The US Virgin Islands and Ghana have formalised a new partnership aimed at boosting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two regions.

Governor Albert Bryan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Tourism Authority during the USVI-Africa Mini Summit at The Westin Beach Resort and Spa on St Thomas on January 27. 

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in tourism development, heritage promotion, investment, and youth exchange programs.

“This memorandum is about more than travel. It is about connection,” Bryan said in a statement shared by Government House. “The Virgin Islands and Ghana share a story that reaches across the Atlantic, and today we are turning that shared heritage into shared opportunity.”

The MoU outlines five main areas of cooperation. 

These include joint destination marketing, cultural and heritage exchange programs, improved air and maritime connectivity, promotion of tourism-related investment, and professional development for tourism officials.

Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to economic growth and cultural engagement. 

“The MoU positions both destinations to grow visitor arrivals, expand market reach, and develop collaborative tourism and heritage initiatives,” she said.

The agreement allows for the establishment of a Joint Working Committee to coordinate activities, develop implementation plans, and monitor progress.

It does not create any financial obligations for either side, with future commitments to be agreed in writing. 

The MoU is effective immediately and will remain in force for five years, with the option to renew.

Bryan described the partnership as a bridge for people, culture, and commerce. “This is a new Middle Passage, not of chains and captivity, but of choice and connection, of culture and commerce, of families rediscovering their roots and entrepreneurs building new partnerships,” he said.

The MoU is expected to open new pathways for tourism, trade, and cultural initiatives, while strengthening ties between the Caribbean and Africa.