Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, addressed a room of business leaders and investors Thursday at Norton Rose Fulbright in Washington to share Ghana’s reform program and the investment chances on offer.
During the December 4 briefing, Smith outlined priority sectors for collaboration—agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology—and highlighted how these areas align with Ghana’s broader push to strengthen economic diplomacy and draw American capital to support President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda.
A key point was land tenure transparency, presented as essential for foreign investors. Ghana’s ownership system includes stool, family, and state ownership, each requiring careful verification. Investors are advised to conduct title verification and engage in community consultations. Smith also cited automotive assembly, pharmaceutical production, and the development of African Continental Free Trade Area industrial parks as evidence of improvements in Ghana’s business environment.
Prospective investors were urged to plan for real-world operating conditions, such as potential port delays, currency pressures during peak periods, and environmental permitting requirements. He stressed that partnerships with local firms and investments in skills development tend to yield stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
The Washington event built on earlier outreach to Ghanaian diaspora communities in Worcester and Massachusetts, where Smith encouraged expatriates to return home with expertise and capital. He described his mission as focused on attracting investment and fostering strategic collaborations that create jobs and promote sustainable growth.
Embassy officials framed the outreach as part of a broader strategy to deepen ties with the American private sector. Attendees reportedly praised the session and requested similar forums in other states with robust commercial activity and diaspora networks. Norton Rose Fulbright brings extensive experience advising on major infrastructure and energy projects in Ghana and West Africa.
Ghana also faces diplomatic hurdles, including shorter visa validity for Ghanaian applicants and the possibility of losing preferential market access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The act expires in September 2025, with ongoing negotiations to secure renewal and favorable terms.
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