Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has called for deeper strategic partnerships between Ghana and the United States, emphasizing a shared shift toward investment-led cooperation and sustainable development.
Speaking at the Ghana–Seattle Forum in Seattle, he highlighted the evolving nature of U.S. Africa relations, noting a decisive move toward what he described as “commercial diplomacy”, a framework centered on mutual benefit, trade, and long-term collaboration.
“America is making a clear shift from aid to trade, from assistance to investment, and from dependency to partnership, Africa is now seen as the next major engine of global growth” he stated.
Ambassador Smith underscored Africa’s growing global significance, pointing to its expanding population, rising consumer power, and vast natural and human resources as key drivers of future economic expansion.
He noted that Ghana shares this vision, prioritizing trade and investment as the foundation for job creation, industrialization, and innovation and drew parallels between Seattle’s dynamic economy and Ghana’s aspirations for transformation.
He indicated that, “Ghana today stands at a pivotal moment in its economic transformation and is open for business, opportunities, and more importantly, ready for strategic partnerships.”
He outlined key sectors primed for investment, including industrialization, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy.
Ambassador Smith noted that with access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market of over 1.3 billion people, Ghana is positioned as a gateway for investors seeking entry into the broader African market.
In acknowledging progress in connectivity, he pointed to existing gaps in advanced digital skills and training, particularly in underserved communities, while addressing youth development and digital transformation.
“We seek collaboration not merely to train users of technology, but to develop creators of technology and globally competitive entrepreneurs” he said.
He called for partnerships in areas such as technical training, internships, innovation hubs, and skills transfer initiatives, emphasizing that investing in Ghana’s youth is key to unlocking the country’s long-term economic potential.
The Ambassador also highlighted opportunities in Ghana’s healthcare sector, inviting collaboration in medical training, infrastructure, and technology to enhance service delivery and outcomes.
Ambassador Smith paid tribute to the Ghanaian diaspora, describing them as critical partners in national development, emphasizing that strengthening ties between Ghana and global cities like Seattle will be instrumental in driving innovation, investment, and shared prosperity in the years ahead.
Mrs. Ethel Cudjoe Amissah, Washington, USA
