Ghana’s ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, said he has raised concerns about the treatment of Ghanaians by U.S. immigration enforcement agencies, as he pressed for deeper economic cooperation aimed at creating jobs at home and reducing irregular migration.
Smith made the remarks during economic and agribusiness engagements with Pennsylvania State Senator Scott Martin.
He said improving opportunities for Ghana’s youth was critical to preventing them from falling victim to what he described as harsh treatment by agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“I don’t want my people to be molested by ICE,” Smith said, stressing that long-term solutions lay in investment, job creation and economic growth in Ghana.
Strategic investment
The ambassador pitched Ghana as a strategic investment destination, pointing to access to Africa’s multi-billion-dollar market under regional trade arrangements, and urged U.S. partners to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.
Smith said Ghana must urgently reduce its heavy dependence on food imports, which continue to drain foreign exchange reserves.
Collaboration
Rice imports alone account for one of the largest outflows, he said, underscoring the need for investment in domestic production, agro-processing and value-chain development.
Senator Martin outlined Pennsylvania’s agricultural strategy and identified areas of potential collaboration, expressing interest in partnering with Ghana on agribusiness projects for mutual benefit.
Florence Torson-Hart, speaking on behalf of the U.S.-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, said Pennsylvania’s agricultural practices closely mirror those of Ghana, making it a natural partner for cooperation.
She said Ghana should be prioritised in efforts to deepen U.S.-Africa agricultural ties.
Millersville University
Daniel Wubah, president of Millersville University and a Ghanaian national, said existing academic and institutional links could be leveraged to strengthen partnerships between Ghana and institutions in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.
The talks focused on developing Ghana’s agricultural sector as a long-term response to rising import costs, with officials highlighting modernised farming, expanded agro-processing and stronger value chains as key pillars of economic growth.
The engagement forms part of Ghana’s broader economic diplomacy drive to attract investment, create jobs and promote sustainable development.
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