US officials at the press briefing in Accra
Two senior US officials have commended Ghana for its growing partnership with the United States across security, migration, trade, and law enforcement, describing the relationship as “very strong” and “highly effective.”
Speaking during a press briefing, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa, William Stevens, highlighted Ghana’s crucial role in advancing US objectives in West Africa and globally.
According to him, cooperation from Ghana’s leadership has helped strengthen diplomatic ties and made it easier for international businesses to operate in the country.
“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,” he said.
Stevens added that the US values Ghana as a security partner, a migration partner, a health partner, and a trade partner, stressing that Ghana’s role in the sub-region “is very important.”
He noted that the relationship between the two countries “is very strong and continues to go very well.”
His remarks reinforced earlier comments by Rolf Olson, the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, who praised the exceptional collaboration between the two countries, particularly in law enforcement.
Olson said one of the strongest examples of this cooperation is in the area of extradition and the rule of law.
He revealed that since President Mahama assumed office at the beginning of the year, Ghana has extradited nine individuals to the United States through a formal legal process involving the Attorney-General 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,” he explained.
Olson described the nine extraditions in a single year as “an extraordinary achievement,” praising Ghanaian authorities for their efficiency.
He also confirmed that another suspect was arrested just yesterday based on a US extradition request.
While the finalisation process may take time, he noted that cooperation has been “exceptionally strong.”
Most of the extradited individuals, he said, were linked to cybercrime cases, including online impersonation schemes that defrauded victims—mostly older individuals—of millions of dollars collectively.
“Cybercrime has no borders. These cases involve people who, if proven guilty, should not be free to take advantage of others,” Olson added.
Both officials emphasised that upholding the rule of law remains central to the partnership and expressed pride in the progress made by Ghana and the United States in strengthening justice and security cooperation.
