US Embassy Dismisses Allegations

The United States Embassy in Ghana has dismissed claims that President Bush’s visit to Ghana is part of efforts to prepare the grounds for the establishment of a US military base in the country. The Embassy said the visit was purely a humanitarian one meant to reaffirm the cordial relationship between the two countries. Speaking to Joy News, the Public Affairs Director of the Embassy, Christopher Horge, also denied allegations that the visit was motivated by the US’s desire to create cordial relationship with African countries that had oil prospects. He said the US gave the largest amount of money to the country through the Millennium Challenge Account to Ghana at a time when oil had not been discovered. Explaining the presence of US military equipment in the country, Mr Christopher said given the political stability and efficient security institutions in the country, Ghana was being used as the hub for the visit. Mr Bush will also be visiting four other African countries. It would be his second since his assumption of office in 2001. The last visit was in 2003. The US president is expected to meet with president Kufuor to discuss economic co-operation between the two countries. He will also be supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS and malaria in Ghana.