by Clement Kpeklitsu
The United States President Barack Obama has special fascination for Ghanaians. Long before winning the Presidential slot, people all over Africa were praying for a miracle –– having an African American President for the first time in the history of the United States of America.
Ghanaians were not just happy for this feat, taking into consideration the long struggle of Africans in America; but also the President making a maiden trip to sub-Saharan Africa has chose Ghana as his first stop.
Reasons such as Ghana’s growing and admirable democracy, avoidance of conflicts and being the leader in fighting for independence for herself and other sub-Saharan Africa have earned this country this enviable visit (from 10 – 11, 2009).
Undoubtedly Ghana is very much in need of financial or economic assistance and there one high expectations that the native son of Africa, Obama, will give some development package to strengthen the bond of co-operation between these two countries.
Besides, there are also obligations of Ghana towards the U.S.A. such as helping signing accords.
One such accord could be the signing of agreement to recognise Kosovo as America would probably do. This however will put Ghana in a tight corner because the country needs assistance from the U.S.A.
It should however be noticed that the African Union’s stand on the matter is at variance with the demands of the U.S.A.
This puts an obstacle in Ghana’s way of doing the will of the U.S.A. Ghana will therefore be in a tight corner as she needs money for development.
Ghana’s role in African politics as a leader in the emancipation of Africa and Africans in the diaspora led by able African leaders including Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, first President of Ghana, can never be overlooked in world politics.
The link of this African country to the United States through the slave trade and even industry today is an important historical link that has made the two inseparable in international co-operation.
However, as sovereign states, there is the need for both countries to respect each other’s autonomy and thereby consolidating the sentiments of trust and confidence.
The visit of the American President has other implications for the nation. We have learnt that the proposed visit to Cape Coast Castle was because Michelle, his wife, has traced her roots to Ghana.
There is therefore an exciting connotation to the visit beside political ones.
As already said, the U.S. needs Ghana to help in securing votes for the U.S. in some inter-national decisions.
Ghana’s position on the continent as a nation cherishing democracy and avoiding conflict is one of the most admirable lessons for other African nations and for international politics as a whole.
Some African nations have been engaged in serious arguments as to why Obama would not visit them first, even his native Kenya.
This lends an interesting twist to the whole Obama visit. However, America has other interests in Ghana. Ghana has a lot of natural and human resources.
These include the oil windfall whose blessings will be reaped in a year’s time as America will undoubtedly turn its attention for arrangements to buy oil at lower price as is usually the case whenever developed countries bargain with poorer and helpless ones. Gold, aluminium, diamond and other minerals from Ghana have been on the American market for long.
The issue at stake is not simply buying or selling. It is about foreign domination, a stage we call neo-colonialism and diverting attention of Ghanaians from the awareness that under the guise of co-operation they do things that is tantamount to a sell-out.
Indeed, this has far-reaching effects for the continent since any compromise to sell out the nation will encourage others to do the same, especially as Ghana is being held in high esteem by the international community for cherishing democracy.
There is certainty that the younger generation is not much aware of Kwame Nkrumah’s warning about neo-colonialism and this has been amply proved by calls from some youth wings that America should come top establish military bases in Ghana.
For a nation to b e critical about its international relations is not to say that it should shy away from economic partnerships and co-operation. Rather there should be scrutiny whenever political or economic relations issues seem to have taken the centre stage with crucial decisions having far-reaching implications in the future.
For three consecutive Presidents of the all-powerful America to visit “small Ghana” with such renewed interest also shows that there is something curiously attractive to them also, Ghana must therefore watch herself very closely.
Besides, Ghana must be on guard not to rush into any hasty agreement that will tie her to the apron strings of powerful exploiters.
In fact, Ghanaians have been overwhelmed and humbled by the choice of America’s first family.
There is no need for antagonism against our own brother Obama and his family. Ghanaians say welcome but advise him to let America’s dealings with Ghana be beneficial to the poor and suffering of the over-growing population of Ghana, let America think strengthen Ghana’ trade relations by fair economic arrangements, Let America think of cancelling the debt burden of the poorest of the globe and sub-Saharan African and call upon other powerful nations to help.
Large portions of illiterate masses have increased the symphony of ignorance and deprivation. Educational opportunities through training and supply of good books, economic assistance to consolidate democracy, are cards on top of the table that we need to play well if we ought to win.
