The Mayor of Savannah, Van R. Johnson II, has conferred the Key to the City of Savannah on Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, in recognition of his diplomatic engagement and efforts to strengthen ties between Ghana and the United States. The honour was presented during an official reception held at the World Trade Center Savannah on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Presenting the key, Mayor Johnson described the gesture as a symbol of trust, friendship, and shared vision. The tradition, which dates back to medieval times, signifies a city’s confidence in the recipient and acknowledges values that align with its own. The Mayor noted that Ambassador Smith’s leadership and diplomatic outlook resonate with Savannah’s commitment to global engagement and inclusive partnerships.
Ambassador Smith is believed to be the first serving ambassador to receive the Key to the City of Savannah, an honour historically reserved for distinguished civic, cultural, and public figures. Past recipients have included notable individuals such as renowned jazz musician Doc Cheatham, underscoring the significance of the recognition.
The ceremony formed the centrepiece of an honorary reception hosted at the World Trade Center Savannah, bringing together business leaders, community stakeholders, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora. The event highlighted Savannah’s growing interest in deepening international partnerships, particularly with African countries.
In his remarks, Ambassador Smith expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as a reflection of the enduring friendship between Ghana and the city of Savannah. He reaffirmed Ghana’s openness to trade, investment, and collaboration, and underscored the importance of people-to-people and institutional partnerships in advancing shared economic and development goals.
Ghana and Savannah have increasingly strengthened their ties in recent years. In 2024, the City of Savannah signed a formal city partnership agreement with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, marking Savannah’s first official international partnership with an African city. The agreement outlines cooperation in areas such as culture, education, urban planning, tourism, and trade, and provides a framework for ongoing collaboration between the two cities.
Concrete outcomes from the partnership have already begun to emerge. Savannah-based investors are assisting Accra in procuring electric buses for its Metro Mass Transit system, promoting environmentally friendly transport while creating jobs. Additionally, initiatives such as the Greater Savannah–Ghana Business Forum provide platforms for diaspora engagement, trade, and investment, further cementing the economic and cultural links between Savannah and Ghana.
Speaking at the event, Antwone Mohammed, Programs and Community Development Manager at World Trade Center Savannah, said the engagement reflects ongoing efforts to build sustainable economic bridges between Ghana and the United States. He noted that platforms such as the Greater Savannah Ghana Business Forum are designed to connect Ghanaian local content to global markets while encouraging diaspora participation in national development.
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