Ghana has called on the United States to cooperate on nuclear energy as outgoing charge d’affaires Rolf Olson paid a farewell visit to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Olson, who served as Charge d’Affaires ad interim, met Ablakwa at the Foreign Ministry in Accra on Monday, November 9, as he completed his posting.
Ablakwa described Olson as an “incredible friend of Ghana” and praised his contribution to relations between the two countries, particularly in education and security.
The minister’s request comes after Russia agreed to help Ghana construct a 2,000MW nuclear power plant, a plan Ablakwa disclosed earlier this month. ASEC has welcomed the ambition while urging Ghana to strengthen its maintenance culture.
The Foreign Ministry and Nuclear Power Ghana have previously held discussions on expanding the country’s nuclear capacity. Ablakwa also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with Washington and strengthening cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
During the meeting, the minister highlighted what he described as key achievements of Olson’s tenure. He said negotiations had led to Ghana being removed from US visa bans and the restoration of five-year multiple-entry visas for Ghanaians.
The restoration followed a US freeze on immigrant visas for Ghana in January.
Ablakwa also said Ghana had obtained a special dispensation under the new US tariff regime, with textiles protected after the African Growth and Opportunity Act was extended.
He thanked the United States for airlifting Ghanaian troops and equipment to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, describing the personnel as gallant.
Olson briefed the minister on progress in investigations into the death of Javits Frimpong. Ablakwa said both countries agreed that every effort should be made to ensure justice, while acknowledging differences over the US health pact and reparatory justice.
“However, we deeply value our ancestral friendship and solidarity,” he said.
Olson thanked Ablakwa, the Ghanaian government and the people of Ghana for their hospitality. He expressed confidence that the partnership between the two nations would continue to grow.
Ablakwa assured the incoming US Consul that the same support provided to Olson would be extended to his successor.
