Worcester, and Central Massachusetts are home to one of the largest populations of Ghanaians in the United States, with an estimate of 60,000 residing in Central Mass alone. In fact, in some quarters Worcester is referred to as "Little Accra". Accra is the capital of Ghana. Moreover, there are growing populations of Ghanaians in Boston and Springfield, as well as most recently greater Lowell. The purpose of this forum is to identify ways to expand economic opportunities, investments, education, and travel and tourism.

Multiple Ministers and Business Representatives from Ghana and Government Officials and Agencies from Massachusetts have confirmed attendance for the event.

From the Republic of Ghana:
- Hon. Kobina Tahir Hammond, Minister of Trade & Industry
- Hon. Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture
- Hon. Oheneba Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, Deputy Minister of International Trade
- Hon. Akwasi Awua Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs for the Office of the President
- H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama,Ghanaian Ambassador to the United States
- Hon. Daniel Kingsley Atta Boafo, Consul General of Ghana in New York 
- Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, CEO of the National Health Insurance Agency, Former Deputy Minister of Health
- Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority
- Mr. Paul Adom Otchere, Board Chairperson of the Ghana Airports Company Ltd.
- Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, to name a few

From the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
- Congressman Jim McGovern
- Jeevan Ramapriya, the new Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment
- Paula Murphy, Director of the Mass Export Center
- Ashley Randle, Commissioner of the  Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
- Dr. Eric Dickson, UMass Memorial Health Care's President and CEO
- Dan Gallagher, Director of Aviation Business and Finance for Massport
- Jide Akindele, CEO of AfriPie

Keynote Speeches from Congressman Jim McGovern and the Minister of Trade & Industry, Hon. Kobina Tahir Hammond.
 

Welcome Speeches from Ghanaian Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Timothy P. Murray
  

We look forward to interaction sessions, speakers and active panel discussions focusing on transportation, healthcare and agriculture, and trade and investment to create business to business engagement and promote cultural and educational exchanges between Ghana and Massachusetts.

Aviation & Tourism Panel: (9:20am)
- Hon. Akwasi Awua Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs of the Office of the President
- Mr. Paul Adom Otchere, Board Chairperson of the Ghana Airports Company Ltd.
- Mr. Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority
- Mr. Dan Gallagher, Director of Aviation Business & Finance of Massport
Moderator: Raymond Ansong, Public Relations Officer for Kwahuman Association, and a Sales Consultant at Safeside Insurance Agency

Agriculture & Healthcare Panel (10:25am)
- Hon Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food & Agriculture
- Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, CEO of the National Health Insurance Agency, Former Deputy Minister of Health
- Ashley Randle, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
- Dr. Eric Dickson, CEO and President of UMass Memorial Health Care
Moderator: Ché Anderson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for City & Community Relations at University of Massachusetts Medical School

Trade & Investment Panel: (11:30am) Presented by AfriPie
- Hon. Oheneba Dokua Asiamah-Adjei, Deputy Minister of International Trade
- Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority
- Paula Murphy, Director of the Massachusetts Export Center
- Jide Akindele, CEO of AfriPie
Moderator: Pastor Stephen Aryitey of the Faith Fellowship Ministries International, Worcester

Chamber Member Fee: $95.00 per person
Non Chamber Member Fee: $150.00 per person
Table of 10: $900

Sponsorships still are available: Contact (kpelletier@worcesterchamber.org)

Reception to follow at 4:30 pm
Location Mercantile Center Lobby
(Included in Ticket Price)