The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has officially opened the Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia. This marks Ghana’s first dedicated commercial presence on the United States East Coast. The new facility aims to deepen access for Ghanaian goods to key international markets.
This Philadelphia facility joins Ghana’s expanding network of overseas Trade Houses. GEPA opened similar establishments in London in March and in Kenya in 2023. These platforms strengthen Ghana’s commercial visibility and support exporters. They also create clear paths for market entry, investment promotion, and business partnerships in major global markets.
The opening of the Ghana Trade House fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy. Total bilateral trade between the US and Ghana reached an estimated $2.5 billion in 2025. US exports to Ghana rose by 32.6% to $1.3 billion. US imports from Ghana totaled $1.2 billion in the same year. This strong trade relationship provides a solid foundation for deeper commercial integration.
GEPA Chief Executive Officer, Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, called the occasion both critical and meaningful. He stated, “Today, we formally establish our flagship Export Trade House here in Philadelphia.” He added, “We are here to make entering global markets as smooth and achievable as possible.” This statement highlights Ghana’s commitment to facilitating international trade for its businesses.
The Philadelphia Trade House was inaugurated alongside the Invest Ghana Business Forum and Exhibition. This forum was co-organized by GEPA, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), and the Ghana Export and Import (EXIM) Bank. The facility will act as a central hub for commercial and export support for Ghanaian businesses in the American market. It offers market intelligence, trade advice, and export matchmaking services.
The facility will also provide support for investment promotion in key sectors. It offers regulatory guidance on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Furthermore, it facilitates access to financing through the Ghana EXIM Bank. Beyond trade, the Trade House will foster economic diplomacy. It will build connections with the large Ghanaian diaspora in the United States. This will strengthen ties between the two countries.
The Trade House aims to increase non-traditional exports to the US. The target is to raise these exports from $405.6 million in 2025 to $1 billion by the end of 2026. Data from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Census Bureau confirm the significant trade volumes. Cocoa beans and cocoa paste were key exports to the US in March 2026. Their values were $52.8 million and $40.9 million, respectively. Ghana is also the world’s leading exporter of yams, with the USA being its largest buyer.
GEPA's recent activities show its focus on export promotion. In February 2026, GEPA led a Ghanaian delegation to Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany. They secured purchase orders worth over $350 million. Subsequent missions to Macfrut in Italy and SIAL in Canada generated additional orders. These orders totaled more than $150 million and $100 million, respectively. These successes demonstrate GEPA's ability to create significant trade opportunities.
The CEO of GIPC, Mr. Simon Madjie, described the Ghana House as a key national economic asset. He said it can boost Ghana’s global presence and create new business opportunities. He noted that investors are more likely to commit when they see the quality of Ghanaian products. He also highlighted the importance of understanding local businesses and partnership areas. The Ghana Trade House will play a vital role in achieving these goals.