Senior officials from the United States Department of Commerce, through its International Trade Administration (ITA), have met with Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, to discuss issues affecting American investments in Ghana and the welfare of Ghanaian nationals studying in the U.S.
A key focus of the meeting was Ghana’s new local content policy in the mining sector, which U.S. officials said has created operational challenges for some American companies, including Newmont, a major U.S. mining firm with significant investments in Ghana.
According to the officials, some heavy-duty mining equipment, including excavators, has been held at Ghanaian ports for prolonged periods, leading to project delays, increased costs, and disruptions to mining operations.
Ambassador Smith acknowledged the concerns and stressed the need for proper documentation and due process.
“We will need specific shipment details and proper documentation to take action and ensure that the excavators are cleared. We will go through the appropriate legal processes to make sure the matter is resolved,” he said, adding that the Embassy stands ready to engage relevant authorities in Ghana to facilitate a resolution.
The discussions also covered outstanding matters between the Government of Ghana and American Tower Corporation (ATC), which builds and maintains telecommunications towers for operators.
The U.S. delegation presented timesheets and supporting documents previously submitted to Ghanaian authorities and called for prompt attention to the issues, noting that their resolution is critical to investor confidence and the continued development of Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Another issue raised concerned the welfare of Ghanaian students in the United States, particularly in the context of increased attention to immigration compliance.
Rachel Billingslea, Acting Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, highlighted the importance of addressing student-related concerns.
Ambassador Smith welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to creating a stable, investor-friendly business environment, supporting its diaspora, and addressing legitimate concerns raised by American investors.
He said the Embassy would work closely with relevant institutions in Ghana to ensure that both the mining equipment and student welfare issues are resolved efficiently.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen U.S.–Ghana trade and investment relations, address emerging policy challenges, and promote cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and U.S. government institutions.
Officials noted that such engagements are essential for sustaining investor confidence, supporting infrastructure development, and safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian nationals abroad.
