From George Naykene, GNA Special Correspondent, Stuttgart, Germany

By Courtesy of US Government

Germany, Feb. 24, GNA - General William E. Ward, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) based in Stuttgart, Germany, has said the Command would continue to work closely with the navies of African countries and would not taken over any African country. He said the United States will not establish a military base in Ghana neither is there any intention to hijack Ghana's oil and natural resources for the sole benefit of the USA.

These were contained in a presentation made on his behalf at a briefing at the AFRICOM Headquarters on Monday.

Gen Ward said the increasing suspicion of AFRICOM activities in Africa as a "cover-up" for negative American activities were unjustified. "Our activities are transparent and most African armies request for support from AFRICOM for joint naval training and various other forms of support and we willingly provide them.

He said it was efficient, cost effective to maintain the current AFRICOM in Stuttgart instead of establishing new military bases in other parts of Africa which will be expensive.

Gen Ward said the United States saw peace and security as critical ingredients for national development and urged African navies to work closely together to safeguard their maritime interests. He said the USA, through AFRICOM, will assist African nations to use their navies to protect their interests and overcome their numerous challenges. 24 Feb 10