US Vice President Kamala Harris has expressed hope that her visit will build on previous meetings with some of the continent’s leaders in strengthening democracy and good governance, promoting peace and security, building on long-term economic growth, and also strengthening business ties.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us and again, I’m so very excited to be here and I thank you all for the very warm welcome,” she stated at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Sunday, March 26 when she touched down ahead of a three-day official state visit to Ghana.
She will also be visiting Tanzania and Zambia in the course of the week.
“On behalf of the president and our entire nation, we bring you greetings and we are looking forward to this trip and the very important relationship and friendship between the people of the United States and those who live on the continent of Africa,” she said.
“I’m very excited about the future of Africa. I’m very excited about the impact of the future of Africa on the rest of the world, including the United States of America.”
She said with what is happening in Africa and the fact that the median age is 19 years old, she sees in all that great opportunity, not only for the people of this continent but the people of the world.
“The partnership between this continent, its people and the people of the United States and reinforces the work that we will continue to do together. Be that on addressing the climate crisis, to supply chains to our work together on international rules and norms.”
Vice President Harris says she will on this latest trip focus “on increasing investments here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity 1.2s specifically in the areas of economic empowerment of women and girls. 1.5s Empowerment of youth”.
“Entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and supporting the work that must be done to increase food security, including adaptation to the effects of the climate crisis.”
She had previously met Ghana’s Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Tanzania’s Suluhu Samiya and Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema in 2021.
“We will build on the previous meetings I have had with each of them to strengthen democracy and good governance, promote peace and security, build on long-term economic growth, and strengthen our business ties.”