The second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, Ghana, and other African nations would have stronger commercial relations with the United States of America, according to US Vice President Kamala Harris.
Her first trip to Ghana as the US Vice President coincides with the country’s current economic turmoil.
To help the nation’s economy recover and set it on a path of sustainable growth, Ghana signed a Staff-Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s vice president, welcomed Kamala on Sunday amid traditional drumming, dancing, and shouts from some kids. Kamala stated that the purpose of her visit was to support economic development and food security in Ghana and other African nations.
After arriving at Kotoka International Airport’s Jubilee Lounge, Harris gave a brief speech about her plans for the trip. “On this trip, I intend to do work that’s focused on increasing investment here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity, specifically in the areas of economic empowerment of women and girls, empowerment of youth entrepreneurs, digital inclusion, and support the work that needs to be done to increase food security,” Harris said.
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She promised to build on their earlier discussions to further democracy and good governance, advance peace and security, foster long-term economic growth, and fortify commercial connections.
I also look forward to meeting with entrepreneurs, students, and farmers during this tour, the woman added, “to witness first-hand the tremendous innovation and creativity that’s unfolding on this continent and inspiring the world.”
She claimed that the US viewed the trip to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia as a further declaration of the long-standing friendship and essential link between her nation and Africa.
“We (Ghana) see the visit of Kamala Harris as a very important one obviously because of the times in which we are, where the world is facing a lot of economic challenges,” Mr Jefferson Sackey, Deputy Director of Communication at the Presidency said in an interview with the media.
“She’ll be visiting Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, and the key focus of this particular visit is to find ways and means of helping each of these countries and find ways of addressing a lot of our economic woes,” Mr Sackey added.
As part of her three-day visit to Ghana, Kamala would hold talks with President Akufo-Addo, and meet with female entrepreneurs as her country seeks partnerships and investments in entrepreneurship.
After spending three days in Ghana, she would go to Tanzania for two days, before stopping over for a night in Zambia, as her country deepens its relationship with Africa. The highlight of her trip to Ghana, will be the delivering of a speech at the Black Star Square on Tuesday, March 28.
Harris would also visit a recording studio, and visit the Cape Coast Castle, Central Region, where enslaved Africans were once loaded onto ships for America