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Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has said his diplomatic efforts aim to create economic opportunities at home for Ghanaian youth to prevent them from being subjected to harsh treatment by US immigration authorities, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Speaking during an economic and agribusiness engagement with Pennsylvania Senator Scott Martin, Smith reportedly told the senator that he does not want Ghanaians “molested by ICE.” He explained that expanding investment and job opportunities in Ghana could reduce irregular migration and the vulnerabilities young Ghanaians face abroad.
Highlighting Ghana’s investment potential, Smith said the country’s strategic location makes it a gateway to Africa’s billion-dollar market, supported by political stability and a growing private sector. He encouraged US businesses to explore opportunities in key economic sectors.
He also raised concerns over Ghana’s reliance on food imports, particularly rice, which he said is placing heavy pressure on the nation’s foreign exchange reserves. The ambassador emphasized the need to invest in domestic agriculture to reduce import dependence and strengthen Ghana’s economic future.
Senator Scott Martin also highlighted Pennsylvania’s agricultural strategy and expressed interest in collaboration with Ghana in agribusiness and value-added processing, describing it as a mutually beneficial opportunity.
Meanwhile Florence Torson-Hart of the US-Ghana Chamber of Commerce noted that Pennsylvania’s agricultural practices closely mirror those of Ghana, suggesting the state should be a priority partner.
Smith further stated that modernizing farming practices, expanding agro-processing, and strengthening value chains are keys to feeding the population and positioning agriculture as a driver of economic growth.
