Ghana-US Relations
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Formal diplomatic relations between Ghana and the United States of America date back to 1957, following Ghana's independence from Britain. Relations between the two countries have been cordial, and bonds of friendship and cooperation continue to be strengthened at the political and economic levels, in defence and security cooperation, health, education, and in law enforcement with respect to narcotics and drug control.
At the political level, there has been a remarkable improvement in Ghana-U.S. relations in recent years, especially with the re-introduction of multi-party democracy in Ghana. This culminated in the exchange of several high-level official visits at the Presidential, Congressional/Parliamentary, and other levels, particularly since the return to democratic rule in 1993.
Since then, relations between Ghana and the United States have remained very cordial, with bilateral visits reflecting the strong bonds of cooperation. Notable visits to Ghana from distinguished American leaders include those by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama in 1998 and 2009, respectively. In 2018, Ghana hosted the First Lady of the United States, H.E. Melania Trump. More recently, in August 2019, Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Ghana along with Rep. Karen Bass and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus. These high-level visits have also been reciprocated with Former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s State Visit to the United States in 2008, as well as various visits by other Ghanaian dignitaries from different arms of government.
Indeed, Ghana–U.S. cooperation spans multiple fields, including political, economic, trade, commerce, and agriculture. Our relations have been characterized by mutual respect and shared values of democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights. Our two countries continue to cooperate in defence matters, which are crucial for the consolidation of peace and security not only in Ghana but in the entire West African sub-region. Given Ghana’s geographical location in the Gulf of Guinea, our partnership with the United States is critical to maintaining maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and the region as a whole.
