v + T – normal size
US Vice President Kamala Harris was greeted by school students, dancers and drummers as she arrived Sunday in Ghana, the start of a week-long African tour aimed at deepening US ties amid global competition over the future of the continent.
“We look forward to this trip as a further indication of the longstanding and enduring bond and friendship between the people of the United States and the people of this continent,” Harris said.
Children cheered and waved Ghanaian and American flags as she got off her plane after an overnight flight.
“I am honored to be in Ghana and the continent of Africa. I am very excited about the future of Africa,” Harris said, noting her desire to boost economic growth and food security and welcoming the opportunity to “watch the extraordinary innovation and creativity happening on this continent.”
Ghana is one of the most stable democracies on the continent, but Harris arrives at a time when the West African country faces severe challenges, as its economy, which was among the fastest growing in the world before the Covid-19 pandemic, grapples with a debt crisis and soaring inflation that leads to The high cost of food and other necessities.
Harris is the highest profile member of President Joe Biden’s administration visiting Africa this year. After Ghana, Harris plans to visit Tanzania and Zambia. She will return to Washington on April 2.