In Ghana, US VP Harris promises to boost ties, investment for Africa

US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived Sunday (26 March) in Ghana for the start of a weeklong visit to Africa intended to deepen her country’s relationships amid global competition over the continent’s future.
“I’m very excited about the future of Africa,” Harris said and added that she wanted to promote economic growth and food security and welcomed the chance to “witness firsthand the extraordinary innovation and creativity that is occurring on this continent.” Ghana is one of the continent’s most stable democracies that is now, however, facing severe challenges, including a debt crisis and soaring inflation that is driving up the cost of food and other necessities. A country of 34 million people, Ghana is also wary of threats from instability in the region, including from Burkina Faso and Mali, both of which have been plagued by coups and Islamic violence in recent years.
The economic and security challenges are also high on the agenda on Monday (27 March) when Harris meets with Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo. She has already pledged the increase in US investment in Africa to help spur economic growth. Harris’ week-long tour of the continent is aimed at strengthening ties with Africa to counter the growing influence of rival China that has invested heavily there in recent decades, including in infrastructure and resource development. Russian influence has meanwhile also grown, including through the deployment of troops from Russia’s private military contractor Wagner Group to aid governments in several countries. “On this trip I intend to do work that is focused on increasing investments here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity,” said Harris whose ‘charm-offensive’ trip will also include visits to Tanzania and Zambia.