Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has said the government is focused on deepening reforms and accelerating productive investment in critical sectors with the potential to create jobs, increase exports and generate long-term value.

The Ghanaian envoy highlighted what he described as signs of economic recovery after a year of reforms, emphasising that “Ghana is open for Business” and offering investors a more predictable policy environment.

Mr Smith pointed to stabilised key macroeconomic indicators, improved public financial management, restored credibility with international partners and a predictable policy framework, which he said had resulted in an unprecedented surge in investor confidence.

He added that these gains were the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at restoring the foundations for sustainable economic growth.

The Ambassador was speaking at the inaugural Greater Savannah–Ghana Business Forum held at the World Trade Centre in Savannah, Georgia, last Thursday.

Evolving Ghana–US relations

Mr Smith said that while Ghana–US relations had long been anchored in shared democratic values, mutual respect and decades of cooperation, the partnership was increasingly moving beyond traditional diplomacy.
“Our relations with the US is now evolving into one increasingly shaped by commerce, innovation, private sector leadership and people to people engagement,” he said.

He indicated that opportunities existed for partnerships that leveraged diaspora expertise and value addition to Ghana’s abundant resources, which could in turn create pathways for youth employment through talent identification and skills development.

The Ambassador stressed the government’s commitment to long-term “partnerships that are inclusive, respectful and future-focused.”

While acknowledging that seeking opportunities abroad was understandable, he noted that “human dignity and acceptance are best realised when people live and thrive in their home environments which offer good opportunities, cultural enrichment and shared prosperity”.

He added that “by translating dialogue into investment, young Ghanaians can access meaningful work, competitive wages and professional growth at home, thereby making migration a choice and not a necessity.”

Invitation to the diaspora

Mr Smith extended an invitation to Ghanaians in the diaspora in the US, describing them as catalysts for innovation and growth, to return home, take advantage of recent economic gains and invest in the country.

He said the diaspora was not merely a cultural link to Ghana but, more importantly, a strategic development partner, given its experience and expertise in areas where the country needed support.

According to him, Ghanaian diasporans in the US include professionals and entrepreneurs who understand global standards, regulatory systems and competitive markets that Ghana requires.

He added that their involvement could help “de-risk investments, strengthen corporate governance and management, accelerate technology and skills transfer”.

Participants

The event also saw the Mayor of Savannah, Georgia, Van R. Johnson II, honour the Ghanaian envoy with a symbolic “Key to the City of Savannah”.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Johnson II said the key represented trust and friendship.

He explained that the tradition, which dates back to medieval times, signified the city’s confidence in the Ambassador and his vision, and symbolised strong ties between the local government and the Ghanaian mission.

The forum, which focused on expanding opportunities in trade, investment, education and cultural exchange, and leveraging Greater Savannah’s strategic logistics and commercial infrastructure, also discussed Ghana’s growing presence in global and regional markets.

Among those present were the Chair of the Greater Savannah Ghana Alliance, Dr Joseph Silver; a representative of the Georgia House of Representatives, Edna Jackson; obstetrician and gynaecologist and leader of medical missions from Savannah to Ghana, Dr Seth Borquaye; and the Senior Vice President of the World Trade Centre, Savannah, Leigh Ryan.

Others included the Programmes and Community Development Manager, Antwone Mohammed, and the Honorary Consul of Atlanta and the Southeast Region of the US, Yvonne Horsely McCowin.