The law school of the University of Professional Studies, Accra held the maiden edition of the diplomatic dialogue series on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
The dialogue series was centred on the topic “Global crises, African conundrums and US Foreign Policy.” The US ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Virginia Palmer was the keynote speaker and Professor Kofi Abotsi, the Dean of the UPSA law school moderated the discussion.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Virginia Palmer quoted US Secretary of state, Anthony Blinken who said that Africa will shape the future; not only the future of African continent but of the world and that in 2050, one in four people on the planet will be African.
Palmer asserted that Ghana is important to United States because both countries have shared values. She said, “Our shared democratic values are an important part of our relationship and it is important for us to reflect on the fact that democracy is hard work”.
The ambassador stated that Ghana is a real international leader. She added that Ghana’s leadership in the UN council is phenomenal citing that Ghana has supported Ukraine against Russian aggression.
“Ghana has been an effective leader in the ECOWAS,” she said.
The ambassador who has 36 years’ experience in diplomacy, answered questions on a wide array of political and economic issues such as democracy, US strategy, Russia-Ukraine war, LGBTQ issues and climate change.
“We have a new US strategy towards Sub-Saharan Africa and it frames our engagement with the continent and with Ghana and it has five pillars; one is to strengthen an open and stable international system and shape the rules of the world on shared priorities, the second is to fulfil the promise of democratic societies, the third is to recover from COVID-19 and prepare the world for global health security, the fourth is to expand economic opportunity and more equitable economic systems and last but not least is to support adjust energy transition and the tools and capabilities to arrest and adapt to our changing environment.”
H.E Virginia Palmer, US Ambassador to Ghana
This explains why the work we do in Ghana is an important one, she added.
United States’ relationship with Ghana is a friendly one and the US is committed to building a positive relationship with countries.
In response to the question as to whether democracy in Africa is under siege, Palmer replied in the negative. “I believe that democracies are inherently more stable and more prosperous than authoritarian governments,” she reiterated.
Governments that serve their people well can persist and weather crises so US prefers to work with democratic countries.
She stated that democracy is not solely measured by elections. Good governance is as important as a good election.
United States Is Not Trying To Make Anyone’s Children Gay
In response to what her objective was on human rights issues especially the LGBT situation in Ghana, H.E Virginia Palmer disclosed that the United States is not trying to make anyone’s children gay, rather it just wants gay children to be safe. This issue is not about morality but public order.
The ambassador disclosed that she admires and deeply respects Ghana’s cultural tolerance.
“We are not asking for special rights for LGBT citizens. We are hoping that your LGBT friends will receive same protection under the law as [everyone] does.”
H.E Virginia Palmer
On the issue of climate change, H.E Virginia Palmer disclosed that collective effort is crucial. She disclosed that China being a major emitter, should work with the other countries to curb the damages to climate.
“There are major global issues where US-China cooperation is critical … And if china doesn’t change and work with the rest of the international community, we won’t recognize our climate goals.”
H.E Virginia Palmer
However, the US Ambassador to Ghana does not think it was a mistake to admit China into the World Trade Organization. What was needed is to encourage China “to play by the rules.”
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