With a skim through global news these days, one depressing thread running tends to be economic uncertainties mainly as a fallout from the global pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

The harsh resultant impact of the economic turmoil has seen a rising high cost of living around the world with a heavy burden on families, businesses and job security among others. Governments are reeling, for even in the mighty western countries, things are rough and tough.

So to get a foreign government working hard to bounce back its economy and yet still finds space and time to look out for us and actually come over to “Macedonia” with help should be welcome news. It points to one truth - that the relationship is deep, as one would say.

Positive light

No matter what the spin pundits will advance, one would like to view US Vice President Kamala Harris’ three-day visit to Ghana in a positive light and with some sanguinity. One would simply describe it as a good sign of enduring friendship with the US. A friend checking in at one’s time of need is certainly, a friend indeed.

The great prospects that abound for us as a people and as Africans, in general, may be lost on us but those outside and looking in, they glaringly see those abounding opportunities that we have today and into the future. One such prospect is what Vice President Kamala made a true reference to - the opportunity Africa has as a youthful continent going into the future.

Thus, while the West has an ageing population and eventual slowdown of growth in the future, Africa, as a youthful continent, is predicted to be the place for future growth. The chances are there for untapped opportunities, innovation entrepreneurship, and many others for the continent and the world. That certainly is a key strategy for our governments to tap into.

What sounds readily assuring is the statement of the US Vice President at the Jubilee House when she met with President Nana Akufo-Addo. She gave us a hint of the plans her country has for us even at a time when times are hard for world economies, including her own. 

Referring to our specific challenges with the economy, Vice President Kamala said her country recognised those challenges and welcomed “Ghana’s commitment to reforming its economy in order to deliver sustainable growth”. She added, “Ghana is already strong and we (the US) are strengthening it even further.” That statement made one feel that we have not been forgotten by friends such as the US with the predicament facing us. 

IMF

What one wanted to hear and did hear loud and clear was about the IMF bailout which Ghana is expectant of. Touching on Ghana’s concern, therefore, made one feel that her country is keen on our discussions with the IMF just as a friend perhaps would. 

Heartwarmingly, Vice President Kamala added that her country supports Ghana’s engagement with the IMF and will push all bilateral creditors to help the case of debt burden for less endowed countries around the world. That is pretty reassuring to hear.

No wonder we laid out a beautiful well-planned reception deserving of a friend and ally when the Vice President and her husband, the second gentleman of the US, touched our soil for the first time.  It was as if we pre-empted what good news was coming.

With a super warm Akwaaba therefore, we did not stop shy of our joy to see another high official of the US government visiting us and assuring us that they will still stand by us, support us and literally give us a shoulder to cry on. 

Africa

Analysing the week-long visit to the three African countries, Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, it struck me that the US Congress continues to value its relationship with us and the continent no matter how many times we fall foul. 

In her own words, the “US and the international community must build long-term economic growth and prosperity as well as increase US investment and private sector investment on the continent”.

It was not surprising therefore to hear her announce at the Jubilee House meeting with our President, a $100 million support towards security and stability in the sub-region.  The support, hopefully, will help tackle threats of violence and extremism in Ghana, Benin, Guinea, La Cote d’Ivoire and Togo.

She recognised US partnerships across African countries and saw them as “Working with Africa and African partners on the continent”. She was certain that with African nations playing strategic roles and contributing to critical global issues including climate change and food security, “African voices were critical to global peace and security which included the defence of the UN Charter”.

From Monday through to when our august visitor left us to complete the visit to Tanzania and Zambia, her engagements with young groups, artistes and some entrepreneurs as well as her visit to Cape Coast underline the fact that a friend at a time of need is a friend indeed.  

It was great to have you in Ghana, Vice President Kamala Harris.