The American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana supported the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, Pakwo-Shum and Chris Edusei to launch a book on US-Africa relations under the Obama administration in Accra, Ghana.

The book which is titled United States and Africa: The Obama Presidency is published by Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa in partnership with AMIP News and provides a valuable resource and chronicle of the historic Obama Administration’s engagement in Africa.

Present at the launch was the Honorable Minister of Trade, Alan Kyeremanten who reiterated the need for Africa to capitalize on its abundant natural resources to develop.

“I believe that the Obama presidency sent a strong signal to us in Africa that it is time for Africa to take its rightful place in the global landscape in terms of economic development.”

The Minister is however optimistic of Africa’s future as he believes that various initiatives being undertaken by some African leaders will propel the continent’s economic growth.

“We will continue to understand and believe in ourselves and work with the United States through initiatives such as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, (AGOA). I believe that we can leverage our mutual benefits and resources for the collective interest of our people,” he stated.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Africa Society Board of Directors, Amb.(Retired) Pamela Bridgewater in her remarks urged African countries to take better advantage of the opportunities the US has to offer and assured of her organization’s continuous advocacy for the growth of continent.

“Try and reduce impediments in your countries to benefit from trade opportunities from the US. It is important for us as a people to talk about and record what we do. If we don’t do an accurate report of what took place, those things will be lost, because our mission is to educate and advocate for Africa.”

Ghana is the first place in Africa where the book is being launched and according to Amb.(Retired) Pamela Bridgewater, this is due to the special relationship the two countries have.

Also present at the launch was president of the Chamber; Mr. Joe Mensah who expressed his excitement about the book and the fact that Ghana is hosting the first Africa launch.

The book is currently on sale and you can contact AMCHAM Ghana for a copy.

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