US President Barack Obama will address Members of Parliament at the Conference Centre, Saturday afternoon.He is to unveil his special policy statement on Africa.
The conference centre as expected is illuminated with shades of all political and social opinions.Ex- Presidents Kufuor and Rawlings are seated in anticipation of the policy statement.Detail of what happens are as follows;12:15 Presidents Obama and Mills walk into the conference room amidst applause from dignitaries.12:17 National Anthems of the two countries are played 12:23 Speaker of Parliament, Joyce Bamford Addo welcomes President Obama and all other dignitaries.12:30 President Mills mounts the dais and formally welcomes the US President and family to Ghana.He thanks the US President for choosing Ghana as his first destination in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He spells out Ghana's dream of building a resilient economy and pledges the new oil find in Ghana will be used judiciously in building the economy.He charges the US President and the International Community to make good their pledges to third world countries.He is sure Africa will employ its imaginative means to solve the teething challenges that confront the continent.Mr. President Akwaba, Akwaba, Akwaba he says.12:39 Speaker thanks President Mills and invites President Obama onto the dais.12:40 Obama takes to the dais in an infectious smile and greets the dignitaries and begins his speech
.The vision of the world would be shaped not only by the things that happen in Rome, but what happens in Accra as well, he says.He calls for mutual respect from all countries in the world.He admits there has been considerable progress made but much more still remains to be done.He lauds Ghana for a peaceful transition even in a closely fought elections, adding minority deserves as much praise as the majority.It is a new moment of great promise but will not be fought by old giants like Nkrumah, Kenyatta, but by new breed of African leaders.
He calls for good governance by Africa.He spells out four main tenets which African leaders must aspire to;(i) Democracy(ii)Opportunity(iii) Health(iv) PeaceDemocracy Africa doesn't need strong men; It needs strong institutions.Opportunity With better governance by African leaders, there is strong opportunity for partnership with the US.We will put more resources into the hands of those who need it, Obama promises, adding the $3.5 billion food initiative is in line to ensuring more partnership between developed and developing countries.
Public Health Too many people die of diseases which should'nt kill them.Obama promises to continue ex-President Bush's $63 billion to pursue the goal of ending deaths from polio, AIDS and other minor diseases in Africa.Conflicts Conflicts has become too akin to Africa.Diversity should not be the source of conflict but rather to uniteStrife for peace which is necessary for development.Welcomed steps by AU, ECOWAS to bring the peace needed in AfricaCharges Ghana to lead the fight for continental peace.To the youth of Ghana, Obama says the world is what you make of it.
He charges them to hold their leaders accountable for their actions.1:14 Obama ends his address and takes his seat amidst a thunderous applause from dignitaries.1:15 Speaker thanks Barack Obama for his policy statement.1:17 Anthems for the two nations are played as Obama exchanges pleasantries with the MPs and dignitaries present.1:20 Obama departs the hall of the International Conference Centre.
