With Donald Trump emerging as the Republican front-runner for the 2024 US presidential election, opinions on his possible return vary on the streets of Accra, Ghana. Abigail Grift, a Ghanaian student, favors President Joe Biden, citing Trump's legal issues and impeachment trials. On the other hand, Samuel Ofoso sees Trump's vision for Africa positively, emphasizing his contributions to infrastructure projects and political relations during his previous term.
However,
Etse Sikanku, a senior lecturer at Accra's University of Media, Arts, and
Communication, expresses concerns about Trump's potential return due to his
isolationist policies and lack of respect for the continent. Sikanku highlights
Biden's global approach and cooperation stance, contrasting it with Trump's
alleged derogatory comments about certain African countries in 2018.
Analysts
Priyal Singh and Daniel Silke offer perspectives on the potential impacts of
Trump's re-election. Singh predicts a regression to earlier US foreign policy
under Trump, potentially weakening the global multilateral system, which may
not be beneficial for African countries. Silke, however, believes that US
geostrategy and diplomatic efforts in Africa would persist, regardless of the
election outcome.
As
Donald Trump emerges as a leading candidate for the 2024 US presidential
election, sentiments in Ghana diverge on the potential outcomes for Africa.
Abigail Grift, a Ghanaian student, voices a preference for President Joe Biden,
citing legal troubles and impeachment trials surrounding Trump. Conversely,
Samuel Ofoso sees Trump's impact on Africa favorably, highlighting
contributions to infrastructure and diplomatic relations.
However,
concerns raised by Etse Sikanku, a senior lecturer in Accra, focus on Trump's
isolationist ideology and perceived disrespect towards the continent. Sikanku
contrasts this with Biden's global and cooperative approach. Trump's alleged
derogatory remarks about certain African countries in 2018 also factor into
Sikanku's apprehensions.
Analysts Priyal Singh and Daniel Silke offer differing views on the potential consequences of Trump's return. Singh predicts a potential regression to earlier foreign policy under Trump, potentially weakening global multilateral systems, which may not bode well for African nations. Silke, however, suggests continuity in US geostrategy and diplomatic efforts in Africa, irrespective of the election outcome.
Silke underscores the lasting influence of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), providing tariff-free access to US markets for eligible African countries. He emphasizes the US's role in security cooperation against insurgencies in Africa, highlighting its significance.
Charles Martin-Shields, a senior researcher, anticipates Trump's focus on domestic policy and migration, particularly at the Mexican border, potentially neglecting climate change. This could impact African countries, given Biden's current emphasis on climate change measures and responsibility for historical CO2 emissions.
In
the end, while opinions in Ghana vary, the potential re-election of Trump
raises questions about the future direction of US-Africa relations, influencing
matters ranging from trade and security to climate change policies."