In a recent press conference, President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, responded to the comments made by US Vice President Kamala Harris during her recent visit to the country. Harris had expressed concerns over China’s increasing influence in Africa and its alleged “debt trap diplomacy” tactics.
President Akufo-Addo dismissed the notion that Ghana was falling into a debt trap due to its dealings with China, stating that his country was capable of managing its own debt and making its own decisions when it comes to foreign policy.
“I think it’s important for all of us to recognize that Ghana is a sovereign nation, and we will make our own decisions based on our own interests,” he said. “We are not in any kind of debt trap, and we are not obsessed with China.”
President Akufo-Addo went on to say that Ghana has had a long-standing relationship with China and that the country has been a valuable partner in the development of Ghana’s infrastructure.
“We have been working with China for many years, and we have seen the benefits of that relationship in terms of the development of our infrastructure,” he said. “China has been a valuable partner, and we will continue to work with them in the future.”
The President also criticized the notion of a “debt trap conspiracy” by China, stating that it was unfounded and that the country’s dealings with China were transparent and mutually beneficial.
“I think it’s important to recognize that there is no debt trap conspiracy,” he said. “Our dealings with China are transparent, and we have always been upfront about the terms of our agreements. We are not in the business of taking on unsustainable debt, and we will continue to make decisions that are in the best interests of our country.”
President Akufo-Addo’s comments come as Ghana seeks to deepen its relationship with China and other countries in the region. The country has been actively seeking investment in its infrastructure, particularly in the areas of energy and transportation.
Overall, the President’s remarks were a clear indication that Ghana intends to pursue its own interests and that it will not be swayed by outside influences. It remains to be seen how the US and other Western countries will respond to Ghana’s stance on China, but for now, it seems that Ghana is determined to chart its own course.