US commends Ghana for firm partnership across security, trade

Senior officials of the United States government have praised Ghana for its deepening cooperation with Washington across key areas, including security, migration, trade, and law enforcement, describing the bilateral relationship as “very strong” and highly effective.

The commendation was given during a press briefing by the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa, William Stevens, who highlighted Ghana’s strategic importance to U.S. interests in West Africa and beyond. According to him, Ghana’s consistent cooperation at the highest levels of government has strengthened diplomatic ties and created a more enabling environment for international engagement and business.

“For Ministers and other officials in Washington, Ghana’s cooperation has been extremely helpful in showcasing how the country supports our presence, objectives, and goals in West Africa and around the world. This partnership has made it easier to do business with Ghana,” Stevens said.

He described Ghana as a valued partner in multiple areas, noting that the country plays a critical role as a security, migration, health, and trade partner for the United States. “Ghana’s role in the sub-region is very important. The relationship between our two countries is very strong and continues to go very well,” he added.

Stevens’ remarks were reinforced by the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, who commended the level of collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the area of law enforcement and the rule of law. Olson described Ghana’s cooperation on extradition matters as one of the strongest indicators of the effectiveness of the partnership.

He revealed that since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office earlier this year, Ghana has extradited nine individuals to the United States through formal legal processes involving the Attorney-General’s Department and the Ministry of the Interior. “Extradition is a formal legal process where we request that a person facing criminal charges in the U.S. be arrested and legally sent to stand trial. Everyone receives a fair process and remains innocent until proven guilty,” Olson explained.

Describing the nine extraditions within a single year as “an extraordinary achievement,” Olson praised Ghanaian authorities for their efficiency and commitment to due process. He also disclosed that another suspect was arrested recently following a U.S. extradition request, noting that while final procedures may take time, cooperation remains “exceptionally strong.”

Most of the extradited individuals, Olson said, were linked to cybercrime cases, including online impersonation and fraud schemes that targeted victims, particularly elderly persons, and resulted in the loss of millions of dollars.

“Cybercrime has no borders. These cases involve people who, if proven guilty, should not be free to take advantage of others,” he stated.

Both U.S. officials emphasised that respect for the rule of law remains central to Ghana–U.S. relations and expressed pride in the progress made in strengthening justice, security, and economic cooperation between the two countries.