U.S. Beef Introduced to Leading Industry Representatives in Ghana, West Africa

In an initial step toward exploring Ghana and West Africa’s potential for U.S. red meat, USMEF partnered with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and African importer PGL Distribution for an introductory seminar and tasting event for U.S. beef at the Polo Club restaurant in Accra, Ghana.

USMEF Corporate Chef Germán Navarrete joined Africa Representative Matt Copeland and regional representative Monty Brown in Accra to present a “culinary journey with U.S. beef” to more than 20 guests, including the country’s largest retailer, high-end hotels and restaurants, and high-profile influencers. Following presentations about the production techniques behind U.S. beef’s superior taste, tenderness and versatility, Chef Navarrete led the group through a tasting session ranging from affordable white cow picanha (top sirloin butt cap) to top-notch USDA Prime ribeyes.

“The Polo Club was the proper setting to introduce high-quality U.S. beef to key players in Ghana,” says Copeland. “It was an opportunity to showcase the best U.S. steaks while demonstrating that the U.S. beef industry offers a range of versatile cuts and products to suit different market segments.”

The western coastal region is home to some of Africa’s largest cities and has some of the continent’s largest and fastest growing economies. USMEF has been approved by USDA to utilize Emerging Markets Program (EMP) funding for market research and an in-country trade mission to West Africa in 2025.

Funding support for the seminar was provided by the Beef Checkoff Program, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Oklahoma Beef Council and Iowa Corn Promotion Board.