The Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber, headed by Victor Owusu, and the Honorary Consul of Trinidad and Tobago in Ghana, Hilton John Mitchell, have collaborated with the organizers of the Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Golf and Business Summit to propel mutual business growth in both countries.
This partnership facilitated business and diplomatic discussions with Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry; Senator Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs; and Dr. Roger Roach, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association.
The potential collaboration, championed by business partners from both countries, is expected to boost exports and stimulate economic growth.
It aims to enhance trade between the two nations, particularly in the export of Ghanaian staples such as yam and cassava, which are currently in high demand in Trinidad and Tobago.
Following a trip to Trinidad and Tobago by some Ghanaian business professionals in March 2025 to establish relations with the Caribbean business community, the two countries have committed to hosting an annual business summit to deepen ties and foster mutual growth.
The five-day trip, organized by Yaw Asamoah and Frank Afari Ankamah for the Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Golf and Business Summit, saw 15 business executives touring various agencies and enterprises in the Caribbean country, as well as participating in the “Greatest Show on Earth” carnival held in Trinidad and Tobago each March.
The business delegation, which includes golf enthusiasts from the Achimota Golf Club, is expected to reciprocate the visit by welcoming business partners from Trinidad and Tobago to Ghana in September this year.
This initiative has laid the groundwork for potential partnerships in areas such as corporate governance, leadership, and management.
With a focus on youth exchange programs, cultural collaboration, and educational cooperation, the future of Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago relations looks promising.
Boosting Exports
The Director of Operations for Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), Samuel Chiatey Barketey, who is also an associate partner at Afrimore Advisors Law Firm, affirmed: “Trinidadian investors are interested in establishing a battery assembly plant in Ghana, which could create employment opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings.”
He noted that Ghana could also explore opportunities for exporting and importing goods, including textiles, with Trinidad and Tobago expressing interest in Ghana’s textile industry.
Barketey emphasized the importance of government involvement in facilitating this collaboration, particularly in areas such as security, infrastructure, and policy implementation.
He argued that the current government’s plan to reset the economy aligns with the proposed partnership, which could lead to increased exports, employment opportunities, and foreign exchange earnings.
Additionally, Barketey urged the government to take advantage of these partnerships by investing in the cultivation of staple crops and other products of interest to bilateral partners. This would allow Ghana to dominate the market while creating jobs and generating revenue.
Despite challenges such as the lack of direct flights between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago, Barketey believes the potential benefits of the partnership far outweigh the obstacles.
He added that this collaboration could generate interest from airlines to initiate direct flights between the two countries.
Barketey encouraged the Ghanaian business community to participate in the upcoming Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Summit in September 2025 to explore opportunities aligned with their fields of interest, fostering business expansion and mutual growth.
Investment
Victor Owusu, President of the Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber, has urged the government to invest in Ghana’s tourism industry.
He noted that the Trinidad and Tobago government has made significant investments in Carnival 2025.
The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is projected to surpass $640 million in revenue from visitor spending, create employment opportunities in hospitality, entertainment, and tourism, and contribute to economic growth.
Owusu highlighted the potential of similar events in Ghana, particularly during Christmas festivities, to attract tourists and serve as a revenue-generating opportunity.
He pointed out that Ghana’s tourism industry, including cultural events like the Fancy Dress Carnival in Sekondi-Takoradi, Winneba, and other national festivals, could benefit from better organization and investment.
Owusu urged the Ghanaian government to take a keen interest in developing the tourism sector by supporting programs and events that could attract visitors and generate income.
Security
Owusu commended Trinidad and Tobago for its effective organization of the carnival, particularly regarding security measures.
He encouraged the Ministry of Tourism and the Ghana Tourism Authority to send a delegation to Trinidad and Tobago to study the strategies employed by the Carnival Commission and apply them to Ghana’s festivities.
“I was impressed by the security deployment during the carnival. Police personnel were well-organized and ensured visitor safety. I believe we could learn from Trinidad and Tobago’s approach to crowd management and security during large events,” he said.
Owusu added that his trip to Trinidad and Tobago was eye-opening and believes Ghana can adopt valuable lessons from the Caribbean nation’s approach to security, tourism, and event management.
Opportunity
In an interview following the trip, Dr. George Addo Larbi, a Management Consultant and Governance Advisor, noted that the visit offered an opportunity to explore the Caribbean region and identify potential areas for cooperation with Ghana.
He indicated that the trip revealed numerous opportunities for mutual development, particularly in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Dr. Larbi emphasized the need for follow-up and implementation of decisions made during the visit to ensure sustained momentum, especially with the anticipated visit of a delegation from the Trinidad and Tobago business community.
He called for the exploration of academic exchange programs between universities in Ghana and those in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the broader Caribbean, to facilitate knowledge-sharing and contribute to both countries’ development.