Ghana, US Virgin Islands sign MoU to boost tourism, culture and investment

Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) to strengthen cooperation in tourism development, cultural exchange, trade facilitation and investment promotion.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, between the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr on the sidelines of the USVI–Africa Mini Summit held at The Westin Beach Resort and Spa at Frenchman’s Reef in St Thomas.

The MoU establishes a formal framework for collaboration aimed at deepening people-to-people ties and expanding economic opportunities between Ghana and the Caribbean territory, leveraging their shared historical and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Bryan said the agreement goes beyond tourism promotion.

“This memorandum is about more than travel. It is about connection. The Virgin Islands and Ghana share a story that reaches across the Atlantic, and today we are turning that shared heritage into shared opportunity,” he said.

He noted that the partnership aligns tourism development with trade and investment objectives, while also supporting cultural and youth exchanges and private-sector collaboration.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, said the MoU reflects a shared commitment to building long-term cooperation grounded in cultural ties and economic growth.

According to her, the agreement positions both destinations to coordinate efforts to grow visitor numbers, expand market reach and develop joint tourism and heritage initiatives.

The MoU outlines five key pillars of cooperation between Ghana and the US Virgin Islands.

These include destination-to-destination tourism collaboration, covering joint marketing and branding initiatives, coordinated participation in international tourism exhibitions, and the exchange of best practices in destination management and tourism innovation.

The agreement also prioritises cultural and heritage exchange, including the development of diaspora and heritage tourism products, cultural festivals, creative industry exchanges, and educational and youth programmes linked to culture and tourism.

Another focus area is airlift, cruise and maritime tourism, with both parties committing to engage airlines, cruise operators and maritime stakeholders to improve connectivity, develop cruise tourism experiences and share knowledge on maritime infrastructure and standards.

Under the investment and private-sector engagement pillar, the two sides will promote tourism and hospitality investment opportunities, facilitate business-to-business engagements and joint ventures, and support partnerships in hotels, resorts, eco-tourism and cultural tourism.

The fifth pillar centres on capacity building and institutional cooperation, including exchange programmes for tourism professionals and public officials, joint training in marketing, sustainability, digital transformation and service excellence, as well as technical cooperation among relevant agencies.

Implementation and duration

The MoU provides for the appointment of focal persons to coordinate activities and allows for the establishment of a Joint Working Committee to develop implementation plans, timelines and monitoring mechanisms.

It also states that the agreement does not impose any immediate financial obligations on either party, with any future commitments to be agreed upon separately in writing.

The agreement takes effect upon signature and will remain valid for five years, subject to renewal by mutual consent.

Governor Bryan described the partnership as a mutually beneficial platform for cultural reconnection and economic collaboration.

“This is a bridge with traffic both ways—connecting families, culture and commerce, and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and communities on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.'''

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