Accra, 27 March 2023 (TDI): Vice President of the United States (US), Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana on Sunday for the start of a weeklong visit to Africa aimed at strengthening US relationships on the continent and promoting economic growth.
It’s my great honor to be on the continent of Africa – first here in Ghana, then to Tanzania and Zambia.
I look forward to meeting with leaders, young people, and entrepreneurs as we work together to invest in the innovation and ingenuity across the continent. pic.twitter.com/imBoTwpldz
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 26, 2023
Harris was greeted by schoolchildren, dancers, and drummers as she stepped off her plane at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra to begin her three nation trip to Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia on 26 March 2023 after an overnight flight.
A tremendous welcome from the people of Ghana. pic.twitter.com/KJaXtMnfET
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 26, 2023
“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 this continent,” Harris said.
Purpose of visit
During her visit, Vice President Harris plans to meet with leaders, young people, and entrepreneurs in Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Moreover, she aims to promote economic growth and food security and to witness firsthand the extraordinary innovation and creativity that is occurring on the continent.
Ghana, one of the continent’s most stable democracies, is facing economic and security challenges, including a debt crisis and soaring inflation that is driving up the cost of food and other necessities.
So, Harris is expected to discuss these issues when she meets with Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo.
“Akwaaba, @VP and @SecondGentleman! We couldn’t be more excited to show you the best of Ghana and the depth of our friendship over the next few days!” – #USAmbPalmer #AkwaabaKamala pic.twitter.com/HpW7v7lpXG
— U.S. Embassy Ghana (@USEmbassyGhana) March 26, 2023
For information, Kamala Harris is the highest-profile member of President Joe Biden’s administration to visit Africa this year.
The expanded outreach is intended to counter China’s influence, which has become entrenched in recent years through infrastructure initiatives, lending money, and expanding telecommunications networks.
Most of Harris’ events in Ghana will focus on young people, as Africa’s population has a median age of 19. Also, she plans to visit a skate park and co-working space that has a recording studio for local artists.
Her husband, Doug Emhoff, who is accompanying her on the trip, will hold a town hall meeting with actors from a local television show and attend a girls’ basketball clinic.
In the evening, they will attend a state banquet with the Ghanaian president and first lady. On Tuesday, Harris will give a speech and visit Cape Coast Castle, where enslaved Africans were once loaded on ships bound for the Americas.
Before leaving for Tanzania on Wednesday, Harris will meet with women entrepreneurs, and Emhoff will tour a chocolate company that was founded by two sisters. The name of the company, ’57 Chocolate, is a reference to when Ghana became independent.
Cameron Hudson, an Africa expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Ghana has been “a bright spot in the region” but “it’s facing some very stiff headwinds.”
Moreover, he noted that the country’s south, where the capital of Accra is located, is primarily Christian, while the northern area is mostly Muslim, and there are fears that militants could expand their operations there.
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In a nutshell, Kamala Harris’ visit to Africa is an important step in deepening US relationships with the continent and promoting economic growth.
The Vice President is optimistic about the future of Africa and looks forward to working with leaders, young people, and entrepreneurs to invest in innovation and ingenuity across the continent.
