The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mr Sampson Ahi, has urged participants in the U.S.–Ghana Chamber of Commerce Trade and Investment Mission to focus on tangible outcomes.
He noted that the success of the engagement should be measured by investment commitments, export agreements, joint ventures, technology partnerships, and signed memoranda of understanding.
Speaking at the opening of the summit in Accra, on Monday, Mr Ahi said the trade mission was a direct outcome of President Mahama’s recent visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where discussions were held to deepen economic cooperation between Ghana and the United States.
He stated that the mission aims to strengthen trade and investment ties by identifying opportunities in priority sectors, including agriculture, agribusiness, manufacturing, logistics, fintech, tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, mining, and digital innovation.
According to him, Ghana remains an attractive destination for investors due to its democratic stability, investor-friendly environment, strong legal framework and commitment to private-sector-led development.
Mr Ahi highlighted the government’s 24-Hour Economy Programme, which aims to increase productivity, expand industrial output and create employment opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy.
He pointed to Ghana’s position as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, describing the country as a gateway to a market of more than 1.4 billion people across Africa.
“A U.S. business that invests in Ghana is not investing in Ghana alone; it is investing in Africa,” he stated.
Mr Ahi said the trade mission reflects efforts by both countries to transform their longstanding diplomatic relations into stronger commercial partnerships that will stimulate economic growth, attract investment and create jobs.
“This Trade Mission is the living expression of a commitment made at the highest levels of leadership. It is a belief that together, we can build enterprises, expand markets, create jobs and produce shared prosperity,” he added.
Ghana’s Ambassador and Special Envoy to the United States, Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith, called for deliberate efforts to convert the strong diplomatic relationship between Ghana and the United States into strategic business partnerships that deliver tangible economic benefits.
He noted that the relationship between the two countries must move beyond political and diplomatic engagements to foster investments capable of creating jobs and opportunities, particularly for Ghana’s youth.
Ambassador Smith said strategic business collaborations across key sectors of the Ghanaian economy would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute significantly to economic transformation and sustainable development.
“The focus must be on building strategic businesses that create employment opportunities and empower young people to participate meaningfully in national development,” he stated.
The trade mission brings together representatives from the U.S.–Ghana Chamber of Commerce, the World Trade Centre, the U.S. Commercial Service, the Commerce Department of Philadelphia, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters, the Association of Ghana Industries and private-sector stakeholders from both countries.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
