Obama Says Visit to Africa Particularly Meaningful to him

By Charles Corey

Washington - Capping his historic visit to Ghana, President Obama told the Ghanaian people his visit to their country had been "particularly meaningful" and that Ghana sends a message to the world: "Democracy can thrive in Africa."

Speaking at Kotoka International Airport in Accra before leaving, Obama said he had a chance to discuss not only the future of Ghana but the future of Africa with Ghanaian President John Atta Mills, who also spoke and was there to bid farewell to the U.S. president.

"I have spoken to the parliament here in Ghana about America's commitment to supporting democracy and development," Obama told those gathered to see him off. Obama then fondly recalled his visit to La General Hospital for a visit with women and children who are getting the health care they need.

Additionally, he mentioned his tour of Cape Coast Castle with his family. It was "a place for centuries where men, women and children of this nation and surrounding areas were sold into slavery."

"I will never forget the image of my two young daughters, the descendants of Africans and African-Americans, walking through those doors of no return but then walking back (through) those doors. ... It was a remarkable reminder that while the future is unknowable, the winds always blow in the direction of human progress."

Obama told the Ghanaian people that "at each point of our visit here, I was reminded of the enduring bond between our nations. The men and women taken from this nation helped to build my own. Today, many of our leading citizens trace their roots to these shores. Your first president attended a university in the United States, as did your current one."

Obama also praised the Peace Corps volunteers who were present. Ghana was the first nation that hosted such volunteers.

Great civil rights leaders in the United States like Martin Luther King, he said, "looked to the independence movement here in Ghana and asked themselves, 'If Africans can live freely in Africa, why can't African-Americans live freely in America?'"

Today, Obama told the Ghanaian people, "both our nations are diverse and vibrant democracies. Here in Ghana many different ethnic groups speak many languages but have found a way to live and work together in peace. People here can speak freely and worship freely. You have a robust civil society, fair elections and free press, a growing market economy and a sense of energy and optimism."

For those reasons, Obama said, "we in America are proud of our partnership with Ghana. Together we work to advance education and fight poverty. We have made real and measurable strides in fighting diseases from malaria to tuberculosis to polio and neglected tropical diseases. This is a partnership we intend to continue," and the partnership is based on shared interests and shared ideals forged in "struggles for independence."

In closing, he said, it is "up to each of us," not just the people of Ghana but those in the rest of Africa as well, to uphold the principles of democracy. "America wants to partner with the people and nations of Africa, but we all know that the future of Africa is in the hands of Africa."

Speaking to the young people of Africa, he said, "The world is what you make it. You have the power to hold your leaders accountable and to build institutions to serve the people."

He pledged: "If you seize this opportunity, if you take responsibility for your future, America will be with you every step of the way as a partner and as a friend."

(This is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://www.america.gov)