Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has emphasised the need to create more jobs for Ghanaian youth to prevent them from becoming victims of harsh treatment by U.S. law enforcement agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to him, the youth must be given meaningful employment opportunities in Ghana to discourage them from migrating abroad in search of greener pastures.
Ambassador Smith made these remarks during a series of Economic and Agribusiness engagements with the Senator for the State of Pennsylvania, Scott Martin. He highlighted Ghana’s strategic position within the billion-dollar African market, noting the vast investment opportunities it presents to international investors.
During the discussions, H.E. Victor Smith underscored the urgent need for Ghana to reduce its heavy dependence on food imports, which continues to exert pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves. He pointed out that rice importation alone accounts for one of the largest outflows of foreign currency, stressing the importance of boosting domestic agricultural production to reverse this trend.
Senator Scott Martin outlined Pennsylvania’s current agricultural strategy and identified potential areas for agribusiness collaboration. He expressed his willingness to partner with the Government of Ghana for mutual economic benefits.
Speaking on behalf of the US-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Florence Torson-Hart noted that no other U.S. state mirrors Ghana’s agricultural practices and production culture as closely as Pennsylvania.
She emphasised that Ghana should be a priority partner in ongoing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the areas of agriculture, job creation, and sustainable development.
The President of Millersville University, Daniel Wubah, who is Ghanaian, also highlighted the numerous opportunities available and the shared interests that make it easier for Ghana to collaborate with institutions and businesses in Philadelphia.
The meeting placed strong emphasis on the development of Ghana’s agricultural sector as a long-term solution to the country’s rising import costs. Through modernising farming practices, expanding agro-processing, and strengthening value chains, Ghana aims not only to achieve food self-sufficiency but also to position agriculture as a major driver of economic growth.
The engagement with the US Chamber of Commerce marks another significant step in Ghana’s pursuit of economic diplomacy, investment-led growth, and sustainable national development.
