As she landed in Ghana on Sunday to begin a week-long trip to Africa with the goal of strengthening US ties amid the struggle over the continent’s future, Vice President Kamala Harris was welcomed by students, dancers, and drummers on the grounds of a great continent known for its rich culture and history.
Harris shared how excited she is about the journey as a further declaration of sustaining a long-term, and very essential bond between the people of the United States and those who live in Africa.
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As she got off her plane after all-night travel, the kids shouted and waved American and Ghanaian flags. As she walked by the dancers, she grinned widely and put her palm over her heart.
Harris stated, “What an honor it is to be here in Ghana and on the continent of Africa.” She added, “I’m very excited about the future of Africa.”
In addition to wanting to support economic development and food security, she stated how excited she was about the opportunity to “witness first-hand the extraordinary innovation and creativity that is occurring on this continent.”
Although Ghana is one of the most stable democracies on the continent, Harris is visiting at a time when the West African country is facing significant difficulties. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, its economy was among the world’s fastest-growing. Now, however, it is struggling with a debt crisis and skyrocketing inflation that is increasing the price of food and other basic necessities.
Ghana, a nation of 34 million people that is slightly smaller than Oregon, is similarly cognizant of dangers posed by regional instability. The Sahel region, which lies north of Ghana, is home to local affiliates of al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization. Burkina Faso and Mali have each recently had two coups. Millions more have been forced to flee their homes, and many of them have died.
The battle has provided a gap for Wagner, a Russian mercenary group that also took part in the invasion of Ukraine but retains a presence in Africa. After driving out the French forces stationed there, Mali welcomed Wagner, and there are concerns that Burkina Faso would follow suit.
When Harris meets with Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Monday, the issues of security and the economy are expected to come up. In addition, a joint press conference is anticipated.
The previous two meetings between the two presidents took place in Washington.
Akufo-Addo stated at their first meeting in September 2021 that “our big challenge — and it is a challenge of all those who want to develop democratic institutions on our continent — is to ensure and reassure our people that democratic institutions can be a vehicle for the resolution of their big problem,” which is economic growth as a means to eradicate impoverished lifestyle in Africa, Akufo-Addo noted.
Harris is the most well-known official traveling to Africa this year from President Joe Biden’s team. Following Ghana, she intends to go to Tanzania and Zambia. April 2 marks her return to Washington.
The wider reach is meant to offset China’s influence, which has grown recently as a result of infrastructure projects, financial loans, and the expansion of telecommunications networks. For instance, Ghana agreed to a $2 billion contract with a Chinese business to build roads and undertake other projects in exchange for access to a crucial mineral for aluminum production.
The majority of Harris’ activities in Ghana will be geared toward youth. The average age of people in Africa is 19.
