Ghana and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, security, health, and education at a reception in Accra to mark the 249th Independence Day of the United States of America.

The event brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and members of civil society to celebrate the longstanding partnership between the two countries and highlight shared values of democracy, good governance, and mutual respect.

The 4th of July, or Independence Day, marks the day that the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Since then, American Independence Day has been celebrated with fireworks, parades, and concerts.

It is a moment not only to commemorate the birth of a nation, but also to reflect on the ideals of liberty, self-determination, and democratic governance that continue to define the United States.

Mr Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, said the enduring relationship between the two countries had been shaped by a common history of breaking away from colonial rule and embracing democratic governance.

“We are both countries that had to adjust from forming part of another nation, to conceiving, creating, building, adapting, adjusting, and sustaining our own,” he noted.

“Whether it is the 249 years of the United States or the 68 years of Ghana’s, Independence challenges both of our peoples, just as much as it is a historical event to celebrate.”

Mr Olson pointed to the political similarities between the two nations in recent months, saying, “In the most incredible coincidence, in both of our elections, a former president defeated an incumbent vice president to retake the office – and both did so this past January.”

He emphasized that political transitions created opportunities to reassess national priorities and that “Change is, indeed, an inescapable, essential feature of our evolutions as governments and as countries.”

Mr Olson lauded the strong development partnership between the U.S. and Ghana, referencing achievements in public health, food security, education, and national security.

He said that together the two nations had saved lives, improved agriculture, trained leaders, and enhanced border security.

The Chargé d’Affaires, particularly underscored the importance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in strengthening Ghana’s export capacity.

“Some countries only recently acknowledged the value that duty-free access to their markets might provide African countries – the United States has been granting that access for 25 years,” he stated.

Calling for enhanced trade and investment, Mr Olson said there was “massive opportunity to grow trade and investment between the United States and Ghana in the coming years,” especially in energy, mining, and high-value sectors that support job creation.

He added that “economies can only grow when countries are safe and secure,” and emphasized ongoing security collaboration with Ghana’s armed forces to counter violent extremism.

“We at the Embassy are grateful for our partnership and friendship with each of you,” he stated.

Madam Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, representing the Government of Ghana,  congratulated the United States on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people.

She praised America’s global role in promoting freedom, innovation, and inclusive development.

“As President Donald J. Trump once said, ‘We will always put America first, but America first does not mean America alone,’ and that excites me,” she remarked, and that “this vision of principled leadership and cooperation continues to shape the positive engagement between the United States and Ghana.”

She commended the impact of AGOA on Ghana’s economy, noting that in 2024 alone, Ghana exported approximately $1.2 billion worth of goods under the programme, mainly apparel, cocoa products, and processed agricultural goods.

“These trade flows are more than mere statistics. They reflect the livelihoods, dignity, and empowerment of Ghanaian workers, especially women and young people,” she said.

The Minister acknowledged USAID’s commitment of $150 million to Ghana in 2024, supporting critical areas such as maternal and child health, food security, and sanitation.

She highlighted other initiatives including the U.S.-Ghana Business Expo and investments in restoring Ghana’s fisheries sector and supporting youth empowerment in the north.

Looking ahead to the expiration of AGOA in September 2025, she urged timely renewal and modernization of the framework, calling it “a critical mechanism for deepening U.S.-African trade, reducing poverty, and driving shared prosperity.”

On security, the Tourism Minister reiterated Ghana’s dedication to cooperating with the U.S. in counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and intelligence sharing.

She also addressed visa-related concerns raised by the U.S., assuring that “the Government of Ghana is taking serious steps to address the concerns as soon as practicable.”