US Envoy Calls on Ga Mantse

The Ga Mantse welcoming Ray Mabus to his palace. Looking on is the US Ambassador to Ghana Donald Teitelbaum

Posted on: www.dailyguideghana.com

By William Yaw Owusu

Tuesday June 7, 2011.
Raymond Edwin Mabus Jr. aka Ray Mabus, Secretary of the US Navy on Thursday paid a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tawiah III at his palace in Accra.

He was accompanied by the US Ambassador to Ghana, Donald Teitelbaum and other top US naval officers who are on tour with Mr. Mabus.

The Secretary was in the country on a two-day visit as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties between the US and Ghana.

Earlier, he called on the Presidency before visiting the overlord of the Ga State.
In his brief remarks, Mr. Mabus underscored the need for the government of Ghana to take the necessary steps to protect its new-found oil.

“Protecting the oil is crucial. We have had a lot of experience in the US and on our territorial waters but we have put in practical steps to deal with the issues that come with them.”

He said the Ghanaian government should collaborate with all stakeholders to make sure the oil boom benefits the people and promised the US’ commitment to help build the capacity of the Ghana Navy to be able to protect the oil.

Mr. Mabus also asked government to devise long term plans to cater for any eventual oil spillage.

He praised the people of Ghana for always pursuing peace and stability and positioning the country as a leader on the African continent saying “everyone whom I have known that has visited Ghana says Ghana is a special place and they encourage me to visit.”

The Secretary also commended the Ga Mantse for his leadership role in the country’s development.

Welcoming them, Mantse Nii Tackie Tawiah III reiterated the need for both the US and Ghana to continue to strengthen their diplomatic ties and work for their common interests.

“In just a few years we have had three American presidents visiting Ghana and it goes to show the level of cooperation between the two nations. We had the respectable Clinton, amiable Bush and our own Obama, all coming to see things for themselves.”

Ray Mabus is the 75th US Secretary of the Navy. He served as the 60th Governor of the US State of Mississippi from 1988 to 1992 and served as US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1994 to 1996.