Senior officials from the United States Department of Commerce, through its International Trade Administration (ITA), have held talks with Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, focusing on challenges affecting U.S. investments in Ghana and the welfare of Ghanaian students studying in America.
Mining Local Content Policy Under Scrutiny
A major issue discussed was Ghana’s new local content policy in the mining sector, which U.S. officials said has created operational difficulties for some American companies operating in the country. Among those affected is Newmont, a leading U.S.-based mining firm with substantial investments in Ghana.
According to the U.S. delegation, heavy-duty mining equipment, including excavators, has reportedly been held at Ghanaian ports for extended periods due to policy and regulatory issues. The delays, they said, have resulted in project disruptions, rising costs, and operational setbacks for mining firms.
Responding, Ambassador Smith acknowledged the concerns and emphasized the importance of proper documentation and adherence to due process.
“We will need specific shipment details and proper documentation to take action and ensure that the excavators are cleared. We will follow the appropriate legal processes to resolve the matter,” he said, adding that the Ghanaian Embassy is ready to engage relevant authorities in Accra.
Telecommunications Dispute Also Raised
The meeting also addressed outstanding issues between the Government of Ghana and American Tower Corporation (ATC), a U.S. company involved in building and maintaining telecommunications towers across the country.
U.S. officials presented timesheets and supporting documentation previously submitted to Ghanaian authorities and urged swift action, stressing that resolving the matter is important for investor confidence and the continued expansion of Ghana’s telecom infrastructure.
Welfare of Ghanaian Students in the U.S.
Beyond investment concerns, discussions extended to the welfare of Ghanaian students in the United States, particularly amid heightened attention to immigration compliance and student visa regulations.
Rachel Billingslea, Acting Deputy Secretary at the ITA, underscored the need for proactive engagement on student-related matters to ensure that Ghanaian nationals are adequately supported.
Ghana Reaffirms Commitment
Ambassador Smith welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to:
• Maintaining a stable and investor-friendly business environment
• Supporting the Ghanaian diaspora, including students
• Addressing legitimate concerns raised by U.S. investors through dialogue and cooperation
He said the Embassy would continue working with relevant Ghanaian institutions to ensure that both the mining equipment issues and student welfare concerns are handled efficiently.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Officials on both sides described the meeting as part of broader efforts to strengthen U.S.–Ghana trade and investment relations, address emerging policy challenges, and deepen cooperation between government institutions.
They noted that sustained engagement is key to preserving investor confidence, advancing infrastructure development, and safeguarding the interests of Ghanaian citizens abroad.
Source: Africa Publicity
