Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Mr Victor Smith, will headline a historic diplomatic and cultural celebration in Seattle from April 23 to April 24 to commemorate Ghana’s 69th Independence anniversary.
The event, dubbed “Ghana @ 69,” forms part of activities marking Ghana’s independence, officially observed on March 6, in remembrance of the country’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1957.
A statement issued in Accra by the organisers said although the Ambassador participated in Independence Day events in several cities across the United States earlier this year, he was intentional about including Seattle in his national engagement tour, resulting in the April celebration.
The two-day programme, organised by the Ghana Association of Greater Seattle (GHASEA), will take place from April 23 to 24, 2026, on the theme: “The Diaspora’s Role in Innovation, Investment & Nation Building.”
The statement noted that the business forum and roundtable and the welcome reception would be co-organised by the Shoreline Sister City Association and GHASEA.
It said community leaders have described the Ambassador’s visit as significant, marking the first official visit by a Ghanaian Ambassador to Seattle in more than 30 years, and signalling renewed diplomatic and economic engagement between Ghana and the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Francis Abugbilla, President of GHASEA, described the visit as a historic moment for the Ghanaian community in the region.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would encourage businesses in Seattle to explore investment opportunities in Ghana.
He urged Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the diaspora to leverage the platform to build partnerships.
The commemoration would begin on Thursday, April 23, with a Business Forum, followed by a welcome reception later the same day.
The forum was expected to bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and stakeholders to discuss trade, investment opportunities, and diaspora-led economic development.
He said the reception would reflect an emerging sistercity relationship, aimed at fostering cultural exchange, municipal collaboration, and longterm economic ties.
Dr. Abugbilla said the initiative would also provide Ghanaian businesses in the area with opportunities to network and collaborate with larger enterprises in the Seattle business community.
The celebrations would climax on Friday, April 24, with a grand durbar and Independence Gala, expected to attract participants from across the Pacific Northwest.
The event would feature cultural performances, formal addresses, and recognition of outstanding contributions by members of the Ghanaian community.
Organisers emphasised that although the celebration comes after the official Independence Day, it forms part of broader efforts to deepen diaspora engagement and strengthen Ghana–United States relations.
“This celebration is more than marking a date, adding it was important to build an enduring connection between Ghana, its diaspora and the host communities,” Dr. Abugbilla said.
GNA
