Washington, D.C. — United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has cancelled her scheduled trip to Ghana this week to stay in Washington to focus on Middle East issues.
Rice was due to travel to Accra to address the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum, but instead now will address the forum via video link, Department of State spokesperson Sean McCormack said at a press briefing Monday.
When McCormack was asked whether Rice cancelling her trip to Ghana would be viewed as a snub, McCormack said that Rice is “committed” to Africa.
“This Administration's commitment to Africa and helping Africa develop in its own way while assisting the people of Africa with some of the challenges that they face is really unquestioned,” McCormack said.
“I think if you look at the amount of assistance and effort that this Administration has devoted to Africa I think it is unparalleled.”
Rice has made only two short trips to Africa during her time as Secretary of State.
McCormack added that Rice is planning on taking a longer trip to Africa in the near future.