President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed his gratitude to the United States for its continued support and assistance to Ghana, particularly in the area of electoral processes. He made this statement during a meeting with the Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt M. Campbell, who led a delegation from the US Department of State and the US Embassy on a courtesy call to the President at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, July 15, 2024.
The President acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Ghana and the US, highlighting the significant impact of American democratic values on Ghana’s institutions. He emphasized Ghana’s commitment to maintaining a thriving democracy, citing the upcoming elections in December as a testament to this dedication.
Akufo-Addo noted that, like the US, Ghana has a two-term limit for its presidents, and with his second term coming to an end, a new president and parliament will be elected. He stressed the shared aspirations and values between the two nations, including a commitment to democracy and good governance.
Deputy Secretary Campbell, who has a history with Ghana, having served on the board of Standard Chartered and facilitated the visit of the Liverpool Football team to Ghana in 2014 and 2015, expressed his admiration for Ghana’s democratic progress. He acknowledged the challenges facing the country and reiterated the US’s support for Ghana’s democratic institutions.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the pressing issue of security in the Sahel region, which he described as a “major security preoccupation” for Ghana and the ECOWAS region. He emphasized the need for increased efforts to address the growing threat of jihadist insurgents in the Sahel, who aim to reach the coast and link up with pirates in the Gulf of Guinea.
The President stressed the importance of finding effective solutions to this security challenge, which has become a nightmare for the region. He called for increased cooperation and support from international partners, including the US, to address this growing threat.
Deputy Secretary Campbell assured President Akufo-Addo of the US’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s security efforts, particularly in the Sahel region. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and international support in addressing this shared security challenge.
The meeting between President Akufo-Addo and Deputy Secretary Campbell underscored the strong diplomatic ties between Ghana and the US. The discussion highlighted the shared values and aspirations of the two nations, including a commitment to democracy, good governance, and regional security.
As Ghana prepares for its upcoming elections, the support and assistance from the US will be crucial in ensuring a credible and peaceful electoral process. President Akufo-Addo’s emphasis on the importance of democracy and good governance aligns with the US’s long-standing commitment to promoting democratic values globally.
The meeting between President Akufo-Addo and Deputy Secretary Campbell demonstrated the strong partnership between Ghana and the US. The discussion highlighted the shared challenges and opportunities facing the two nations, particularly in the areas of democracy, security, and regional cooperation.
