Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, has led a high-level delegation on a working visit to the Port of Philadelphia as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations, maritime cooperation and economic partnerships between Ghana and the United States.

The delegation, which included the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, was taken on a comprehensive tour of the port and engaged in detailed presentations on its operations.

The briefings highlighted the port’s handling of major import commodities, container services, logistics infrastructure, and its strategic role in regional and international trade.

The visit offered valuable insights into how large-scale ports support global supply chains, facilitate exports, and drive industrial growth.

Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Smith underscored the critical role of ports in enabling global commerce and economic competitiveness.

He drew attention to Ghana’s export strengths, particularly cocoa and cocoa-derived products, which remain central to the country’s trade with international markets.

He noted that efficient port systems are vital for market access, value addition and export expansion, stressing that collaboration and knowledge-sharing with established ports could help advance Ghana’s logistics and maritime development agenda.

On her part, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts reaffirmed Ghana’s growing focus on the blue economy as a key pillar for sustainable development, job creation and economic diversification.

She highlighted opportunities in maritime tourism, fisheries, coastal development, port services and other marine-related industries, noting that lessons from ports such as Philadelphia could help Ghana better harness its maritime resources while ensuring environmental sustainability.

The visit formed part of Ghana’s broader economic diplomacy strategy, aimed at identifying best practices, fostering strategic partnerships and positioning the country as a competitive hub for trade and maritime activity.

It concluded with a shared commitment to sustain dialogue and explore practical areas of cooperation to enhance trade, logistics, tourism and mutual economic growth between Ghana and the United States.