Today President Obama is heading to Ghana. It's his first trip to Africa as President and the ONE campaign had just posted a short film, "Yes, Africa Can" that captures the excitement on the ground. The accompanying text explains that Ghanaians of all ages and backgrounds tell about their country's progress and its prospects for the future. What you'll see in this film is an illustration of Ghana's success and the palpable pride Ghanaians feel about their democracy, peace and unity as a country.
View the film here. I personally know too little of Ghana to question what I do read as a bit saturated positivity, but reading this article here on BBC Africa by Elizabeth Ohene, a former government minister in Ghana and former BBC journalist, balances things a bit more.
Having Obama coming to your country is a big thing in Africa. Ironically, in spite we are talking high politics, it is also a matter of emotions and pride. Basically very human. East Africa has its obamania, as documented in photography here and words here, and it is interesting to observe the competition for being the first African president to welcome him.
Kenya wasn't lucky this time, and according to the Times Online'The Kenyan Government and its notoriously corrupt and quarrelsome ministers are not happy. Last week President Obama spoke of his worries about recent developments in Kenya. “I’m concerned about how the political parties do not seem to be moving into a permanent reconciliation that would allow the country to move forward,” he said.'
I believe that on Obama's list over places to go, not just Kenya, but many African contries come last. However, do note Elizabeth Ohene's words here.
