghana’s strategic investment appeal, noting that the country serves as a gateway to Africa’s multi-billion-dollar market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He urged U.S. investors to take advantage of Ghana’s political stability, investor-friendly policies, and growing market access.
A key focus of the discussions was Ghana’s heavy dependence on food imports, which continues to strain the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
Ambassador Smith pointed out that rice imports alone account for a significant portion of forex outflows, stressing the urgent need for investment in domestic agricultural production and agro-processing.
Senator Scott Martin outlined Pennsylvania’s agricultural strategy and identified several agribusiness areas open for collaboration. He expressed strong interest in partnering with the Government of Ghana to pursue mutually beneficial agricultural and investment initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the US–Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Florence Torson-Hart noted that no U.S. state mirrors Ghana’s agricultural culture and production practices as closely as Pennsylvania. She advocated for Ghana to be prioritized in future agricultural partnerships, highlighting opportunities for job creation and sustainable development.
Also contributing to the dialogue, President of Millersville University, Professor Daniel Wubah, a Ghanaian national, underscored the vast opportunities for academic and economic collaboration, describing Philadelphia as a natural partner for Ghana due to existing cultural and institutional ties.
The engagement underscored Ghana’s broader strategy of leveraging agriculture as a long-term solution to rising import costs, youth unemployment, and economic vulnerability.
Through modernization of farming methods, expansion of agro-processing, and strengthened value chains, Ghana aims to transform agriculture into a major engine of growth.
The meeting with U.S. stakeholders marks another milestone in Ghana’s economic diplomacy drive, reinforcing its commitment to investment-led growth, job creation, and sustainable national development.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
