Philadelphia: The World Trade Centre Accra (WTC Accra) recorded a strong commercial showing at the 56th World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Global Business Forum held in Philadelphia from April 19 to 22, 2026, facilitating strategic connections, investment discussions, and cross-border business opportunities for Ghanaian companies.
According to Ghana Web, the forum, hosted by the World Trade Center Greater Philadelphia, brought together business leaders, investors, policymakers, and World Trade Center executives from over 50 countries, providing a platform for trade, investment, and partnership development.
WTC Accra was represented by Togbe Afede XIV, Executive Chairman of WTC Accra and WTCA Board Member, and Jeffrey Odame Yeboah, Head of Trade and Investment Services. They led a delegation of Ghanaian businesses and institutional partners, including Simon Madjie, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), alongside other private sector leaders.
A key highlight of the forum was a dedicated investment pitch delivered by Mr Madjie, with Ghana emerging as the only country to present a direct investment opportunity session to global participants.
Throughout the three-day event, delegates participated in high-level networking engagements, targeted business matchmaking sessions, and sector-focused discussions spanning pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, trade services, logistics, workforce solutions, and the blue economy.
According to WTC Accra, these engagements led to multiple commercial discussions, partnership negotiations, and investment conversations with the potential to translate into significant transaction value across several sectors.
On-the-ground coordination of the delegation's activities was led by Yeboah, who worked closely with participants to facilitate meetings, identify opportunities, and support transaction-focused engagements.
Speaking at the forum, Togbe Afede XIV stressed the importance of Ghana positioning itself competitively in global markets. 'Africa must engage global markets from a position of confidence and competitiveness. What we demonstrated in Philadelphia is that Ghanaian businesses are ready to participate in global value chains, not as spectators, but as serious partners capable of creating value across industries,' he said.
Managing Director of WTC Accra, Yvonne Botchey, said the delegation was carefully selected to reflect both institutional strength and private sector ambition. 'We were very intentional about putting together a delegation that reflected both institutional credibility and private sector ambition. Our focus was not simply attendance; it was to create direct access to decision makers, investors, and commercial partners that can materially accelerate growth for our delegates,' she said.
WTC Accra said it will continue working with delegates and international partners to advance discussions initiated at the forum and translate them into concrete business outcomes.