Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Emmanuel Victor Smith, hosted the Ambassador of Togo to the United States, Frédéric Edem Hegbe, for a cordial and wide-ranging discussion focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, regional integration, trade, energy, transportation, and cross-border development.
During the discussions, the two ambassadors reflected on Energy and Industrial Development within the sub-region. Ambassador Smith stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to support industrial growth, noting that reliable power remains essential for economic transformation.
Ambassador Hegbe also highlighted Togo’s growing industrial and export sectors, particularly the country’s phosphate industry, which remains one of its major sources of foreign exchange.
“Our phosphate is one of the best ones after Morocco,” he stated, explaining that Togo exports phosphate to markets including Europe, Japan and Israel for fertilizer and sulfuric acid production.
The meeting also highlighted the close cooperation between Ghana and Togo on border management and security. Ambassador Hegbe commended the successful operation of joint border posts between the two countries, particularly in Akanu and Noepe, describing them as practical examples of effective regional collaboration in fighting insurgency.
The ambassadors praised the expansion of Togolese carrier ASKY Airlines and its growing role in connecting West Africa with the United States and other international destinations.
Ambassador Hegbe explained that ASKY Airlines now operates direct flights between Lomé and Washington twice weekly, significantly improving travel convenience for West Africans, including Ghanaians.
Ambassador Smith welcomed the development, noting its benefits for Ghanaian students, professionals and travelers in the diaspora.
