General News of Thursday, 15 May 2014

Source: GNA

No evidence of Boko Haram in Ghana - US

The US says its intelligence has not noticed any evidence of Nigeria’s terrorist group; Boko Haram, activities in Ghana.

Following nearly 300 Nigerian schools girls kidnapped on April 14 by the terrorist group, there are concerns that their activities might spread to Ghana, but, the US government allayed those concerns, saying, “It has not seen any evidence of Boko Haram.”

Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at a news briefing on Wednesday that the US is working closely with Ghanaian authorities to develop a regional strategy to address the issue.

A group of more than 40 eminent individuals from around the world have called for a global effort to free the kidnapped girls.

The Assistant Secretary said the US is in serious talks with Nigerian authorities and African leaders to rescue the girls.

Thomas-Greenfield also said her country would continue to work closely with Ghana to boost economic development, build capacity and create job opportunities for the people to enhance living conditions.

She commended Ghana for maintaining political stability and enhancing democracy over the years in the sub region.

She assured of US continual commitment to support growing democracies, as well as those with fundamental problems.

Highlighting on lasting peace in Africa, Thomas-Greenfield said the US is committed to pursuing peace, prosperity and growth on the continent.

The news briefing discussed US Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan and to