The United States Embassy in Accra has welcomed Pam DeVolder as its new Public Affairs Officer, bringing to Ghana a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in public diplomacy, cultural affairs, political engagement and economic relations.
Ms. DeVolder has served in a number of diplomatic assignments across Europe, Asia and Africa, building a career focused on strengthening engagement between the United States and communities in countries where she has served.
Before her new assignment in Ghana, she served as Cultural Affairs Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in London from 2023 to 2026. Prior to that, she was Counsellor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 2019 to 2023.
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Her experience includes public affairs, strategic communication, cultural programming, media engagement and people-to-people diplomacy.
At a welcome reception in Accra, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Rolf Olson, said Ms. DeVolder brings significant public diplomacy experience to the mission.
He underscored the important role of the Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section, which works to strengthen understanding and people-to-people connections between the United States and Ghana.
The section’s activities include engagement with the media, cultural programmes, educational and academic exchanges, alumni engagement and digital communications.
These platforms, he noted, provide opportunities for the United States to engage directly with Ghanaian audiences and deepen the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
DEVOlDER LOOKS AHEAD TO GHANA ASSIGNMENT
Ms. DeVolder expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to serve in Ghana and said she was looking forward to travelling beyond Accra to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse communities, culture and development priorities.
She said engaging with people across the country would be an important part of her assignment and would enable her to better understand Ghanaian perspectives while identifying opportunities for stronger collaboration between Ghana and the United States.
Her first trip outside Accra is expected to take her to Kumasi, where she will participate in an education fair and engage with university partners and other stakeholders.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity to explore areas of cooperation in education and strengthen connections between Ghanaian institutions and American partners.
FOCUS ON EDUCATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY
Ms. DeVolder also highlighted education, entrepreneurship, science and technology as important areas for deepening Ghana-U.S. relations.
She indicated that people-to-people connections, particularly involving students, academics, entrepreneurs and innovators, can contribute significantly to the relationship between the two countries.
Through educational exchanges and engagement with universities, the U.S. Embassy continues to support opportunities for Ghanaian and American institutions and individuals to connect, share knowledge and develop partnerships.
The emphasis on entrepreneurship, science and technology also reflects the growing importance of innovation and skills development in addressing economic and social challenges.
70 YEARS OF GHANA-U.S. DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
Ms. DeVolder’s arrival comes as Ghana and the United States prepare to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.
The milestone will provide an opportunity for both countries to reflect on seven decades of bilateral engagement and cooperation across areas including diplomacy, trade, education, health, security, culture and development.
As the two countries approach the anniversary, public diplomacy is expected to remain an important avenue for strengthening the relationship through greater engagement with citizens, the media, educational institutions, cultural organisations and other stakeholders.
Ms. DeVolder’s appointment therefore comes at a significant period in Ghana-U.S. relations, with opportunities to further expand public engagement and people-to-people connections as the two countries prepare to mark seven decades of diplomatic ties.
