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US President Bush to arrive in Ghana next Tuesday
Accra, Feb. 13, Ghanadot/GNA - United States (US) President
George W. Bush arrives in Ghana on Tuesday, February 19, as
part of his one-week five-nation African tour.
Accompanied by the First Lady, Laura, and a large delegation
of American business executives, he would spend two nights
in the country and depart on February 21.
This is the second time in 10 years that Ghana would be
privileged to play host to an American President.
Former President Bill Clinton visited in 1998.
Mr Akwasi Osei-Adjei, Minister of Foreign Affairs, told a
press briefing in Accra on Wednesday that President Bush
would be making a major policy statement in Accra after
bilateral meeting with President John Agyekum Kufuor at the
Castle, Osu.
Promoting free trade, economic opportunities and opening of
investments would take centre stage in the discussions
between the two leaders.
He specifically mentioned the Millennium Challenge Account
(MCA), African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), the
African Education Initiative and the Emergency Plan for AIDS
Relief, which had enabled about 0ne billion Africans to get
antiretroviral treatment for AIDS.
Mr Osei-Adjei said the two Presidents additionally would
look at areas of common international interest.
The Minister said the visit was a test of true partnership
and shared values of Ghana and the US, which are enjoying
excellent relationship under the leadership of President
Kufuor and President Bush.
US development assistance to Ghana in 2007 totalled more
than 55.1 million dollars with programmes in small farmer
competitiveness, health including maternal and child health,
education, democracy and governance.
Ghana's 547-million-dollar compact with the Millennium
Challenge Corporation is the most recent achievement in the
US-Ghanaian development partnership.
Benin, Liberia, Tanzania and Rwanda are the other countries
President Bush would be visiting.
Meanwhile, all is set for President Kufuor to deliver his
eighth and last State of the Nation address to Parliament on
Thursday, February 14.
His Press Secretary, Mr Andrew Awuni, said the President
would have a lot to share with the nation after seven years
of leadership inspired by the philosophy of development in
freedom with emphasis on the rule of law and good
governance.
He said the address among other things would highlight the
healthy state of the country's economy, outline continued
efforts at strengthening the purchasing power of the people
and interventions to improve the competitiveness of the
productive sectors of the economy including energy, roads
and rail network.
President Kufuor would also renew his call for smooth
electioneering campaign by all the political parties as the
nation gets ready for the December election.
The address would bring to light how the President's vision
for a humane and prosperous nation has been executed in the
past seven years, Mr Awuni said.
GNA
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