Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on a highly significant journey to Africa, with Ghana being her first stop. From March 26 to March 29, 2023, her visit aimed to strengthen partnerships, promote economic growth and opportunities, empower women and girls, support entrepreneurship, advance digital inclusion, and address food security issues related to the climate crisis. This visit reflected the United States’ commitment to engaging with African nations and working towards mutual progress and collaboration.
Upon her arrival in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, Vice President Harris was warmly welcomed by Ghanaian officials and a group of children from BASICS International, an NGO focused on providing educational opportunities and support for underprivileged children. This gesture highlighted the importance of education and youth empowerment, which are key aspects of Vice President Harris’s agenda. In her remarks, she emphasized the significance of Africa as a continent and its potential for shaping the future.
During her time in Ghana, Vice President Harris held a crucial meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo and other government officials. The discussions centered around enhancing the partnership between the United States and Ghana, as well as regional security concerns. This meeting underscored the importance of collaboration and cooperation in addressing common challenges and fostering economic development.
Additionally, Vice President Harris made a point to engage with Ghana’s vibrant creative industry. She visited Vibrate Studio, a creative workspace in East Legon, where she interacted with Ghanaian musicians and creative professionals who are making significant contributions to the arts, music, and entertainment sectors. This interaction highlighted the power of cultural exchange and the positive impact of the creative economy on both local and global stages.
One of the key events of Vice President Harris’s visit was a state dinner hosted by President Akufo-Addo and the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo. The dinner brought together American and Ghanaian guests, including actors, musicians, creative professionals, activists, and academic leaders. It provided a platform for fostering stronger ties and celebrating the rich connections between the people of Ghana and the United States, particularly through the diaspora.
Vice President Harris also took the opportunity to address a large gathering of young Ghanaians at Accra’s iconic Black Star Gate. This event brought together thousands of young people, including many alumni of U.S. Government exchange programs, university students, civil society leaders, and entrepreneurs. In her speech, Vice President Harris emphasized the immense importance of Africa to the future of the world, acknowledging the continent’s potential to drive innovation, creativity, and progress.
To deepen her understanding of Ghana’s history, Vice President Harris visited Cape Coast, where she paid her respects to Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, the Paramount Chief of Cape Coast. She also toured Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that served as a major hub in the transatlantic slave trade. During the tour, Vice President Harris delivered emotional remarks reflecting on the profound impact of slavery on both the United States and Ghana. She stressed the importance of teaching this history to ensure that the stories of struggle, justice, and freedom are not forgotten.
In a roundtable discussion at The Mix, a woman-owned co-working space in Accra, Vice President Harris had the opportunity to meet with six Ghanaian women entrepreneurs. This dialogue focused on economic empowerment and exploring ways to support and uplift women in business. During her remarks, Vice President Harris announced over $1 billion in public and private initiatives aimed at advancing the economic empowerment of women. This commitment demonstrated the United States’ dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s economic participation.
As Vice President Harris bid farewell to Ghana at Accra’s Kotoka Airport, she was accompanied by the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, symbolizing the strong bonds and mutual respect between the two nations. This departure marked the conclusion of her visit to Ghana and the beginning of her journey to Tanzania, the next destination on her itinerary.
Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit to Ghana was a testament to the United States’ commitment to deepening partnerships, promoting economic development, empowering women and girls, and addressing critical issues affecting the African continent. Through engagement with government officials, youth, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and women leaders, Vice President Harris showcased the United States’ desire to collaborate with African nations and work together towards a prosperous and inclusive future. Her visit laid the foundation for strengthened relations and cooperation, leaving a positive impact on both Ghana and the United States.
