Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber initiates programme to deepen relations for mutual growth

The Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber, headed by Mr. Victor Owusu and the Honorary Consul of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in Ghana, His Excellency Hilton John Mitchell, has collaborated with the organizers of the Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Golf and Business Summit to propel mutual business growth in both countries.

The collaboration saw the two entities engage in business and diplomatic discussions with Senator the Honorable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honorable Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and Dr. Roger Roach, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association. The potential collaboration championed by business partners from both countries is expected to boost exports and stimulate economic growth. It aims to increase trade between the two countries, including the export of Ghanaian staples such as yam and cassava that are currently in high demand in Trinidad and Tobago.

Following a trip to Trinidad and Tobago by some Ghanaian businessmen and women in March 2025 to establish relations with the business community in the Caribbean country, the two countries are set to annually host business summits to help business communities deepen relations and foster mutual growth. The trip coincided with the annual T&T Carnival, arguably the biggest in the world.

The five-day trip, organized by Yaw Asamoah and Frank Afari Ankamah, the organizers of the Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Golf and Business Summit, saw 15 business executives touring various agencies and businesses in the Caribbean country, as well as participating in the “Greatest Show on Earth” carnival held in Trinidad and Tobago each March. The visit of the business community, who are also golf enthusiasts from the Achimota Golf Club, is expected to be reciprocated by business communities in T&T, who will visit their West African friends in September this year.

The trip has laid the groundwork for potential partnerships between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago in areas such as corporate governance, leadership, and management. With a focus on youth exchange programmes, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation, the future of Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago relations looks promising.

Boosting Exports

Samuel Chiatey Barketey, the Director of Operations for Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) and an associate partner at Afrimore Advisors Law Firm, affirmed that, “Trinidadian investors are interested in establishing a battery assembly plant in Ghana, which could create employment opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings.” He indicated that the two countries could explore opportunities for exporting and importing goods, including textiles, with Trinidad and Tobago expressing interest in Ghana's textile industry.

Mr. Barketey emphasized the importance of government involvement in facilitating the collaboration, particularly in areas such as security, infrastructure, and policy implementation. He argued that the current government's plan to reset the economy aligns with the proposed partnership, which could lead to increased exports, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.

Mr. Barketey also urged the government to take advantage of these partnerships and invest in the cultivation of staples and other produce that are of interest to bilateral partners in order to dominate the space while creating local jobs and generating revenue.

He highlighted that while challenges, such as the lack of direct flights between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago, need to be addressed, the potential benefits of the partnership far outweigh the obstacles. He added that the partnership could lead to registered interest from airlines to start operating flights to and from the two countries.

He urged the Ghanaian business community to embrace the Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Summit expected in September this year, to explore opportunities related to their fields of interest and help expand their businesses for mutual growth with other partners from the Caribbean.

Investment

Mr. Victor Owusu, the President of the Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber, appealed to the government to invest in Ghana's tourism industry. He stated that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had made considerable investments into Carnival 2025, which is projected to surpass $640 million in revenue from visitor spending, creating employment opportunities in hospitality, entertainment, and tourism, thereby contributing to economic growth.

He praised this as a model for Ghana, particularly during Christmas festivities, to attract tourists and generate revenue across the country. Mr. Owusu observed that Ghana's tourism industry, particularly events like the Fancy Dress Carnival in Sekondi-Takoradi, Winneba, and other national cultural events, could benefit from better organization and investment.

He recommended that the Ghanaian government take a keen interest in developing the tourism industry, investing in programmes and events that could attract more visitors and generate revenue.

Security

Mr. Owusu commended Trinidad and Tobago for the excellent organization of the carnival, especially the deployment of security personnel. He urged the Ministry of Tourism and the Ghana Tourism Authority to send delegations to Trinidad and Tobago to study some of the strategies employed by the Carnival Commission and implement them in the organization of similar events in Ghana.

“I was impressed by the security deployment during the carnival. Police personnel were well-organized and ensured the safety of visitors. I believe we could learn from Trinidad and Tobago's approach to crowd management and security during large events,” he said.

Mr. Owusu added that his trip to Trinidad and Tobago was an eye-opener, and he believes that Ghana could learn valuable lessons from the Caribbean nation's approach to security, tourism, and event management.

Opportunity

In an interview, Dr. George Addo Larbi, a management consultant and governance advisor, said that the trip offered an opportunity to explore the Caribbean region and identify potential areas for cooperation with Ghana. He indicated that the trip revealed that there are many opportunities both countries need to harness to help them develop mutually in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, among others.

Dr. Larbi emphasized the need for follow-up and the implementation of decisions made during the trip, ensuring that the momentum generated is not lost, especially with the expected visit of a section of the business community from Trinidad and Tobago.

He called for exploration of opportunities for academic exchange programmes between Ghanaian universities and those in Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the wider Caribbean, to help both countries share their experiences towards common development.