Vice President Kamala Harris spent her first full day in Ghana on Monday, March 27, 2023. Met with a grand welcome, the U.S. leader was greeted by dancers and school-aged children waving U.S. and Ghanaian flags—as soon as she stepped off of Air Force Two. This visit by Harris is historical as she will meet with President Akufo-Addo to discuss a range of global and regional issues including: democracy, good governance, and human rights; regional security; long-term economic growth and macroeconomic stability; and our work together on the UN Security Council.
According to a press release sent by the White House to EBONY, Madam Vice President will also thank President Akufo-Addo for his leadership in strengthening ties between Africa and the African Diaspora.
“The Vice President’s travel to Ghana reaffirms our relationship and collaboration on a range of issues, including: supporting conflict prevention and stabilization in Coastal West Africa; promoting inclusive economic growth, innovation, and regional integration; investing in women and youth; elevating engagement with the African Diaspora; addressing shared health challenges; and partnering to build climate resilience and steward our shared Atlantic Ocean,” the press release from The White House reads.
It continues, “In support of the breadth and depth of our bilateral engagement, the Administration intends to provide $139 million in bilateral assistance for Ghana in Fiscal Year 2024.”
During the trip, Harris is slated to visit Vibrate Studio, a community recording studio for young creatives at Freedom Skatepark in Accra. The space was opened in 2022 in partnership with Kendrick Lamar’s company pgLang, Spotify, and local sports NGO Surf Ghana. Vibrate aims to empower young people by equipping aspiring music entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to compete in the global music market.
There, VP Kamala Harris will tour the facility and meet with a group of musicians, including up-and-coming artists that represent the new generation of Ghanaian and Ghanaian-American entertainers. The stop will also spotlight the growing creative economy and underscore the strong links between our nation’s artistic and diaspora communities. The Vice President will be joined by EBONY January cover star Idris Elba and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, who are also currently in the country for visits as well.
The day will end with a State Banquet—hosted by Ghanaian President Akufo-addo—in honor of the Vice President and Second Gentleman’s visit to the Mother Continent. Approximately 300 guests will attend, including several dozen prominent members of the African Diaspora in the United States.
