Ghana showcases investment readiness at inaugural Philadelphia Business Forum

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, in collaboration with the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, and the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has successfully concluded the inaugural Ghana–US Business Forum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, aimed at positioning Ghana as a prime destination for investment.

The forum formed part of Ghana’s broader economic diplomacy efforts to deepen strategic partnerships between Ghana and the United States while highlighting emerging investment opportunities across key sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

Addressing participants at his first business summit in the United States in 2026, Ghana’s Ambassador to the US, Victor Emmanuel Smith, described Philadelphia as a city renowned for enterprise and innovation.

He noted that "Ghana’s development trajectory aligns closely with the city’s history and current economic direction and called for stronger collaboration across multiple sectors."

The Ambassador emphasised that Ghana has returned to economic stability and is well-positioned to partner with global businesses.

He attributed the country’s improving economic outlook to deliberate policy measures, including strong fiscal discipline and the stabilization of key macroeconomic indicators.

According to him, Ghana’s 2026 economic outlook is optimistic, with expectations of lower inflation, a stronger currency and renewed investor confidence.

Against this backdrop, Ambassador Smith highlighted investment opportunities in sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, fintech, digital and data services and tourism.

He further underscored the importance of the Ghanaian diaspora, urging Ghanaians abroad to see themselves not as spectators but as strategic partners in Ghana’s next phase of growth and transformation.

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, outlined concrete investment opportunities within Ghana’s agricultural sector, identifying poultry, cocoa and cocoa products, shea butter, cashew and other foodstuffs as high-potential areas along the value chain.

He noted that these sectors benefit from large and expanding markets, not only within Ghana but across the African continent, positioning Ghana as a gateway for agribusinesses seeking continental reach under Africa’s evolving trade frameworks.

The minister reiterated government’s commitment to modernising agriculture through value addition, agro-processing and public-private partnerships aimed at job creation, food security and export growth.

Adding a cultural and creative dimension to the investment conversation, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, reaffirmed Ghana’s position as a hub for Pan-Africanism and a welcoming destination for Africans and the global diaspora.

She encouraged participants not only to invest in Ghana but also to visit, experience and connect with the country, highlighting tourism and the creative arts as sectors rich in both economic opportunity and cultural significance.

The forum was over-subscribed, attracting more than 100 investors, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.

Organised by the Embassy of Ghana in collaboration with the US Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together American business leaders, investors and members of the Ghanaian diaspora with a shared objective of unlocking investment opportunities that support Ghana’s development while enabling businesses to expand into new and growing markets.

The Philadelphia Business Forum marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s economic diplomacy, providing a platform for dialogue, partnership, and action.

By convening government leaders, investors, and the diaspora, the forum reinforced Ghana’s message: the country is open for business, prepared for partnership and committed to shared growth.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a stable and opportunity-rich gateway to Africa, such engagements underscore its readiness to collaborate with global partners in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future.

AM