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The vice-president of the United States, Kamala Harris, has declared that Ghana has remained a leading voice for democracy, freedom, justice and liberty on the African continent after 66 years since obtaining independence from the British.
 
Harris made the observation while delivering her remarks in response to a toast proposed by President Akufo-Addo on Monday (27 March 2023), at the state banquet held in honour of her as part of her three-day visit to Ghana.
 
Ghana’s leadership and advocacy
 
Ghana’s leadership and advocacy on the world stage, according to the US Vice President, is not only vital, it is inspiring, and historically so.
 
“As you [President Akufo-Addo] have mentioned, on 6 March 1957, when Ghana gained independence, it inspired millions of Americans as it did for millions around the world, including Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr, who came here to witness the dawn of a new era.
 
“Dr King, as we all know and he wrote, was deeply moved by what he saw here. He wrote and spoke of it for years after. He spoke and wrote about what Ghana was teaching the world and he predicted that Ghana’s independence and I will quote, will have world-wide implications and repercussions not only for Africa, but for America,” Harris said.
 
“Ghana, he [Martin Luther King] said, tells us that the forces of the universe are on the side of justice. This remains true today. Ghana is a leading voice for democracy and a leading voice in the march for freedom, justice and liberty.
 
“While we face real challenges, I look around to night and I am truly more optimistic than ever and I know that by working together, the United States and Ghana alongside the diaspora and the people of this beautiful continent will shape and share out future for the better,” the visiting US Vice President added.
 
Strong collaboration
 
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo assured the US vice-president that, under his leadership, Ghana will maintain a strong collaboration with the United States in search of solutions to the world’s most challenging issues.
 
Akufo-Addo, also indicated that Ghana has accepted the invitation of the United States to be a part of the Atlantic Basin Corporation as a founding member.
 
The Government of Ghana believes that such co-operation will provide the platform to enhance partnership to develop shared approaches to matters relating to the Atlantic Ocean countries, President Akufo-Addo said, and build on shared capacities and experience for the benefit of the Atlantic Ocean region.
 
“I wish to assure you, madam, that the Republic of Ghana will continue to collaborate with the United States of American at the bilateral and multilateral levels in finding solutions to challenges such widespread poverty, irregular migration, insecurity and human right violations including discrimination against women, terrorism and violent extremism, human and drug trafficking, piracy as well as climate change and its attend impact on the environment and livelihoods,” Akufo-Addo said.