Nana Meets Trump

The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, together with eight other African Heads of State, last Wednesday held talks with the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on US-African relations.

The meeting, which was held at the instance of the US government, took place at the side-lines of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

After the interaction, the seemingly impressed US leader noted that of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies, six are in Africa.

“I see partners for promoting prosperity and peace on a range of economic, humanitarian, and security issues”, he said.

President Trump further indicated that his administration is committed to extending partnerships with the 9 countries because “they are committed to self-reliance and to fostering opportunities for job creation in both Africa and the United States.”

He hinted of the possibility of increasing American trade and investment across diverse industries in the continent (particularly in the areas of agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare, travel, and tourism) and expressed the hope that such a move would further transform lives of the African people.

Trump reiterated the commitment of the United States to partner with countries and organizations, like the African Union, that lead successful efforts to end violence, to prevent the spread of terrorism, and to respond to humanitarian crises.

“Terrorist groups, such as ISIS, al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, and al Qaeda also threaten African peace. The United States is proud to work with you to eradicate terrorist safe havens, to cut off their finances, and to discredit their depraved ideology,” he added.

On the issue of North Korea, President Trump said the world faces an enormous security threat from the Kim Jong-Un regime, and urged all nations to “stand together and be accountable in implementing United Nations sanctions and resolutions in response to North Korea’s hostile and menacing actions.”

A free, independent, and democratic nation, he stressed, “in all cases, is the best vehicle for human happiness and success.”

The eight other African Heads of State present at the meeting were Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, Alasanne Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Macky Sall of Senegal, Alpha Conde of Guinea, who is also Chairperson of the African Union, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Hage Geingob of Namibia.

Speaking on behalf of the African Presidents gathered, and on behalf of the African Union, President Alpha Conde thanked President Trump for the courtesy of the invitation to discuss issues bordering on the strengthening of US-Africa relations.

He noted that the 21st century will see Africa take its rightful place on the world stage, and will without doubt be a century in which Africans are going to are going to count for more and in a decisive way, because there is an ever-greater determination among Africa’s leaders and youth that the hour of renewal has arrived.

Also at the meeting were Foreign Ministers of the African countries, US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson; Chief of Staff, Gen. John Kelly; the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nikki Haley; and other representatives of the US government.

Source: The Publisher Newspaper