Ghana has extended congratulations and goodwill to the Government and people of the United States of America on the occasion of its 250th Independence anniversary.

The message was conveyed by President John Dramani Mahama on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana.

In the statement, Ghana recalled the long-standing relations between the two countries, noting that ties date back to Ghana’s independence in 1957. It cited the presence of a United States delegation at Ghana’s independence celebrations, led by then Vice President Richard Nixon, and accompanied by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and diplomat Ralph Bunche.

Ghana noted that this engagement helped establish a foundation for diplomatic relations, with the United States among the first countries to formally establish ties with Ghana in 1957.

The statement highlighted key areas of cooperation over the decades, including the Akosombo Dam project, the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), initiatives under the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), as well as collaboration in social sectors and trade and investment.

It also referenced high-level visits between the two countries, including visits to Ghana by US Presidents Bill Clinton in 1998, George W. Bush in 2008, and Barack Obama in 2009.

On the Ghanaian side, the statement cited official and working visits by successive heads of state, including former President Jerry John Rawlings, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and current President Mahama, to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Ghana also underscored the importance of people-to-people relations, particularly in education and cultural exchanges between Ghanaians and Americans.

In a letter addressed to US President Donald J. Trump, President Mahama expressed confidence in the continued strength of relations between the two countries.

“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,” he stated.

He concluded by wishing the Government and people of the United States a peaceful, joyous and successful 250th Independence anniversary celebration.