As I mentioned yesterday, ahead of President Obama’s visit there, there is a lot of discussion online about Ghana’s democratic progress. Here are some more examples:
ONE put together this video called Yes Africa Can. ONE, a grassroots campaign and advocacy organization cofounded by U2’s Bono, is committed to fighting poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. “We spent several days interviewing Ghanaians of all ages and backgrounds about their country’s progress and its prospects for the future. What you’ll see in this film is an illustration of Ghana’s success and the palpable pride Ghanaians feel about their democracy, peace and unity as a country,” says ONE.
Why is President Obama not going to Kenya first? Graphic Ghana gives one suggestion: “Ghana’s political pedigree as the first independent country in sub-Saharan Africa and kingpin of Africa’s liberation struggle, as well as its recent exemplary strides in democracy, political stability and good governance, might have been compelling credentials that made it a preferred destination for Mr. Obama.”
Writer Oluniyi David Ajao also looks at Ghana’s progress, addressing complaints heard around Nigeria about why that country isn’t receiving a U.S. presidential visit just yet. “The president of the United States is at liberty to decide which countries to visit or not to visit, and in what order he visits them.”
After practicing law for a number of years, Michael Jay Friedman returned to school and earned a doctorate in U.S. political and diplomatic history. 
Michelle Austein Brooks is a U.S. government and politics writer who has covered three national elections for America.gov. 
Peggy B. Hu defied Asian-American stereotypes in college by studying comparative literature and international relations rather than math and science. 
Stephen Kaufman is an experienced writer who has covered the White House and the State Department, and continues to report on international and democracy issues, including press freedom. 
Tanya Brothen is a blogging enthusiast who began writing for the web on a whim. Now it’s her job.
Comments (7)
Michael Mountain
Location: Ghana
July 10, 2009 at 18:36 EDT
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Ghana has always been and will continue to be the land where the best and the first always happen.
We were the first to be Independent and without resort to violence.
First to have Five different democratic elections without any Violence and Death as a result of electoral violence.
We have the best people on the continent and the the last is that we have the most liberal media and the most independent media outlets comparable to countries like the USA,BRITAIN ETC.
We are the best in Africa.
Siwela Bonga
Location: Zambia
July 10, 2009 at 19:46 EDT
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So, Obama chose Ghana instead of Nigeria - and why shouldn’t he when Atta Mill’s Jan 2009 election was a historic milestone in African democratic stability. The US President’s Ghanaian choice is clear. Obama is committed to establishing a just society and wants to encourage Mills in his fight against the corruption so prevalent in Africa.
Obama’s visit should be a cause of joy in Africa and should deeply encourage our continent’s spiritual and moral leaders such as Prophet TB Joshua of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations, Lagos, Nigeria, the man who Atta Mills openly describes as his mentor. Joshua famously prophesied Atta Mill’s peaceful and surprising victory against the opposition in Jan 2009. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzR1poV0r04
Just like King Saul and Prophet Samuel in the Bible, Atta Mills and Prophet TB Joshua have traced an example to follow. If this is a taste of things to come for Ghana, then as Prophet TB Joshua says, “Better is not good enough, the best is yet to come”.
onono patrick
Location: uganda
July 11, 2009 at 08:14 EDT
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Yes iwould like to agree with some contributor to the blog that ghana is arole model for democracy in africa,because rarely have many african countries had apeaceful change of government from one party to the other,because even the first president of ghana was deposed in amilitary coup.
onono patrick
Location: uganda
July 11, 2009 at 08:20 EDT
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Democratic governance still eludes many african countries,free and fair election are very hard to come by in many african countries and the world over,we would appreciate and welcome the visit of obama and addressing the issue of free and fair election,to solve the problem of failed and rogue states that dont contribute to their citzens and their stay in power is to detriment of the their nation and the future generation to come.
onono patrick
Location: uganda
July 11, 2009 at 08:23 EDT
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The the visit of president should help steer the formation of african union and help finance infrastructure across africa.
onono patrick
Location: uganda
July 11, 2009 at 08:27 EDT
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President obama should continue with health initiative of his predecessor john bush of pepfar to support the aids community in africa and more support is still needed as africans have been hit hard by the epidemic.
Samuel Westford-Green
Location: Las Vegas, Nev
July 11, 2009 at 16:25 EDT
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I’ve read a couple of blogs about Obama’s coming and I feel glad at the way, everybody is raising issues concerning his visit to Ghana. I read a blog from a man who lives in Accra; http://tiny.cc/gxal9 about questions people were asking. Would someone provide some answers to those questions on that blog..? Ghana is truly a blessed nation.