The United States established diplomatic relations with Ghana in 1957 following its independence from the United Kingdom. The United States and Ghana share a long history promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Ghana has set an example for countries throughout Africa in promoting governance and regional stability.

The U.S. and Ghanaian militaries have cooperated in numerous joint training exercises through U.S. Africa Command, and there is a bilateral International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, a Foreign Military Financing program, as well as numerous humanitarian affairs projects. Ghana continues to participate in the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program, in which the U.S. facilitates the development of an interoperable peacekeeping capacity among African nations. Ghana also enjoys a relationship with the North Dakota National Guard, under the auspices of the State Partnership Program.

Through the U.S. International Visitor Program, Ghanaian parliamentarians and other government officials have become acquainted with U.S. congressional and state legislative practices and have participated in programs designed to address other issues of interest. Youth exchanges and study abroad programs are also robust and growing between U.S. and Ghanaian universities and NGOs. At the U.S. state level, the State Partnership Program aims to promote greater economic ties between Ghana and U.S. institutions, including the National Guard.

The United States has enjoyed good relations with Ghana at a nonofficial, people-to-people level since Ghana's independence. Thousands of Ghanaians have been educated in the United States. Close relations are maintained between educational and scientific institutions, and cultural links are strong, particularly between Ghanaians and African-Americans.