President John Dramani Mahama has extended Ghana's congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of the United States of America on the occasion of the country's 250th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Sunday, July 5, the President, on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, described the anniversary as a significant milestone and expressed confidence that the enduring partnership between Ghana and the United States would continue to flourish.
President Mahama noted that Ghana and the United States have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations since Ghana attained independence in 1957. He recalled that the United States was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Ghana following independence.
He highlighted the historic participation of a high-level U.S. delegation, led by then Vice President Richard Nixon, at Ghana's independence celebrations in 1957.
The delegation also included civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and diplomat Ralph Bunche, an event he said laid a solid foundation for the strong bilateral relationship that exists today.
Over the past seven decades, the President said cooperation between the two countries has expanded across several sectors, delivering significant benefits to both nations.
He cited key milestones in the partnership, including the Akosombo Dam project, the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), the Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC), the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as well as collaboration in education, health, trade and investment.
President Mahama also acknowledged the numerous high-level exchanges between the two countries over the years, including visits to Ghana by former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
He further noted that successive Ghanaian presidents, including Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and himself, have undertaken official visits to the United States to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The President praised the strong people-to-people relations between Ghanaians and Americans, describing them as an important pillar of the partnership through educational, cultural and economic exchanges.
In a congratulatory message addressed to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, President Mahama expressed optimism that the relationship between the two countries would continue to be guided by shared democratic values and common interests.
"As we join in the celebration of another milestone, it is my deep conviction that the enduring friendship and cooperation between our two countries will continue to be shaped by values and common interests, especially in the areas of the rule of law, human rights and democracy, as well as our shared aspiration for economic prosperity, which fosters a close and enduring partnership between Ghana and the United States," President Mahama stated.
He concluded by wishing the Government and people of the United States a peaceful, joyous and successful celebration of their 250th Independence Anniversary.