To a man (and woman), Ghanaians are all keyed-up, waiting with bated breath till the TV stations interrupt late night transmission tonight to announce that the most anticipated visitor of all time has landed.
Arguably the most popular American President, from the point of view of Africans, many elderly Ghanaians say that the euphoria that has characterized the preparation for and anticipation of the visit of President Barack Obama can be likened only to the night before March 6, 1957.
One could not begrudge Ghanaians in their hour of joy. If the official reason given for the choice of this country above all others is anything to go by, then Ghanaians have earned the honour of Obama’s choice.
From 1992, the people have practiced democracy the way it is practiced anywhere – add or subtract the few negatives.
The very utterances and actions which, in many countries, led to civil war, did not rock the country.
This is one country which can be said to be politically tolerant.
Other meanings may be read into the choice of Ghana above all others: many think that America’s real interest is the Ghana oil-find; others are building all sorts of hypotheses. Let’s grant all of that.
Having been enslaved, colonized and neo-colonised all over again, these skepticisms are perhaps not misplaced.
There may be truth in it, especially as Africa has suffered deceit upon clever deceit in its history, leading to the rape of the continent’s assets.
Be that as it may, we of the Ghanaian Times think that it is up to Ghanaians to make the best of the visit.
America may gain, but Ghana can ensure that she does not lose out this time. Indeed, there is a whole lot we can take advantage of.
One of them is the sudden attention which the global focus will thrust upon the nation.
It is envisaged that more than three dozen television stations will train their cameras upon Ghana in the 24 or so hours that Obama will be in Ghana.
The effect of America’s first Black President and America’s Black first lady being filmed standing at the Cape Coast castle’s notorious ‘Point of No Return’ is unimaginable.
In terms of tourism interest in Africa’sdiaspora, that is enormous.
The combined effect of this heightened global interest in Ghana, coupled with the news of the country’s oil find, stands Ghana out as the place to invest.
Ghana stands on the threshold of history. This is our tipping point.
From here, we can either fall dizzyingly into self-destruction through greed, corruption and abuse of power, or we can rise and rise to glory and economic prosperity.
Which way are we choosing?
As we pause for reflection and decision, the Times uses the opportunity of this day’s paper to welcome our illustrious African family of the soil.
Akwaaba, Barack and Michele.
Here, in the land of Africa, is where your umbilical cord lies buried.
Arguably the most popular American President, from the point of view of Africans, many elderly Ghanaians say that the euphoria that has characterized the preparation for and anticipation of the visit of President Barack Obama can be likened only to the night before March 6, 1957.
One could not begrudge Ghanaians in their hour of joy. If the official reason given for the choice of this country above all others is anything to go by, then Ghanaians have earned the honour of Obama’s choice.
From 1992, the people have practiced democracy the way it is practiced anywhere – add or subtract the few negatives.
The very utterances and actions which, in many countries, led to civil war, did not rock the country.
This is one country which can be said to be politically tolerant.
Other meanings may be read into the choice of Ghana above all others: many think that America’s real interest is the Ghana oil-find; others are building all sorts of hypotheses. Let’s grant all of that.
Having been enslaved, colonized and neo-colonised all over again, these skepticisms are perhaps not misplaced.
There may be truth in it, especially as Africa has suffered deceit upon clever deceit in its history, leading to the rape of the continent’s assets.
Be that as it may, we of the Ghanaian Times think that it is up to Ghanaians to make the best of the visit.
America may gain, but Ghana can ensure that she does not lose out this time. Indeed, there is a whole lot we can take advantage of.
One of them is the sudden attention which the global focus will thrust upon the nation.
It is envisaged that more than three dozen television stations will train their cameras upon Ghana in the 24 or so hours that Obama will be in Ghana.
The effect of America’s first Black President and America’s Black first lady being filmed standing at the Cape Coast castle’s notorious ‘Point of No Return’ is unimaginable.
In terms of tourism interest in Africa’sdiaspora, that is enormous.
The combined effect of this heightened global interest in Ghana, coupled with the news of the country’s oil find, stands Ghana out as the place to invest.
Ghana stands on the threshold of history. This is our tipping point.
From here, we can either fall dizzyingly into self-destruction through greed, corruption and abuse of power, or we can rise and rise to glory and economic prosperity.
Which way are we choosing?
As we pause for reflection and decision, the Times uses the opportunity of this day’s paper to welcome our illustrious African family of the soil.
Akwaaba, Barack and Michele.
Here, in the land of Africa, is where your umbilical cord lies buried.
