Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, is urging American investors to scale up their engagement in Ghana’s growing economy, but with a firm caution to thoroughly verify land before establishing operations.
Speaking at the maiden Investing in Ghana Business Forum in Washington, D.C., the Ambassador showcased Ghana’s wide-ranging incentives across agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, pharmaceuticals and technology-driven industries. But he stressed that a clear understanding of the country’s land tenure system is essential.
“Land in Ghana is held under stool, family and state ownership,” he noted. “Investors must undertake title verification, community consultations, environmental and social due diligence, and align with customary authorities. This is extremely important, especially for investors who do not know the country very well.”
He highlighted Ghana’s competitive investment incentives—including tax holidays of up to 10 years, duty exemptions and full capital repatriation for free zone companies—but reiterated that securing transparent, undisputed land tenure must come first.
Ambassador Smith pointed to ongoing gains in sectors such as automotive assembly, pharmaceutical production and AfCFTA-driven industrial parks, saying these reflect Ghana’s reform agenda and improved business environment.
He encouraged U.S. businesses to take advantage of emerging opportunities and described Ghana as a stable, reliable and welcoming destination for investors. He added that companies that partner with local firms, develop supply chains and invest in skills training tend to achieve the strongest results.
The Ambassador also advised prospective investors to plan for operational realities such as port and customs delays, peak-season foreign exchange pressures, energy coordination needs and environmental permitting timelines.