We the members of New Patriotic Party, UK and Ireland branch would like to welcome President Barack Obama to Ghana and congratulate the people of Ghana on this historic occasion especially for their efforts in making this visit possible. As a nation, we have together through the toil of ourselves and our forbears for freedom and justice and we are beginning to see the fruit of our labour both at home and on the world stage. We are proud to say that President Obama chose Ghana for his visit as a direct acknowledgment of our democratic credentials, our rich history encapsulated in our traditional institutions, values, art, culture and above all the peace we enjoy today. Mr. President, please enjoy our traditional Ghanaian hospitality which is second to none.

Ghana has for a long time been a strategic partner of The United States and the cordial bi-lateral relationship has been reflected in various summit visits throughout the years. From the then Vice-President Richard Nixon who led a powerful US delegation to at our Independence day celebration in March, 1957 through to President Bill Clinton in 1999 and most recently President George Bush in 2008, Ghana has become a natural destination of US Presidents. Ghana as one of USA’s “most trusted partners in sub-Saharan Africa” without a doubt is as a major centerpiece for Africa’s political and economic progress and having the US as an ally has helped us deepen our political and economic institutions. This is the reason why we of the NPP UK and indeed all Ghanaians see President Obama’s visit as a way of strengthening the historic bond between the two counties.

For us in the NPP, we particular look forward to President Obama’s visit because we recognize that the visit is a culmination of the political development of our country, which has been a long process for which our founders and the current generation behold. We are proud of the fraternity between Ghana and the US as this fraternity has resulted into laudable initiatives such as AGOA and MCA funding between the two countries.

On this momentous occasion we call on President Mills and President Obama to deepen the bond of friendship between the two countries. We trust that we are able to showcase our country, Ghana as a truly democratic country with foundations that are viable and growing from strength to strength - Yes, we can. We know the challenges of our times and the task of nation-building could be onerous, but together as a people, and with the support of allies like the United States, we will seize the moment of the visit to rededicate ourselves to democratic tenets and economic growth.

We wish both President Mills and President Obama well in their negotiations and pray that any agreements and accords reached will be for the mutual benefit of people of Ghana and United States as we move forward in progress and development in freedom.

Once again, welcome Mr. President, your wife Michelle and kids to the shores of Ghana. Akwaaba. Enjoy your week-end.

Hayford Atta-Krufi Chairman For and on behalf of NPP UK and Ireland