The new US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson, has reiterated the commitment of his county to ensure that this year’s elections are credible.

According to him, the US is ready to work with the Electoral Commission and civil society in supporting the elections, which are highly likely to be held on November 7.

Mr Jackson made these remarks on Wednesday, February 3, when he presented his credentials to President John Dramani Mahama, marking the official start of his duties in Accra.

The new ambassador, who has worked in African countries such as Morocco, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, Burundi and Cameroon, recalled President Barack Obama’s theme from his 2009 visit.

“We believe, as the president of the United States said, that our successes are mutually tied and our partnership is indispensable.”

But he underscored the importance of 2016 in the lives of the two nations.

“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 told President Mahama.

“I feel that it’s worth restating that the United States’ interest is only in the credibility of the election. It’s up to the people of Ghana to decide their future. We look forward to working with the Electoral Commission and civil society to assist in supporting those elections.”

Mr Jackson thanked President Mahama for the warm welcome to Ghana, pointing out that the partnership between the two nations are in four key areas —democracy, prosperity, security and health.

He expressed the US commitment to deepening that partnership 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. 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.”