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Friday, July 10, 2009

Ghana excitement builds for Obama



As US President Barack Obama touches down on Ghanaian soil, there is no doubt about the feeling of pride over the visit - his first to sub-Saharan Africa as leader.

Accra's international airport has received a brisk makeover - shiny new flags adorn lamp posts along major routes and large billboards have been erected depicting Ghanaian President John Atta Mills alongside Mr Obama, with the proclamation "Partnership for Change" and the Akan phrase "Akwaaba" meaning welcome home.

The presence of Obama merchandise and paraphernalia is nowhere near the volume which accompanied other recent events in Ghana, such as the December 2008 election, or the 50th anniversary celebrations in March 2007.

But it has been growing daily.

Local hawker Suleiman Ibrahim was beaming smiles and proudly displaying T-shirts, flags, wristbands, and Obama fabrics made in Ghana on a route in the capital Accra popularly known as Oxford Street.

"I'm making 30 cedis ($20) profit a day," he said.

"Before Obama, some days I would sell nothing at all.

"It is the will of God that brought the 44th US president here but if there is anything that Obama can bring to Ghana it should be to support education."

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