The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Ghana’s agency responsible for implementing Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) programs, has pledged its full support for the Trump Administration’s renewed focus on leveraging the MCC to advance America’s strategic interests.
This endorsement came as the MCC Board of Directors met in Washington to select new partner countries, evaluate its global portfolio, and affirm its results-driven development model.
“MCC is an important tool to advance President Trump’s America First foreign policy agenda,” said Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State and acting chair of the MCC Board. “With a focus on return on investment, an evidence-based approach, and a strict five-year implementation timeline, MCC ensures U.S. taxpayer dollars advance U.S. interests.”
Speaking in his response to MCC’s press release, MiDA’s Chief Executive welcomed the direction laid out by MCC leadership, stating that Ghana is ready to align its implementation strategy with MCC’s core principles.
“MiDA will implement MCC projects that focus on return on investment, an evidence-based approach, and a strict five-year implementation timeline,” he emphasized, pledging Ghana’s continued commitment to the partnership.
This renewed engagement comes after a setback in 2019, when Ghana was poised to receive $190 million under the second tranche of the MCC Power Compact.
The funds, earmarked for infrastructure upgrades and recovery of the country’s energy sector, were suspended due to the collapse of a 20-year concession agreement with Power Distribution Services (PDS).
The agreement, which was intended to bring private sector participation into the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), was deemed non-credible by the U.S. government.
MiDA played a central role in the rollout of the Power Compact and was tasked with overseeing the transition. The suspension was a major blow to Ghana’s reform agenda in the energy sector, particularly under former President John Mahama, who championed the privatization of electricity distribution.
With current calls for renewed collaboration, MiDA is hopeful that a fresh engagement with MCC can unlock new opportunities for reform. “We believe the foundations laid under the Power Compact still hold value,” MiDA Boss noted. “Ghana remains committed to transparency, private sector involvement, and delivering results that align with MCC’s standards.”
As MCC reaffirms its commitment to rigorous, time-bound development, MiDA is positioning itself as a reliable partner capable of meeting the high expectations set by the U.S. agency—both for the benefit of Ghana and in service of advancing U.S. strategic priorities abroad.
Source: Benjamin SEKYERE Owusu – Head, MiDA Corporate Affairs
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
