Above: While the history of the moment was lost on no
one and Mr. Obama bathed in the rapturous welcome, he also
delivered a strong and at times even stern message.
(Photo: Saul Loeb/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images)
NYT
By PETER BAKER
Published: July 11, 2009
CAPE COAST, Ghana — President Obama traveled in his father’s often-troubled home continent on Saturday as a potent symbol of a new political era but also as a messenger with a tough-love theme: American aid must be matched by Africa’s responsibility for its own problems. “We must start from the simple premise that Africa’s future is up to Africans,” Mr. Obama said in an address to Parliament in the capital, Accra, that was televised across the continent. Read More.
Video: Obama on Africa’s Role as Global Partner EUX.TV
WATCH: Obama Visits Historic Slave Trading Site In Ghana
Obama’s Ghana Trip Sends Message Across Africa (Video)
Story Highlights
-People in Ghana wearing Obama clothing ahead of U.S. President’s visit
-Obama has singled Ghana out for praise over its democratic commitment
-Some in other countries view Obama’s Ghana visit as a snub to them
Obama And Africa (NBC First Read)
The president later heads to Ghana today, and that trip also will carry plenty of symbolic significance — and could demonstrate why Obama has the opportunity to do something in Africa that just isn’t about throwing money at the challenges that continent faces. In fact, at his press conference this morning, Obama told a personal story about his family struggles in Kenya. He mentioned that he still has relatives living in poverty there. And he stressed that Africa’s problems didn’t have to do with history or colonialism — but were instead a result of the governmental problems there. “The telling point is when my father traveled to the United States from Kenya to study … the per capita income of Kenya was higher than South Korea’s,” he said, per the AP. He also said people in Kenya can’t find a job without paying a bribe; that’s not the fault of the G8. “If you talk to people on the ground in Africa, certainly in Kenya… they will say that part of the issue is that the institutions are not working for ordinary people,” he said. So when Obama says these governments needs to stop blaming the West or stop blaming history, Africa really might listen to Obama.
“So when Obama says these governments needs to stop blaming the West or stop blaming history, Africa really might listen to Obama.”
Africa has no one to blame for its rises and falls except for itself. Ghana is the perfect example of this. Ghana is a nation whose exceptional management and leadership are attributed to its new head of state, Prof Atta Mills. However, behind every great man there is a great spiritual advisor. Atta Mills has that in the person of T.B. Joshua. T.B. Joshua not only accurately predicted his rise to the throne, but his continued involvement in the maturing and development of the country since Atta Mills reign is a sure sign that God is with them. His input must not go unrecognized by America’s illustrious leader.
Obama always calls it the way he sees it. He should tell African leaders: No more corupption, no more setaling elections and no more illigal power grab. If you want to rule, then do it with the consent and truthful vote of the people. Ghana is a becon of Hope for Africa, when it come to building democracy!
I’m glad that he did go to Africa (Ghana) but still feel that he should have visited is father’s home out of respect. And to Nigeria since it is the most populace African country.
I think the main reason why the American President chose to visit Ghana is because of its democracy and free election. They wants to emphasize that. Most countries in Africa are corrupt, specially Nigeria.