Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has announced that the government plans to launch an online visa issuance platform by December 2026 to streamline the application process.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with Ghanaians in Southern California, Ambassador Smith introduced the initiative, “Ghana 2.0: Empowering the Next Generation of Diaspora Investors and Streamlining Consulate Services.”

He explained that the programme is designed to attract foreign direct investment into the country.

Ambassador Victor Smith woos US investors, Ghanaians in the diaspora

According to him, his core mission as Ambassador is to foster strategic partnerships with both Americans and Ghanaians to create jobs, strengthen industries, and expand opportunities in Ghana.

“Ghanaians abroad, including those in Southern California, are the country’s greatest assets. They are among the most skilled, educated, and resourceful individuals anywhere in the world—businessmen and women, entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators, health professionals, educators, and IT specialists. They bring values such as discipline, resilience, hospitality, and an unshakable sense of community that defines us as a people,” he said.

He emphasised that the achievements of Ghanaians in America not only bring honour to Ghana but also highlight the broader truth that Ghana must excel among its peers on the continent.

Smith further noted that Ghana cannot afford to have its brightest minds scattered across the globe without structured avenues for contribution.

He stressed that building partnerships to uplift communities, create employment for young people, and develop sustainable industries should be the ultimate goal.

For his part, the President of the Ghana Association of Southern California, Marty Odonkor, remarked that the initiative forms part of a broader agenda to reset and rebuild Ghana through structured collaboration and partnership.

SP/MA

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