The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, tourism and investment, marking a new step in efforts to build a stronger commercial bridge between Ghana and the Caribbean territory.
The agreement was formalized during the USVI–Ghana Trade & Tourism Reception held in Accra, bringing together government representatives, private sector actors and development partners around a shared vision of expanding economic ties between the two regions. The reception formed part of the broader Business & Tourism engagement designed to connect Ghanaian enterprises with opportunities in the U.S. Virgin Islands and, by extension, the wider U.S. market.
The event was graced by key dignitaries, including Honourable Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo (Member of Parliament for Hohoe) on behalf of the Majority, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands His Excellency Albert Bryan Jr (via video address), Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs Kofi Okyere Darko, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority Gibert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, and Presidential Staffer for the Black Star Experience Rex Omar, among others.
GEA Chief Executive Officer Margaret Ansei described the moment as both an economic opening and a strategic opportunity for Ghanaian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). She noted that while Ghana already has a diverse and competitive production base, unlocking value lies in securing efficient pathways to international markets.
The MoU establishes a practical framework for bilateral enterprise development and aligns with the mission agenda of the visiting USVI delegation, which identified enterprise collaboration, market access and investment promotion as key priorities of the visit.
Officials say the partnership is expected to create opportunities in business development, market access, tourism promotion and cross-border investment linkages. The U.S. Virgin Islands delegation also promoted the territory as a strategic gateway to the U.S. market, highlighting its unique trade advantages and investment incentives.
Speaking at the engagement, Kevin Rodriguez, Deputy Chief of Staff to the USVI Governor and Chair of the USVI Economic Development Authority, underscored the mutual benefits of the partnership, stating:
“Ghanaian businesses gain entry to U.S. markets via USVI’s jurisdiction, while the USVI benefits from Ghanaian goods, talent and investments.”
The collaboration is being framed not only as an economic initiative but also as part of a deeper historical and cultural reconnection between Ghana and the African diaspora. Leaders at the reception emphasized that trade and enterprise development provide a strong foundation for sustaining long-term relations anchored in shared heritage.
For GEA, the MoU reinforces its mandate to support MSMEs by expanding access to new markets and international partnerships. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, it strengthens a growing relationship with Ghana centered on trade, tourism, enterprise development and cross-border collaboration.
If successfully implemented, the agreement could provide Ghanaian businesses with a new platform for export growth, leveraging the USVI’s unique position to access the U.S. market while transforming shared history and goodwill into tangible economic outcomes.
