Dr. Nduom Invited To The U.S.A

DR. PAPA KWESI NDUOM, MP LEAVES FOR THE USA TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY OF THE LITTLE ROCK NINE, IN LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, USA

Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, MP has been invited to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of one of the most important human and civil rights historical events in the United States of America.

One of the most famous rulings of the United States Supreme Court, Brown versus Board of Education (1954) was that segregation in public schools was illegal. Consequently, the Little Rock School Board announced that it would voluntarily desegregate Little Rock Central High. Three years later, nine black students were to attend Central High. However, on September 2, 1957, the night before the nine students were to begin attending Central High, Governor Orval Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to block their entrance to the school.

On September 23, 1957, when they attempted to enter the school following a court order, they were sent home due to the presence of an angry mob of white people. On September 25th President Eisenhower federalized the National Guard and sent the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to protect the nine students and they finally entered Central High. This event became the one that caused made the desegregation of public schools in the USA a reality and permeated other aspects of American society.

Ernest Green became the first black student to graduate from Central High on May 27, 1958. To Mr. Green, Ghana’s independence on 6th March 1957 served as an inspiration to the parents and students at that time.

Dr. Nduom is attending the celebrations in Little Rock on September 24 and 25 together with prominent people from the USA and other parts of the world. Civil Rights leaders, politicians, business people will be present for this historic occasion. Presidential aspirants from the USA will attend this event. One of the activities will be held at the Clinton Presidential Library. The Clintons are expected to be there.

Dr. Nduom is attending as a guest of Mr. Ernie Green. Mr. Green has been to Ghana a number of times and was the Chairman of the African Development Foundation when Dr. Nduom was the Minister of Economic Planning & Regional Cooperation. Dr. Nduom worked with Mr. Green, Nate Fields then the President of the ADF to bring the Foundation to Ghana. The ADF has since moved its African headquarters to Ghana. It is supporting small to medium enterprises in Ghana with a portfolio in excess of $10 million.

Dr. Nduom’s participation is also in recognition of the great rapport and relationship he has built with prominent African-American business, religious and civil rights leaders. He will be away for a week.

21 September 2007