VP Kamala Harris lauds Ghana’s democratic credentials

Vice President Kamala Harris has applauded Ghana’s role as a democratic model in Africa and efforts to strengthen government transparency and accountability.

At a meeting Thursday with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to deepen the strong bilateral relationship between the US and Ghana, she also thanked the President for his leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

A statement issued by the Office of the Vice President and shared with the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, said the two leaders emphasised a shared commitment to democratic values, including human rights.

They also discussed the close ties between the people of both nations. The two leaders also discussed opportunities to advance health security, defense cooperation and regional security, including by promoting peace and inclusive dialogue in Ethiopia.

The Vice President and President Akufo-Addo expressed support for enhanced economic collaboration and additional U.S. investment in Ghana, the statement said.

The Vice President and President Akufo-Addo agreed to expand partnerships in the fight against climate change, including during Ghana’s upcoming tenure on the United Nations Security Council.

President Akufo-Addo is in the United States to attend the 76th General Assembly of the United Nations.

Ghana and US established formal diplomatic ties in 1957, following the former’s political independence from Britain. The United States is one of Ghana’s principal trading partners, with trade volume exceeding $1.2 billion.

US goods exports to Ghana in 2019 were $840 million, up 9.3% ($71 million) from 2018 and up 17.3% from 2009. During the same period, US goods imports from Ghana totaled $943 million in 2019, up 62.2% ($361 million) from 2018, and up 598.3% from 2009.

Source: GNA