Embassy of Ghana in Washington D.C. hosts Ghana Investment Promotion Forum

Tourism promo

The Embassy of Ghana hosted The Ghana Investment Forum in Washington DC in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Tourism Art & Culture and The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development of The District of Columbia. The Forum was intended to promote bilateral trade between Ghanaian and DC businesses in the following industry sectors: Agribusiness, Professional Service Innovation, IT and Hospitality and Tourism.  During the event, DC businesses were able to hear from Ghanaian partners on how to collaborate with their local companies.

 

Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture who was the keynote speaker for the event indicated that the Ghana government has prioritized the development of tourism, arts and culture as tools for economic transformation and wealth creation.

 

Andres Hayes Director of International Trade and Commerce at Government of the District of Columbia said it is necessary to strengthen the economic relationship with Ghana.

 

Mr. Yofi Grant, the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre in his presentation affirmed that Ghana’s political stability, economic growth and optimistic people are good business propositions that continue to attract investors. He took the audience through the various sectors of Ghana’s economy and the opportunities available for potential investors and partnerships.

 

Mr. Akwesi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) stated that a professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. has partnered with Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to launch the Capital City Africa Cup where each year, the winner of Ghana’s Premier League will play DC United.

 

 

Washington DC is one of the key markets promoting travel and tourism to Ghana.  With a vibrant Ghanaian and African community and a large population of African Americans visiting the continent of Africa. This collaboration through sports is intended bring the communities together while promoting the spirit of welcome to Ghana and Africa.

 

Mark Addo, Vice President of Ghana Football Association on his part said “This initiative will not only help bridge the gap between the peoples of Ghana and the Washington DC, but it will lay the foundation for a strong alliance through the exchange of tourism, culture and the promotion of soccer ” Mark Addo also spoke on how the Ghana Football Association is investing in youth football so as to develop a strong base for the future of Ghana Soccer. “We’ve now been focusing on youth development by promoting youth football,” he said.

 

This has been a passion in Ghana for many years but lacked support through official structures. He indicated that the FA has made significant strides in securing major sponsorship to make the development of youth soccer a reality.

 

We look forward to you coming to Ghana, whether it’s for pleasure or investment to take the time to visit our stadiums and watch our teams,” he added.

 

Shanell Mosely, Director of Community Relations for DC United said  “As many of you all know, the power of soccer is immense. It brings people together, and especially wherever you find a ball you find young people. We are honored to be presenting you with our DC United jerseys. We look forward to this long relationship ahead.”

 

She presented the home jersey for DC United to Mark Addo the deputy chairman of Ghana Football Association, who also presented her a jersey from Ghana’s Black Stars. Making the presentation he said “Presenting to you this, the new Black Stars Jersey that we will be using in the World Cup,”

 

Paxton Baker, CEO PKB Enterprises, said the idea behind launching the Capital City Africa Cup is to “establish the city of Washington DC as the anchor to showcase talent coming out of Africa in arts, culture and soccer.”

 

He explained that the initial game for the Capital City Africa Cup is slated for March 2023 and will be an annual event taking place at Audi Field in Washington DC.

 

Mr. Baker indicated that, the week of the game will be dubbed “Ghana Week” in Washington DC, which will feature arts, food fairs and culture prior to the commencement of the game between Kumasi Asante Kotoko (winners of Ghana Premier League) and DC United.

 

The Ghana FA is excited about this new alliance with DC United, and we look forward collaborating on many fronts to promote soccer in our domains,” he said.

 

The event was attended by officials of events DC, the business community, officials from the DC Deputy Mayors Office,), the Washington Metro Area Business Community, African America Community group, Ghana Diaspora Public Affairs Collective (GH-PAC) and potential investors among others.

 

 

Photo L – R: Mr. Akwesi Agyeman — the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal — Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Yofi Grant — CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center, Mark Addo — Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, and Andres Hayes — Director of International Trade and Commerce at Government of the District of Columbia.

 

Source: Ghana Embassy, DC

 

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