Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended his heartfelt appreciation to outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, as she concludes her three-year diplomatic mission in the country.

In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the former President praised the ambassador for her role in strengthening Ghana-U.S. relations, describing her as “an effective force of cohesion.”

"H.E. Virginia E. Palmer, throughout her duty tour, has been an effective force of cohesion for Ghana-US relations and she will be sorely missed."

Ambassador Palmer paid a farewell visit to the former president at his residence in Nima on Monday, May 26, 2025, marking the end of her tenure in Ghana.

During her service, Ambassador Palmer played a pivotal role in strengthening Ghana-U.S. relations, focusing on areas such as security cooperation, economic development, and democratic governance.

Notably, she was honoured by the Gbese Traditional Council for her contributions to peace during Ghana's 2024 general elections, underscoring her commitment to the country's democratic processes.

Prior to her assignment in Ghana, Ambassador Palmer held several key positions, including U.S. Ambassador to Malawi and Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources at the Department of State.

Her extensive diplomatic experience spans various regions, with postings in South Africa, Vietnam, Kenya, Canada, Zimbabwe, China, and Hong Kong.

• Read also: ‘I’m getting ready to leave Ghana’ – US Ambassador Virginia Palmer reveals ending her tour of duty

In an interview on Luv FM in Kumasi, where she revealed the end to her tour of duty, Ambassador Palmer noted: “I am so sad to leave, I have such respect for Ghana. I should talk about that first and the thing I most respect about Ghana is tolerance.

"I have served 40 years in our Foreign Service and more than 20 years in Africa and I have never seen interfaith relations that are as vibrant and as real and is respectful as seen in Ghana and the same is true for inter-ethnic relations and I think both things are a source of stability for Ghana and that’s the bedrock for prosperity”.

As she prepares to depart, Ambassador Palmer reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Ghana and the United States, emphasising the U.S.'s continued support for Ghana's economic recovery and democratic institutions.

She hinted at an upcoming trade mission aimed at bolstering economic ties between the two nations.