By: Henrietta Afful
“…We are looking forward to this trip as a further statement of the long and enduring very important relationship and friendship between the people of the United States and those who live on the continent of Africa. I’m very excited about the future of Africa. I’m very excited about the impart of the future of Africa on the rest of the world including the United States of America.’
These were the words of Vice President Kamala Harris when she arrived in Ghana, on Sunday March 26, 2023 for a weeklong visit to Africa. She was met by Ghana’s Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Addressing a gathering shortly after her arrival at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport, Vice President Kamala said her visit will focus on climate change, promote economic growth and opportunities as well as food security.
“So I am here to address some of the issues that relate to the partnership between this continent, its people and the people of the United States and to reinforce the work that we will continue to do together. Be that on addressing the climate crises, to supply chain, to our work together on international rules and norms. In particular on this trip, I intend to do work that is focused on increasing investments here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity, specifically in the areas of economic empowerment of women and girls, empowerment of youth entrepreneurship, digital inclusion and to support the work that must be done to increase food security, including adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis…” she said.
The highlight of her trip to Ghana, will be a meeting with President Akufo-Addo to discuss economic and security challenges on Monday, March 27, 2023. They also are expected to hold a joint news conference. Later on Monday, she will visit a local recording studio and meet with young people in the creative industry.
On Tuesday, March 28, the Vice President will deliver a speech to a young audience at the Black Star Square in Accra and visit the Cape Coast Castle to speak about the brutality of slavery and the African Diaspora.
She will meet with Women Entrepreneurs in Accra on Wednesday to discuss the economic empowerment of women.
A state banquet with the Ghanaian president and first lady will be held in her honour.
Vice President Kamala Harris accompanied by her husband Doug Emhoff, is the highest-profile member of President Joe Biden’s administration to visit Africa this year.
