Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing on Yates for Ghana Post

(She says economic growth would top her ambassadorial agenda)

Washington—Mary Carlin Yates, nominated as ambassador to Ghana, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee November 14 that if confirmed, her primary mandates will include "democratic consolidation and sustained economic growth."

With a bachelor's degree from Oregon State University, and a masters from New York University in Asian Studies, Yates felt her passion would always be Asia but after meeting her husband John Yates, an Africanist, "I took a turn towards Africa," she said.

A 22-year member of the Foreign Service and former ambassador to Burundi, Yates praised Ghana's "stable government and commitment to democracy," calling it "one of Africa's democratic success stories and a model for the continent." She said "Americans can be proud of the role our government played in fostering the conditions in Ghana for democratic success," and that the United States will "continue to play that role" during her tenure, which will include a December 2004 presidential election in Ghana.

African Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Senator Russ Feingold and future Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Richard Lugar asked questions ranging across treatment of Muslims in Ghana, the country's National Reconciliation Commission, its progress in fighting corruption, and combating HIV/AIDS.

Following September 11, 2001 the U.S. Embassy in Ghana put together an outreach seminar in November where Muslims and government officials in the country could meet together to address concerns. Muslims felt they had been "ignored and marginalized" by their own government and that of the U.S., explained Yates. The embassy has looked at the finances of its "self-help initiative" to possibly include more Muslim groups among those that are receiving aid. "I will make every effort to continue this outreach," she said of the initiative.

Yates enlightened the chairmen about President Kufuor's National Reconciliation Commission to investigate the human rights abuses of former governments. "So far they have made progress to advance human rights and free press," she said. Ghana, using South Africa as an example for its commission, developed a plan that was inaugurated in the summer of 2002. Yates noted that the U.S. Embassy must "keep an eye as a watch dog to make sure [the plan] is not a hunt."

An assessment was requested by the chairmen of the progress made in Ghana against corruption and how the U.S. can help in this effort. "Ghana has to turn around the corruption issue in the country if they are going to continue to grow the economy," commented Yates. A zero tolerance policy for corruption within the administration of Ghana was adapted by President Kufuor and a code of conduct has been written but has yet to be signed by the President. The U.S. Embassy has also been providing technology to areas throughout the country, so that first-hand accounts of corruption can be recorded, relayed, and dealt with effectively, she said.

Yates made several references to the importance of her work in public diplomacy, which would help her in being an advocate for Ghana and the United States. "I am passionate on the question of HIV/AIDS," she said of her work and advocacy as ambassador in Burundi. Yates explained that Ghana was slated by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to receive drugs to help combat HIV/AIDS. Programs are being started in poor and rural sites in eastern Ghana where medicines will be made available to citizens. She spoke about a "safeguard" for the project being a means of implementation of the program and a way to monitor it. Yates looks forward to advocating the project.

Senator Lugar asked what the U.S. might be able to accomplish in Ghana and how Yates would be able to follow through on such efforts. She said that the country has consistently been seen as a model by the U.S. for the future of other African nations. Ghana has a very low percentage of HIV/AIDS cases, which makes it a perfect candidate for the USAID pilot program.

"I hope we can move from this pilot project to others all over Ghana," she said, adding that she hopes to continue to use Ghana as a vehicle to help other countries emulate the progress and advancements it has made in human rights, free press, and developing its economy and opening markets through the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA).

"I hope to convince more Americans about the importance of foreign policy, because the world is too small, as was sadly proven on September 11, and we have to have a better understanding of the world we live in," commented Yates in response to a question about her role and background in public diplomacy.

Yates awaits the Foreign Relations Committee's decision on her nomination. Senator Lugar questioned if she was ready to serve promptly if she was appointed to the post, to which she replied, "I hope I'm going to have a Christmas party at my house in Ghana."

(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)