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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| African view: Shipshape for Obama? | African view: Shipshape for Obama? |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| In our series of weekly viewpoints from African journalists, Elizabeth Ohene, a former government minister in Ghana and former BBC journalist, looks forward to US President Barack Obama's visit to her country: | In our series of weekly viewpoints from African journalists, Elizabeth Ohene, a former government minister in Ghana and former BBC journalist, looks forward to US President Barack Obama's visit to her country: |
| We in Ghana are going to have our "Obama Moment" later this week. | We in Ghana are going to have our "Obama Moment" later this week. |
| Forget that talk about Ghana being the second country in Africa President Obama is visiting. We know better. | Forget that talk about Ghana being the second country in Africa President Obama is visiting. We know better. |
| Ghana is a truly admirable example of a place where governance is getting stronger, a thriving democracy Barack Obama's spokesperson Africa texts Obama before visit Africans welcome Obama | Ghana is a truly admirable example of a place where governance is getting stronger, a thriving democracy Barack Obama's spokesperson Africa texts Obama before visit Africans welcome Obama |
| That Egypt stopover does not count as a trip to Africa. He did not go there with his wife; he is coming here with Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha. | That Egypt stopover does not count as a trip to Africa. He did not go there with his wife; he is coming here with Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha. |
| And he will be going to Cape Coast, which has been given a well-deserved makeover. | And he will be going to Cape Coast, which has been given a well-deserved makeover. |
| He did not sleep in Cairo and it was obvious he was using the city only as a backdrop to make a speech to the Arab world. | He did not sleep in Cairo and it was obvious he was using the city only as a backdrop to make a speech to the Arab world. |
| True, he is making a big speech here in our parliament aimed at Africa, but this is different. | True, he is making a big speech here in our parliament aimed at Africa, but this is different. |
| He is coming to Ghana because, to borrow the words of his spokesperson: "Ghana is a truly admirable example of a place where governance is getting stronger, a thriving democracy." | He is coming to Ghana because, to borrow the words of his spokesperson: "Ghana is a truly admirable example of a place where governance is getting stronger, a thriving democracy." |
| Their words, not mine. | Their words, not mine. |
| Jealous pride | Jealous pride |
| We are the envy of the whole continent and as for our cousins the Nigerians, this is the ultimate humiliation. | We are the envy of the whole continent and as for our cousins the Nigerians, this is the ultimate humiliation. |
| I suspect the president will be begging people this week to demonstrate against his government Obama snubs Nigeria? | I suspect the president will be begging people this week to demonstrate against his government Obama snubs Nigeria? |
| They will never be able to live this one down. | They will never be able to live this one down. |
| Then there is Kenya and I ought to tread gently for there might be some raw emotions here, since there are blood claims. | Then there is Kenya and I ought to tread gently for there might be some raw emotions here, since there are blood claims. |
| So we sympathise with our Kenyan brothers and sisters, but as the White House sees it, Kenya, like Nigeria simply doesn't make the good governance grade. | So we sympathise with our Kenyan brothers and sisters, but as the White House sees it, Kenya, like Nigeria simply doesn't make the good governance grade. |
| The trip to Ghana is intentional. It is worth quoting The White House on Ghana again: | The trip to Ghana is intentional. It is worth quoting The White House on Ghana again: |
| "An extraordinarily close election, decided ultimately by about 40,000 votes, the country remained peaceful, power was transferred peacefully, and they continue to pursue a development agenda and bolster the rule of law." | "An extraordinarily close election, decided ultimately by about 40,000 votes, the country remained peaceful, power was transferred peacefully, and they continue to pursue a development agenda and bolster the rule of law." |
| The Americans probably are aware many in Africa have wondered aloud that a sitting government could not find 40,000 votes to stay in power. | The Americans probably are aware many in Africa have wondered aloud that a sitting government could not find 40,000 votes to stay in power. |
| With such enthusiastic endorsement, it is not surprising that the government here is over the moon and is milking the Obama magic for all it is worth. | With such enthusiastic endorsement, it is not surprising that the government here is over the moon and is milking the Obama magic for all it is worth. |
| The promotions by the Ministry of Information and the Office of the President seek to portray the new Ghana government as being on the same wavelength as the new United States government, both led incidentally by law professors. | The promotions by the Ministry of Information and the Office of the President seek to portray the new Ghana government as being on the same wavelength as the new United States government, both led incidentally by law professors. |
| Big party | Big party |
| It is a bit tricky trying to liken the charismatic and erudite 47-year-old wordsmith world leader Mr Obama to the halting 64-year-old John Atta Mills, taunted as "dull" by his mentor, ex-President Jerry Rawlings. | It is a bit tricky trying to liken the charismatic and erudite 47-year-old wordsmith world leader Mr Obama to the halting 64-year-old John Atta Mills, taunted as "dull" by his mentor, ex-President Jerry Rawlings. |
| The Clintons were given a huge welcome 11 years ago | The Clintons were given a huge welcome 11 years ago |
| We have consequently run into some very odd incidents. | We have consequently run into some very odd incidents. |
| This past week, there was the strange case of the president asking, or maybe, ordering the police to allow a street demonstration by a group that wanted to protest against a litany of things. | This past week, there was the strange case of the president asking, or maybe, ordering the police to allow a street demonstration by a group that wanted to protest against a litany of things. |
| The police had gone to court and got an injunction to prevent the demonstration on the grounds, among others, that the police were so busy with the planned Obama visit they would not have the manpower to handle a demonstration. | The police had gone to court and got an injunction to prevent the demonstration on the grounds, among others, that the police were so busy with the planned Obama visit they would not have the manpower to handle a demonstration. |
| Nobody here imagines that President Atta Mills intervened so dramatically to ask that a court order be put aside and the group be allowed to protest because he is dying for people to protest against him. | Nobody here imagines that President Atta Mills intervened so dramatically to ask that a court order be put aside and the group be allowed to protest because he is dying for people to protest against him. |
| But imagine this: Here is Mr Obama, daily criticising the Iranian government for not allowing its citizens to demonstrate; and here is Ghana, the "admirable example of a thriving democracy" refusing to allow peaceful demonstrations Obviously that would not do. | But imagine this: Here is Mr Obama, daily criticising the Iranian government for not allowing its citizens to demonstrate; and here is Ghana, the "admirable example of a thriving democracy" refusing to allow peaceful demonstrations Obviously that would not do. |
| Fluffing lines | Fluffing lines |
| I suspect therefore that not only will the president be begging people this week to demonstrate against his government; there will be a lull in the frantic denunciations of the former government. | I suspect therefore that not only will the president be begging people this week to demonstrate against his government; there will be a lull in the frantic denunciations of the former government. |
| No former officials will be stopped at the airport and prevented from leaving the country and no former minister's car will be seized by state security officers on the streets of Accra. | No former officials will be stopped at the airport and prevented from leaving the country and no former minister's car will be seized by state security officers on the streets of Accra. |
| My bet is there will be no such drama any more until Mr Obama has been and gone. | My bet is there will be no such drama any more until Mr Obama has been and gone. |
| I have been trying to dream up the most outrageous thing I could get away with in this thriving democracy during Obama week. | I have been trying to dream up the most outrageous thing I could get away with in this thriving democracy during Obama week. |
| But the truth is all Ghanaians are really chuffed about the visit and if only the Americans would let us, we would put on such a welcome show, the world would be astounded. | But the truth is all Ghanaians are really chuffed about the visit and if only the Americans would let us, we would put on such a welcome show, the world would be astounded. |
| After all, this is the country in 1998 that gave Bill Clinton the largest crowd in his life, but then that was in the pre-9/11 world and these days they do not allow American presidents to be exposed to such crowds. | After all, this is the country in 1998 that gave Bill Clinton the largest crowd in his life, but then that was in the pre-9/11 world and these days they do not allow American presidents to be exposed to such crowds. |
| All the same, we guarantee to make the trip memorable for the Obamas. | All the same, we guarantee to make the trip memorable for the Obamas. |
| At the moment, if we have any anxieties it has to be a collective fear that our president will falter in pronouncing President Obama's name. | At the moment, if we have any anxieties it has to be a collective fear that our president will falter in pronouncing President Obama's name. |
| He seems to fluff his lines on the big occasions, and there is a wicked rumour making the rounds that President Atta Mills has been practising the name of his host, "Bama Obarack, Marack Omaba, President Omarack" | He seems to fluff his lines on the big occasions, and there is a wicked rumour making the rounds that President Atta Mills has been practising the name of his host, "Bama Obarack, Marack Omaba, President Omarack" |
| We are all willing him on to get it right on the day. | We are all willing him on to get it right on the day. |
| If you would like to comment on this column, send us your views using the post form below. | |
| Give Mr Mills a break. Mr Obama probably cant pronounce a number of Ghanaian names. And why couldn't he come to Zambia? Our political tolerance is truly remarkable in my view. And our peacefulness is legend.Rose Phiri, Lusaka, Zambia | |
| it is indeed great news that Obama has chosen Ghana as one of the first countries in Africa to visit. the euphoria in the small West African country is so high i suspect Friday might be an unofficial holiday. my only problem is that major businesses will be closed for 48hrs because of Obama's visit and this is going to make a lot of business people lose money running into millions. Is Obama really taking us forward?Selase Attah, Accra | |
| Aw pulezzzz!!! Whether Obama comes or not, Nigeria is still the giant of Africa. It is okay for Obama to encourage Ghana's democracy. In spite of our current woes we still have a profound influence across Africa. Imagine what happens when we work through our problems....the whole world will come to our door steps. Ono Vu, Abuja-Nigeria | |
| To be sincere, I admired the true democracy in the Republic of Ghana. I live in Ghana for four years consecutive and not a day I was humiliated by any law implementers. Even though some of our Liberian friends once complained of human right abuse but I believe that Ghana being a law abided state, you are only trouble if you trouble the law and that's what make the nation what she is. Ghana, you deserve all the world class leaders visit always.Tamba Kpakima, Monrovia, Liberia | |
| Right on! Absolutely like it is. I haven't read such a cool opinion in a long time, haven't laughed so righteously on 'Bama Obarack'...Andy Zimmermann, Berlin Germany | |
| Ghana is a leader in Africa whether people like it or not. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan country to gain independence. Ghana has been holding credible elections. Corruption not rampant. No xenophobia attacks on fellow Africans. Ghana is indeed a BLACK Star. There could be no better country for Obama and family to visit than Ghana. Make us (Africans) proud our dear brothers and sisters in Ghana. If for any reasons you wont host him (Obama), could you recommend MALAWI - The Warm Heart of Africa as an alternative destination. Viva Ghana, Viva Africa.Sam Gonthako Nganjo, Blantyre, MALAWI | |
| What's the talk about Obama's visit to Ghana being a humiliation on Nigerians and Kenyans? His visit to Egypt to douse the fire of religious fiasco should be considered a political obligation, and that to Ghana; a start point of political tour. That doesn't imply that he's not going to be elsewhere in Africa for the same purpose for which he's in Ghana. After all Ghana hasn't the best political culture and practise in Africa-good governance grade or not, is all a front. Therefore, the amiable president has his reasons for starting with her. So, no noise. Solomon A Akande, Lagos, Nigeria | |
| It is a shame really that the first American Black President will not be visiting Nigeria,(the self-acclaimed giant of Africa) but Ghana, on his first African tour. I hope it is a big lesson to the Nigerian leaders that democracy can truly work in Africa with total commitment and will of the leaders and the citizens alike.OLALEKAN OMOTAYO, LAGOS, NIGERIA | |
| Loved it! especially the part about Mills begging for demonstrations against him to happen :)Mustapha Hamoui, Tema, Ghana | |
| I don't see the humiliation in Obama not visiting Nigeria. Its just a matter of choice. After all important and powerful world leaders, some of who Obama consults over major world issues have visited Nigeria of recent without reaching Ghana. The only difference between him and the other will just be his 'oratory wizardry'.Ekpo Anieteye, Abuja, Nigeria | |
| I am happy that Obama is visiting Africa.Nwagwu b nkume, Umuahia Nigeria | |
| Lucky Ghana, the don't have much stakes in African affairs and they are presently enjoying peace , but they should also remember the sacrifice of other nations and respect what Nigeria has done to the continent and take this as an opportunity to be humble and not be fooled by a mere visit by Obama. Ishmeal, Newton Abbot | |
| As an American who loves living in Mali, I totally get this hilarious piece combining true patriotism along with lingering fears of inferiority (real or perceived). I'm sure Ghana will delight the Obama's and the rest of the continent they will so admirably represent.Gordon Roedding, Bamako, Mali | |
| President Barack Obama, visit to Ghana though a plus to the thriving peaceful political atmosphere in Ghana, should not be a source of taunt to deride other African nations such as Nigeria and Kenya which the Obama's has not put on their agenda to visit, while the dice rolled let everyone in the comity of nations take their chancesPastor Patrick Ehapa, Limerick Ireland | |
| It's good Obama has skipped my country Kenya. It's time Kenyan leaders stopped outdoing each other and humble themselves and try emulate there brother Barrack Obama. We as African continent should know that the USA govt is not a one man show as our leadership in Africa is. Whatever the USA govt do is questioned by both Republicans and Democrat. Therefore the president wont just visit any country even if he has a blood relation its all about the USA people policy that matters. Louis Kundu, Nairobi Kenya | |
| Our Obama moment is here. Nigerians should clean their house before expecting Almighty Obama.Dominic Bitlegma, Accra | |
| The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions | The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions |