Regional News of Wednesday, 8 July 2009

Source: GNA

Ghanaians should make Obama's visit a national affair - Omanhene

Apam, July 8, GNA - The Omanhene (paramount chief) of Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Area of the Central Region, Obrifo Ahunaku Ahor Ankobea II has appealed to Ghanaians not to politicize the visit of the US President, Barrack Obama to the country on Friday, July 10. "For God's sake, let us put aside the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party syndrome, during the visit," he said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Apam on Tuesday. He appealed to Ghanaians to co-operate with the government and the security agencies to make the first family of the US to experience the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality.

"This is one event I will entreat all Ghanaians to get involved and regard it as a national affair," the Omanhene said. Obrifo Ahor Ankobea urged the citizenry, to view the visit as recognition of the country' efforts to promote democracy. He noted that Ghana-US relations dates back more than 50 years and said the visit of President Obama would consolidate the links between the two countries. 08 July 09