Ghanaians beat drum for Obama, hail 'change' call

Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:10pm BST
 
Email | Print | | Single Page
[-] Text [+]

* Ghanaians hail Obama but few get sight of him * Jubilant welcome for first black U.S. President

* Ghana should use visit to attract investment

By Daniel Magnowski and Kwasi Kpodo

ACCRA, July 11 (Reuters) - Ghanaians gave U.S President Barack Obama a jubilant welcome on his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as head of state on Saturday, hailing his achievements and his African heritage.

Accra residents applauded the message from America's first black president that Africa must take responsibility for solving its own problems, though tight security and roadblocks meant few were able to catch sight of him.

Radio stations played a selection of laid-back reggae grooves with vocalists lionising Obama as the first black man to sit in the White House, and imploring him to pay renewed attention to the continent of his father's birth.

On the streets, drummers in bright yellow T-shirts showing the faces of Obama and Ghana's President John Atta Mills celebrated "a partnership for change," while some who heard Obama's speech hailed it as a "wake-up call for Africa".

Still, expectations about what the Obama administration can do for a continent riven by disease, corruption and conflict were anchored in reality.  Continued...

 

Market Update

  • UKUK
  • USUS
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • UK Most Actives

Most Popular Business News on Reuters UK

  • Articles
  • Videos