Ghana-U.S. Partnership Deepening Under New Policy Direction: Deputy Assistant Secretary

Accra: The United States Government has announced that its partnership with Ghana is entering a new phase focused on trade expansion, strategic investment, health sustainability, and stronger security cooperation. This development comes as Washington recalibrates its engagement with Africa to emphasize mutual benefit and reduced aid dependency. According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Will Stevens, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs, highlighted Ghana as a priority partner in West Africa. He cited consistent high-level engagement, increasing trade volumes, and strong alignment with U.S. policy objectives under the current American administration as key factors. At a policy interaction in Accra, Mr. Stevens noted that the U.S.-Ghana trade relationship had grown significantly in recent years, increasing from about US$2 billion to between US$3.5 billion and US$4 billion. Most Ghanaian exports enjoy tariff exemptions in the American market, with key exports like oil and cocoa not subject to the 15 percent baseline tariff applied globally. Mr. Stevens explained that this reflects the strength of the relationship and the balanced nature of trade between the two countries. He added that the U.S. hopes to see Ghanaian markets open further to American goods to ensure reciprocity in a partnership between equals. On the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), he mentioned that the U.S. administration is seeking a one-year clean renewal of the legislation to develop a new trade framework that addresses current global economic realities. He emphasized that trade, rather than aid, is increasingly at the center of U.S. engagement with Africa. The approach is supported by targeted government tools that could unlock private sector investment. The Lobito Corridor initiative was cited as a model of effective public-private partnership, involving the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, the World Bank, and private investor s, to drive regional integration through rail, logistics, technology, and infrastructure. Mr. Stevens also underscored the U.S. commitment to building local capacity, noting Newmont Corporation as an example, being the single largest taxpayer in Ghana and run by a Ghanaian national despite being an American company. He described it as a practical demonstration of partnership rather than dominance. On health financing, Mr. Stevens said the U.S. is negotiating a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding with Ghana to define a clear path following the integration of USAID functions into the State Department. Health has been the largest area of U.S. assistance to Ghana, especially in malaria and HIV/AIDS programs. The proposed framework includes maintaining full funding for health programs in 2026, with a gradual transition towards greater domestic financing over time. Addressing reports suggesting Ghana was barred from certain U.S. assistance forms due to sovereign debt defaults, Mr. Stevens clarified that the is sue is related to legacy arrears with the U.S. Export-Import Bank. He expressed optimism about resolving the matter soon, with several payments already made by Ghana. Mr. Stevens praised Ghana's cooperation on migration and security, highlighting the country's role in supporting U.S. efforts to enforce immigration laws while respecting due process. Mr. Rolf Olsen, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, described bilateral cooperation as extraordinary, particularly in law enforcement and the rule of law. He noted Ghana's extradition of nine individuals to the U.S. within a year as a remarkable demonstration of judicial cooperation and political commitment, especially in cases involving cybercrime and large-scale financial fraud. Mr. Olsen lauded Ghana's broader engagement with the U.S. on security, migration, and governance, expressing confidence in the Government's ability to manage complex international obligations responsibly. He stated that the depth of cooperation reflects shared values and mutual respect, adding that the U.S. remains proud to stand with Ghana as a key democratic and strategic partner in West Africa.