U.S. Commerce Officials Engage Ghana’s Ambassador on Mining Policy, Newmont Operations, and Student Welfare

Senior officials from the United States Department of Commerce, through its International Trade Administration (ITA), met with Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, to discuss critical issues affecting American investors in Ghana as well as the welfare of Ghanaian nationals studying in the U.S.

A primary focus of the discussions was Ghana’s new local content policy in the mining sector, which, according to U.S. officials, has created operational challenges for several American companies, including Newmont, a major U.S. mining firm with extensive investments in Ghana. Representatives explained that some heavy-duty mining equipment, including excavators, has been held at Ghanaian ports for extended periods, causing project delays, escalating operational costs, and disrupting ongoing mining activities.

Addressing the issue, Ambassador Smith acknowledged the concerns, emphasizing the need for proper documentation and legal process. “We will need specific shipment details and proper documentation to take action and ensure that the excavators are cleared. We will go through the appropriate legal processes to make sure the matter is resolved,” he said, underlining the Embassy’s readiness to engage relevant authorities in Ghana to facilitate resolution.

The engagement also covered outstanding engagements between  the Government of Ghana and the American Tower Corporation (ATC), which constructs and maintains towers used by operators . The delegation presented timesheets and supporting documents previously submitted to Ghanaian authorities, urging prompt attention to the matter. The resolution of these matters is considered critical to maintaining investor confidence and supporting the continued development of Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Another significant point of discussion involved Ghanaian students in the US, given the administration’s focus on immigration compliance, Rachel Billingslea, Acting Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration disclosed. 

Ambassador Smith welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to creating a stable, investor-friendly business environment, supporting diaspora citizens, and ensuring that legitimate concerns raised by American investors are addressed in a timely manner. He emphasized that the Embassy would coordinate closely with the relevant institutions in Ghana to ensure that both the mining equipment and student issues are resolved efficiently.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen U.S.–Ghana trade and investment relations, address emerging policy challenges, and promote collaboration between Ghanaian authorities and U.S. government institutions. Officials noted that such engagements are vital for maintaining confidence among investors, supporting infrastructure development, and safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian students abroad.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of transparent communication and collaboration in addressing regulatory and operational bottlenecks, ensuring that both American companies and Ghanaian citizens can benefit from a mutually supportive economic and legal framework.