Senior officials from the United States Department of Commerce have met with Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, to discuss operational challenges facing American investors in Ghana and the welfare of Ghanaian students in the U.S.
The meeting, held through the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration (ITA), focused primarily on Ghana’s new local content policy in the mining sector, which U.S. officials said has created difficulties for American companies including Newmont, a major mining firm with extensive investments in Ghana.
Representatives explained that heavy-duty mining equipment, including excavators, has been held at Ghanaian ports for extended periods, causing project delays, escalating operational costs, and disrupting ongoing mining activities.
Addressing the issue, Ambassador Smith acknowledged the concerns and emphasized the need for proper documentation and legal process.
“We will need specific shipment details and proper documentation to take action and ensure that the excavators are cleared. We will go through the appropriate legal processes to make sure the matter is resolved,” he said, underlining the Embassy’s readiness to engage relevant authorities in Ghana to facilitate resolution.
The engagement also covered outstanding matters between the Government of Ghana and the American Tower Corporation (ATC), which constructs and maintains towers used by telecommunications operators.
The delegation presented timesheets and supporting documents previously submitted to Ghanaian authorities, urging prompt attention to the matter.
According to U.S. officials, the resolution of these matters is considered important to maintaining investor confidence and supporting the continued development of Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Another major point of discussion involved Ghanaian students in the U.S., Rachel Billingslea, Acting Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, disclosed.
She noted the administration’s focus on immigration compliance.
Ambassador Smith welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to creating a stable, investor-friendly business environment, supporting diaspora citizens, and ensuring that legitimate concerns raised by American investors are addressed in a timely manner.
He emphasized that the Embassy would coordinate closely with the relevant institutions in Ghana to ensure that both the mining equipment and student issues are resolved efficiently.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen U.S., Ghana trade and investment relations, address emerging policy challenges, and promote collaboration between Ghanaian authorities and U.S. government institutions.
Officials noted that such engagements are necessary for maintaining confidence among investors, supporting infrastructure development, and safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian students abroad.
The discussions also touched on the importance of transparent communication and collaboration in addressing regulatory and operational bottlenecks, ensuring that both American companies and Ghanaian citizens can benefit from a mutually supportive economic and legal framework.
Mrs Ethel Cudjoe Amissah
ISD Washington, USA
