Accra, May 24, GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Thursday opened a new US Embassy office in Accra, which would provide safe and secure haven for the various sections and agencies of the Mission, scattered in eight locations in the Metropolis.

The fortified office estimated at 100 million- dollars and being guarded by US marines would provide consular services, state-of-the-art Information Centre, a library with high speed Internet connection, among other services.

Vice President Mahama said the opening of the edifice was timely since it coincided with Ghana's 50th independence anniversary celebrations and 50 years of fruitful relations with the world super power.

He acknowledged the economic and technical support the US had extended to the country, which, he said, had made Ghana, one of the largest recipients of American aid in West Africa, citing the 547 million-dollar Millennium Challenge Account as an example. Vice President Mahama heaped praises on Ms. Pamela Bridgewater, the US Ambassador, for being at the forefront of the warm bilateral relations.

Ms. Bridgewater described the ceremony as a special moment for the staff of the Embassy, who were waiting for the day in great anticipation.

"Our new Embassy is much more than bricks, mortar and marble...Nothing will bear greater ties to the country and people of Ghana than this safe, secure, modern, beautiful facility. It is a visible symbol of the friendship we enjoy and our commitment to a brighter and better future for all Ghanaians.

Ms Bridgewater said the Embassy had lined up activities that would include the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Morgan State Choir and US speakers like Dr Josie Bass to wrap up a two-week programme on Gender Issues and Leadership as part of the Ghana's Jubilee celebrations.

She said the Embassy had chosen the theme: " Ghana-US @ 50: Looking Back, Moving Forward," for the year-long jubilee celebration.