While in Ghana at the beginning of her three-nation tour of Africa, US Vice President Kamala Harris has announced $100 million to assist the battle against militants in West Africa. The package will benefit the coastal nations of Ghana, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Togo.
Vice President Harris recognised Ghana’s prominence on the continent and declared that the United States was prepared to increase its investment in order to foster economic expansion. She said that she was not in Ghana to further China’s influence in Africa but to fortify bilateral ties with its allies.
Her tour coincides with the recovery process in African nations following the global pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
President Nana Akufo Addo had expressed concerns about the presence of Russian mercenaries in some West African countries, and the need for Africa to solve its own problems.
Ghana is having trouble with its high (over 50%) inflation rate. The nation’s finance minister recently wrapped up discussions with China on potential debt restructuring to meet IMF programme requirements. The US has given indications it will assist Ghana to overcome its economic challenges and will continue to push for debt reduction for countries in need, including Ghana.