Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has used a visit to Seattle to promote Ghana’s investment agenda, engaging business leaders and holding discussions with local government officials to strengthen economic ties between Ghana and the Pacific Northwest.
At a business forum that brought together entrepreneurs and companies from across the Seattle metropolitan area, the ambassador encouraged participants to look beyond traditional remittance flows and explore long-term investment opportunities in Ghana.
“We invite you to move beyond remittances and towards structured investments, joint ventures, venture capital participation, technology transfer and skills exchange,” Ambassador Smith said. He added that the Government of Ghana remains committed to putting in place the necessary policy frameworks to support and protect investors.
He described Ghana as a stable and credible investment destination, even amid global uncertainty.
“In a world marked by uncertainty—from geopolitical tensions to shifting economic conditions—Ghana remains a beacon of stability and democratic governance in West Africa,” he said. “We are not asking you to take a leap of faith. We are inviting you to take a step of confidence, based on facts, reforms, and a clear vision for growth.”
Ghanaian-born Deputy Mayor of Shoreline, Washington, Eben Pobee, also stressed the importance of connecting American businesses, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, with investment opportunities in Ghana.
“I am hopeful that the ambassador’s visit will rekindle interest among businesses in the United States, especially in the Seattle area, to invest in Ghana,” he said.
Members of the Ghanaian community in Seattle described the visit as a major milestone. The President of the Ghana Association of Greater Seattle (GHASEA), Dr Francis Abugbilla, said it was the first visit by a Ghanaian ambassador to the community in more than 30 years.
“GHASEA stands ready as a committed partner to support this vision, especially in trade and investment,” he said. “Our community includes professionals, entrepreneurs and thought leaders who are eager to contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation.”
The business forum brought together entrepreneurs and professionals from the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest (ACCPNW), as well as representatives from broader African business networks in Seattle.
Participants included the Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders (WSCACL), Africatown–Central District, the Washington African Diaspora Commission, and various East and West African business groups across King County.
As part of the visit, Ambassador Smith and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Seattle City Hall, where they were received by Deputy Mayor Brian Surratt.
The meeting focused on strengthening relations between the city and Ghana, deepening people-to-people diplomacy, and creating new opportunities for Seattle-based businesses to engage with Ghana’s growing economy.
The visit highlights ongoing efforts to position Ghana as an attractive investment destination, while also leveraging diaspora connections and local government partnerships to strengthen economic ties between Ghana and the Pacific Northwest.