Kamala Harris lands in Ghana on a mission to get Africa to 'expand their ... trends now

Kamala Harris lands in Ghana on a mission to get Africa to 'expand their ... trends now
Kamala Harris lands in Ghana on a mission to get Africa to 'expand their ... trends now

Kamala Harris lands in Ghana on a mission to get Africa to 'expand their ... trends now

Kamala Harris landed in Ghana on Sunday to begin a three-nation African tour designed to counter the growing influence of China on the continent.

Accompanied by her husband Doug Emhoff, Harris was greeted at the airport by a group of brightly-clad dancers performing traditional welcome dances.

Senior administration officials, previewing her visit, said Harris will be asking the leaders not to 'choose' between the U.S. and China - but to 'expand' their options. 

China has invested heavily in Africa in recent decades, including in infrastructure and resource development, while Russian influence has also grown, including through the deployment of troops from Russia's private military contractor Wagner Group to aid governments in several countries.

Kamala Harris is seen arriving in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Sunday and being greeted by the vice president of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia

Kamala Harris is seen arriving in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Sunday and being greeted by the vice president of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia

Ghana was the first stop in Harris' three-nation African visit

Ghana was the first stop in Harris' three-nation African visit

Harris (R) said the visit would be addressing such issues as climate crisis, increasing food security, and increasing investment on the continent

Harris (R) said the visit would be addressing such issues as climate crisis, increasing food security, and increasing investment on the continent

Ghana is facing an economic crisis with inflation at more than 50 percent and its cedi currency down sharply, hit by the adverse effects of the global pandemic and Ukraine crisis.

Ghana has agreed on a $3 billion credit deal with the IMF to tackle its economic crisis. It is also in talks with China on its problems.

She insisted, however, that the trip was about helping Africa entice investment. 

'On this trip I intend to do work that is focused on increasing investments here on the continent and facilitating economic growth and opportunity,' said Harris, shortly after touching down.

The Biden administration has sought to strengthen ties with Africa, in part to offer an alternative to rival powers.

In December, ahead of a U.S.-Africa summit, the U.S. committed $55 billion to the continent over the next three years. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $150 million in new humanitarian aid for Africa's Sahel region during a visit to Niger this month.

Biden is yet to visit Africa as president.

Harris is seen receiving gifts from Ghanaian children on arrival in Accra

Harris is seen receiving gifts from Ghanaian children on arrival in Accra

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