The new U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson, has officially presented his credentials to President John Mahama, marking the commencement of his duties in Accra. The ceremony took place at Flagstaff House on February 3.
During the event, Ambassador Jackson expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the strong partnership between the United States and Ghana in areas such as democracy, prosperity, security, and health. He reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to strengthening these ties further.
"In looking at prosperity and economic growth, it’s clear that addressing the energy issues through Power Africa and the Millennium Challenge Compact will take us a long way," he said. "In addition, I believe that our investments in agriculture and our partnership in education will also ensure that we can build opportunities for Ghanaian youth."
Ambassador Jackson highlighted ongoing collaborations with Ghana on armed forces training and programs targeting HIV/AIDS, malaria, nutrition, food security, terrorism, and trafficking.
He also noted the significance of upcoming elections in both countries: "This is a unique year for our democracies. In November, your country will vote. Twenty-four hours later, my country will go to the polls. And in both cases, I’m confident that we will continue the tradition of peaceful, credible elections." He stressed that "the United States’ interest is only in the credibility of the election" while supporting efforts by Ghana's Electoral Commission and civil society.
Reflecting on President Obama's visit to Ghana in 2008, Ambassador Jackson concluded with a reminder: “We believe...that our successes are mutually tied and our partnership is indispensable.”
Before his appointment as ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs from 2013 to 2015 and was previously U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon from 2010 to 2013.
His extensive diplomatic career includes assignments as Deputy Chief of Mission in Morocco and Senegal; Political/Economic Counselor in Cote d’Ivoire; Political-Military Officer in Portugal; Chief of Political Section in Zimbabwe; Political/Economic Officer in Burundi; Consular/Economic Officer in Canada; Director of Human Rights Promotion Office; Country Officer for Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria; Coordinator of Entry-Level Officer Training Program; Deputy Director at Foreign Service Institute.
Ambassador Jackson arrived with his wife Babs. Before joining foreign service in 1982 he taught languages at Institute Montana Switzerland and University Clermont-Ferrand France. His academic credentials include degrees from National Defense University George Washington University Bowdoin College where he studied government legal studies international affairs national resource strategy French Portuguese fluency completes profile seasoned diplomat ready serve interests America abroad.