By Bright Ntramah
The US has announced that it would provide 100 million dollars to help address the threat of violent extremism and instability in Ghana, Benin, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire.
The US Vice President also re-affirmed the U.S. position that all bilateral creditors should provide meaningful debt reduction and express support for Ghana’s engagement with the IMF. These were announced at a joint news conference by President Akufo-Addo and the visiting US Vice President Kamala Harris. She announced efforts to support long-term economic growth and increase U.S. private sector investment in Ghana.
At exactly 11am, the convoy of Vice President Kamala Harris arrived at the ceremonial entrance of the Jubilee House for her three-day working visit to Ghana. She inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Ghana Armed Forces amid 21 gun salutes.
She was welcomed by President Akufo-Addo where the two moved to the ceremonial room to have a te ta tet. The two leaders and their delegation later had a bilateral discussion at the Auditorium of the Jubilee House and later held a joint news conference.
The bilateral talks centered on a wide range of global and regional issues including democracy, good governance, and human rights, regional security, long-term economic growth and macroeconomic stability among others.
The visit is seen by both leaders to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Vice President Harris said African countries such as Ghana play a critical role in a number of global issues such as food security, climate crisis and reliant supply chain. She said African voices such as those of Ghana are critical to global peace and security.
Vice President Harris noted that Ghana has been a beacon of democracy under President Akufo-Addo, hence her decision to begin the three nation tour in Ghana. She said the US recognises the important role Ghana plays in the Sahel.
To address the threat of violent extremism, the US announced 100 million dollars to four West African countries to prevent conflict and promote stability.
“We also recognise Ghana’s significant contribution to the Sahel and I thank you for your leadership there,” Vice President Kamala said.
She said “to help address the threat of violent extremism and instability, today, I’m pleased to announce one hundred million Dollars in support of Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.”
The Vice President Harris said the US will support Ghana’s engagement with the IMF.
President Akufo-Addo said the visit ”reaffirms Ghana’s partnership with the US”.
Vice President Kamala Harris later visited Vibrate Studio, a Community recording studio for young creatives in Accra.
