The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, has reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to mutual interests and strategic partnerships with Ghana, aimed at fostering development and prosperity for both nations.

Speaking at the celebration of the United States’ 249th Independence Day in Accra last Thursday (July 3), Mr Olson said Ghana and the US had maintained enduring cooperation across key areas such as security, health, education, and trade.

“We can build on the strong foundations that US assistance helped construct by fostering increased private sector-led growth in energy, mining, and various other critical sectors of Ghana’s economy,” Mr Olson stated.

He added that the US was keen to support Ghana through innovation, investment, and job creation. “The US can help create high-skilled and high-value jobs, building on the innovation, ingenuity, and industriousness that have characterised US companies who are eager to explore more business in and with Ghana, when the conditions are favourable to investment,” he said.

Mr Olson took over from former Ambassador Virginia Palmer.

Shared celebration

The US gained independence from British rule on July 4, 1776, and the day is commemorated annually to mark the country’s birth and its ideals of liberty and democracy. This year’s celebration in Ghana reaffirmed shared values between the two countries, including good governance, rule of law, and mutual respect.

The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business executives, celebrities, and members of the American community in Ghana. Notable attendees included the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Lebanese Ambassador, Maher Khei; Australian High Commissioner, Berenice Owen-Jones; Algerian Ambassador, Mourad Louhaidia; Israeli Ambassador, Roey Gilad; Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dzifa Abla Gomashie; Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emilia Arthur; and Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim.

Strengthening bilateral cooperation

Mr Olson highlighted the US government’s ongoing support for Ghana in areas such as health, agriculture, border security, and military cooperation.

“Together, we worked to secure Ghana’s borders and people through the collaboration of the US armed forces and other security services, the conduct of numerous military exercises, and the exchange of information that helps keep Ghanaians and Americans safe,” he noted.

He also emphasised the importance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in enhancing Ghana’s export capacity and job creation over the past 25 years.

Call for AGOA renewal

Speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian government, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, praised the US for its global leadership in promoting freedom and its consistent support to Ghana.

She described the US as “a steadfast partner in Ghana’s pursuit of self-determination, growth, and development” and urged Washington to renew and modernise AGOA, which is set to expire in September.

“AGOA remains a critical mechanism for deepening US-African trade, reducing poverty, and driving shared prosperity within a fair, rules-based global economy,” she said.

She cited figures from the Office of the United States Trade Representative indicating that Ghana’s exports under AGOA reached approximately $1.2 billion in 2024, with apparel, cocoa products, and processed agricultural goods leading the way.

“These trade flows are more than statistics; they represent livelihoods, dignity, and the empowerment of Ghanaian workers, especially women and youth,” she stated.

Ms Gomashie also reiterated Ghana’s readiness to work with US public and private partners in exploring opportunities in renewable energy, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, and green industrialisation.