Ghana’s leadership in Pan-Africanism and diaspora engagement was brought to the fore at the 14th Pan-African Global Trade and Investment Conference, where Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Hon. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, and Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith delivered powerful addresses that underscored Ghana’s central role in shaping Africa’s future.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, spoke passionately about Ghana’s historic and continuing commitment to Pan-Africanism. He recalled the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, his collaborations with the diaspora, the establishment of the Black Star Line, and the early foundations of global Pan-African solidarity. Ablakwa affirmed Ghana’s unwavering stance on justice, equity, and opportunity, insisting that “the Ghanaian story is inseparable from the Pan-African story.”
Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ghana’s envoy to the United States of America, reflected on his tenure and emphasised his dedication to broadening opportunities for both Ghanaians and the diaspora. He explained that Ghana’s foreign missions have a duty to build bridges that allow citizens abroad to contribute directly to national development.
Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Presidential Envoy for Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Relations, set the tone with a bold and welcoming message to African Americans: “This is your home. Ghana offers more than a place to visit—it is a place to live, work, invest, and retire with dignity.”
Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, a Resident Fellow at the Centre for Global Africa, Delaware State University, has been tasked with investigating the impact of election financing and the monetisation of democracy in Ghana, Nigeria, and six other African countries outlined transformative initiatives such as the Right of Abode, new skills-based visa categories, and the establishment of Diaspora Land Trusts to guarantee secure and transparent land ownership.
He also pointed to cultural programmes like Beyond the Return as a model for deepening diaspora ties. Importantly, Ankrah emphasised Ghana’s strategy of ensuring the diaspora co-owns the country’s cultural and economic future through partnerships in film, music, education, and technology.
Turning to American businesses, Ankrah positioned Ghana as the most reliable gateway to Africa, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which opens access to a 1.4 billion consumer market worth over US$3 trillion. “As global supply chains shift from Asia, Ghana stands ready as a stable, democratic, and trustworthy partner,” he noted.
His message resonated strongly with participants at the conference.
Participants praised Ghana’s leadership: “Ghana has always been a guiding light for Pan-Africanism. The initiatives announced here reaffirm that Accra is not only the spiritual capital of Pan-Africanism but also the economic gateway for the diaspora.”
The atmosphere in Wilmington reflected optimism and unity. Delegates from across the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa applauded Ghana’s strong presence, with many expressing renewed interest in investment, tourism, and cultural exchange.
In his closing call to action, Ankrah declared: “This is Africa’s time. This is Ghana’s time. Together, we can build a future of shared prosperity. Ghana is open. Ghana is ready. Ghana is your partner.”