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

The delegation included the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Gomashie.

During the visit, officials were taken on a guided tour of the port and engaged in detailed presentations on its operations, including major import commodities, container handling services, logistics infrastructure and its role in regional and international trade.

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

Ambassador Smith highlighted the critical role ports play in facilitating international commerce, stressing Ghana’s export strengths, particularly cocoa and cocoa-based products, which remain central to the country’s trade relations with global markets.

He noted that enhanced collaboration, knowledge-sharing and best practices among ports could support Ghana’s ambitions to expand exports, add value and strengthen its logistics and maritime ecosystem.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts used the occasion to reaffirm Ghana’s growing interest in the blue economy, describing it as a key driver of sustainable development, job creation and economic diversification.

She said Ghana is keen to explore opportunities in maritime tourism, fisheries, coastal development, port services and other marine-related industries, adding that lessons from established ports such as Philadelphia could help Ghana harness its maritime assets while safeguarding environmental sustainability.

The visit formed part of Ghana’s broader economic diplomacy agenda aimed at fostering partnerships, identifying best practices and positioning the country as a competitive player in global trade and maritime activity.

Discussions concluded with a shared commitment to sustain dialogue and explore practical areas of cooperation to advance trade, logistics, tourism and mutual economic growth.