In visiting Ghana President Obama becomes the third U.S. president in a row to recognize the economic and humanitarian value of engaging Africa. He is the first president to have a real and personal interest in the success of Africa.
I applaud his effort and his speech. He directly challenged Africans to take responsibility for themselves, according to the New York Times. “We must start from the simple premise that Africa’s future is up to Africans,” Mr. Obama said in an address to Parliament in the capital, Accra, that was televised across the continent.
The Times reports that Mr. Obama’s presence in Ghana brought out cheering crowds, billboards welcoming him, and songs in his honor.
Mr. Obama plans to increase the aid to Africa provided by President George W. Bush, who President Obama credited with “strong efforts,” in Africa and is, according to the Times, widely seen as doing more for Africa than any other president in U.S. history.
President Obama can do even more, with far greater impact and at no cost.
By simply paying attention to the African people, the President generates excitement among the people. He can, and should continually use his bully pulpit to remind Africans that “Africa’s future is up to Africans,” and adding another refrain from his speech, “Yes, you can.”
That is a message Africans need to hear and it is a message few in history can deliver with the power that President Obama can bring to that message.
