I’m getting ready to leave Ghana' - US Ambassador Virgina Palmer reveals ending her tour of duty

United States Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, is preparing to leave Ghana.

She has completed her three-year tour of duty. It is unclear what her next assignment will be at the Department of State.

Before becoming ambassador in April 2022, she served as acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources. In that role, she managed U.S. foreign policy on energy and climate issues.

From 2015 to 2019, she was the U.S. Ambassador to Malawi. There, she oversaw a bilateral assistance budget exceeding $500 million.

Palmer also worked as Deputy Chief of Mission in South Africa from 2011 to 2014. She managed the efforts of 28 U.S. government agencies during that time.

In Vietnam from 2008 to 2011, she promoted trade initiatives and dioxin remediation efforts related to Agent Orange.

From 2005 to 2008, Palmer was the Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the State Department. She focused on terrorist finance and strengthening partner nations' capabilities against terrorism.

Her career includes assignments in Kenya, Canada, Zimbabwe, China, and Hong Kong. She worked on political-military affairs and human rights issues throughout these postings.

In an interview with Luv FM in Kumasi, Palmer expressed sadness about leaving Ghana. She stated her deep respect for the country’s tolerance and interfaith relations.

Palmer noted that Ghana's vibrant inter-ethnic relations contribute to its stability and prosperity.

Recently, discussions about U.S.-Ghana relations intensified due to President Trump's tariffs on imports from various countries.

Despite these changes in trade relations, Palmer emphasized Ghana's importance as a U.S. ally.

She stated that the United States supports Ghana's economic recovery through institutions like the World Bank and IMF.

Palmer hinted at an upcoming trade mission but did not provide details about it yet.