The United States (US) government's charm offensive to win over Africa continued this week as US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Ghana today. Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were welcomed at Accra's Kotoka International Airport by her counterpart, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Her three-day visit is largely symbolic and will include: a state banquet hosted by President Nana Akufo-Addo; a visit to Cape Coast Castle, which was the last stop for slaves before they left Africa; meetings with youth groups, entrepreneurs and local artists. Key issues to be discussed that could make the trip more meaningful include: US support for Ghana's economic recovery following the $3b staff-level agreement with the IMF in December 2022; committed foreign direct investments by American firms to counter $1.5b Chinese investment between 2011-21; and the deteriorating security situation in Francophone countries which border Ghana.

Harris will visit Tanzania from 29 - 31 March and then Zambia from 31 March - 1 April, where she is expected to hold talks with presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan and Hakainde Hichilema.