Accra, July 8, GNA- The All- African Peoples Organisation (AAPO) a mass Pan African movement, on Wednesday asked the US President, Barrack Obama to use his visit to Ghana, to impress on African leaders the need to live up to their democratic responsibilities. Mr Amusu Kwaggrey, National Co-ordinator of AAPO noted that the Friday, July 10 maiden visit by the first African-American President should be an opportunity to awaken the consciousness and preparedness of African leaders to know that democracy is not limited only to elections. Mr Kwaggrey, who made the request to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said most African leaders forgot the real essence of democracy once they assumed power and rather capitalized on their political authority to oppress the people.

"Since independence the lives of most Africans have not changed much due to ineffective leadership and this has adversely affected the status of Africa in international circles.

"AAPO want to see a new beginning for the continent that would give way to massive economic transformation."

Mr Kwaggrey observed that President Obama's visit is symbolic, since Ghana was the first country, South of the Sahara to gain independence.

He said it was therefore in order to be the best place for the first black president to speak to Africa about his policy direction for the continent.

"As the first black president of America, AAPO is really proud of him," he said.

Mr Ben Anyagre, National Co-ordinator of AAPO said members of the organisation, would organise a press conference after President Obama's visit to disseminate the long-term vision of AAPO about the need for continental unity.

AAPO, which has mass following in Africa and the Diaspora, has its headquarters in Kano, Nigeria. 08 July 09