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The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, has affirmed his government’s commitment to mutual interests and partnerships with Ghana for the mutual development and growth of the two countries.
He emphasised that both countries needed to build on the mutual interests and partnerships they have maintained for decades in a number of areas of mutual benefit, including security, health and education.
Mr Olson said both countries had a vast potential for growth in trade and investment in several sectors of the economy that must be harnessed for prosperity.
“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.
“The US can help create high-skilled and high-value jobs, building on the innovation, ingenuity and industriousness that have characterised US companies that are eager to explore more business in and with Ghana, when the conditions are favourable for investment,” he said.
Mr Olson, who took over from Virginia Evelyn Palmer, was speaking at US’ 249th Independence Day celebration held in Accra.
Having gained its independence from British rule on July 4, 1776, the day not only marks the birth of the US but also its liberty and democratic ideals.
It also underscored the enduring leadership of the US in championing freedom, innovation and inclusive development across the globe.
The event reaffirmed the strong partnership between Ghana and the US and their shared values of democracy, good governance and mutual respect.
The colourful celebration was attended by several members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders and chief executive officers, celebrities and members of the American community in Ghana.
Some notable attendees were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Lebanese Ambassador, Maher Khei; the Australian High Commissioner, Berenice Owen-Jones; the Algerian Ambassador, Mourad Louhaidia; and the Israeli Ambassador, Roey Gilad.
Also present were the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie; the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur; and the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, among others.
The Chargé d’Affaires underscored the shared experiences of both countries and the support of the US government to Ghana in building a strong health system, agricultural products and training of human resources to strengthen the country’s democracy, economy and communities.
He emphasised the US government’s role in helping the country maintain a secure border through military partnership and intelligence sharing.
“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 said. The US Chargé d'Affaires also underscored the importance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in strengthening Ghana's export capacity and creating jobs, as well as the duty-free access market several African countries enjoyed in the past 25 years.
Speaking on behalf of the government, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, commended the US government for its influence in the world in the fight for freedom and its consistent support to Ghana.
Ms Gomashie described the US as “a steadfast partner in Ghana's pursuit of self-determination, growth and development” and called on the US government to renew and modernise AGOA, which is expected to expire in September this year.
“AGOA remains a critical mechanism for deepening US-African trade, reducing poverty and driving shared prosperity within a fair, rules-based global economy.
In 2024 alone, official figures released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative showed that Ghana's exports to the United States and AGOA reached approximately $1.2 billion, with apparel, cocoa products and processed agricultural goods playing central roles,” she said.
These trade flows, she said, were more than mere statistics as they reflected the livelihoods, dignity and empowerment of Ghanaian workers, especially women and young people.
The Minister of Tourism reaffirmed the government’s eagerness for partnerships in exploring emerging trade and investment frontiers in renewable energy, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals and green industrialisation.
Ms Gomashie also stated that Ghana was ready to collaborate with the US public and private partners to build inclusive value chains that advanced mutual interest and sustainable development goals.
