Tonight, US President Barack Hussein Obama will touch the soil of Ghana to a warm proverbial Ghanaian hospitality to begin his two-day historic visit to the country.
President Obama’s visit will be the third time within 11 years that Ghana is playing host to a sitting American President after former President Bill Clinton’s visit on March 23, 1998 and Mr George Walker Bush on February 19-21, 2008.
Indeed, the whole country is in a joyous mood as it awaits the safe arrival of one of her own — The First African-American President — to land on our soil to begin his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges all Ghanaians, wherever they find themselves, to join in this historic celebration for our august brother and his entourage, because it will be worth every energy spent.
Some people have questioned the rationale behind the euphoria that has greeted the Obama visit in view of the fact that President Obama himself faces equally daunting challenges in his own country.
But for us in Ghana, we must have many reasons to celebrate. Indeed, President Obama — while explaining the rationale behind his choice of Ghana, mentioned that Ghana had conducted a couple of successful elections in which power was transferred peacefully and the country was also committed to the rule of law. He explained that this kind of democratic commitment ensured stability.
Last year, Ghanaians stunned the world by going through peaceful elections which culminated in a change of government even with a very slim margin. President Obama’s visit to Ghana is, therefore, an endorsement of our commitment to the building of democratic tenets. Indeed, it signifies that Ghana is on the right path to progress.
Our elders say that “wofro dua pa a, na yepia wo” to wit, if you pursue a good cause you are supported. Ghana can beat its chest and proudly say that it is on course and, therefore, it is not out of place that we are receiving numerous encouragement and praises from the comity of nations.
With this goodwill, there is a lot of promise for Ghana if she focuses on the tenets of democracy, good governance, transparency and accountability.
Through this visit, Ghana must be empowered to use her leadership position to champion democracy and justice on the African continent. Ghana’s progress in human rights is commendable, but it will have little meaning if left as an isolated example. Ghana must, therefore, work to promote what it practises at home in other African countries.
President Obama will have a chance in Ghana to show his support for a country that is doing well and to encourage Ghana to provide a strong leadership on issues of democracy and human rights.
In the wider context, Ghana must use its seat on the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to strengthen global human rights mechanisms while endeavouring to make clear its commitment to genuine free, fair and transparent elections on the continent.
Very soon, a lot of focus will again be on Ghana when she starts drilling oil in commercial quantities. The international community will be looking to Ghana to score another first to become the economic giant of Africa, where, unlike other African countries, the oil find will become a blessing rather than a curse.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges President J.E.A. Mills and the entire people of Ghana to take advantage of the visit to seal new deals and pacts that will help Ghana to attain her development aspirations.
With one accord we welcome President Obama with the typical Ghanaian warmth and hospitality. Let us give our brother a big welcome. You’re welcome Barack Obama. “Akwaaba”, “Woezor”, “Amaraaba”. “Sanda Zuwa” , “Wo mli helebo atuu”.
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