Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Jennifer R. Littlejohn has revealed the United States' steadfast commitment to supporting Ghana with an annual investment of $150 million.
In an address at the University of Ghana, on Tuesday, Littlejohn highlighted the United States' robust engagement with Africa.
"The United States has a strong record working with African partners, including Ghana, and since the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the United States remains all in on Africa. I will mention several examples: Just this past September, we launched the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation together with 31 coastal Atlantic countries - now close to 40 – that are connected by the Atlantic Ocean and are committed to working together. I’ll tell you a bit more about this in a moment," stated Littlejohn.
Littlejohn spoke of the extensive history of partnership between the United States and Ghana through USAID, revealing an annual bilateral development support of about $150 million. This financial aid is strategically directed toward projects encompassing clean water, agricultural development, public health, and basic education.*
"Through the Millenium Challenge Corporation, we have - so far - invested $10 billion on the continent, including two compacts with Ghana. Both of these compacts focused on important Ghanaian sectors: agriculture and energy. Well-run and sustainable energy and agricultural sectors will be critical to adapting to climate change. '
"The United States, through USAID, has a long history partnering with Ghana. U.S. bilateral development support for Ghana through USAID totals about $150 million per year, focusing on projects like clean water, agricultural support, public health, and basic education."
Littlejohn acknowledged the persistent work needed to ensure equal opportunities for women and girls in STEM fields - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
She stressed that intelligence and hard work should be the only determinants for career paths, advocating for equal opportunities.*
"We still have work to do to make sure that women and girls have the same opportunities as their brothers to enter and advance in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."
She further expressed the United States' dedication to partnering with Ghana on these global initiatives and emphasized the ongoing challenges, stating, "We are making a difference, but we have so much more to do." By GIDEON NICHOLAS DAY, Pulse
