You will be sorely missed - Akufo-Addo bids farewell to US Ambassador Virginia Palmer

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo thanked U.S. Ambassador Virginia E. Palmer. She is concluding her three-year mission in Ghana.

In a Facebook statement, the former President praised her efforts. He called her “an effective force of cohesion” for Ghana-U.S. relations.

Ambassador Palmer visited the former president at his Nima residence on May 26, 2025. This visit marked the end of her tenure in Ghana.

During her time, she focused on security cooperation and economic development. She also worked on strengthening democratic governance between the two countries.

The Gbese Traditional Council honored her for promoting peace during Ghana's 2024 elections. This recognition highlighted her commitment to democracy in Ghana.

Before coming to Ghana, Ambassador Palmer held key positions elsewhere. She was U.S. Ambassador to Malawi and Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources.

Her diplomatic experience includes postings in South Africa, Vietnam, Kenya, Canada, Zimbabwe, China, and Hong Kong.

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

Ambassador Palmer noted that she has served 40 years in Foreign Service. Over 20 of those years were spent in Africa.

She praised Ghana's vibrant interfaith and inter-ethnic relations as sources of stability and prosperity.

As she prepares to leave, she reaffirmed the strong partnership between Ghana and the U.S. She emphasized continued American support for Ghana's economic recovery and democratic institutions.

Ambassador Palmer hinted at an upcoming trade mission to strengthen economic ties between both nations.