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Will Obama change US policy towards Africa?

US President Barack Obama has said Africa must take charge of its own destiny in the world. Do you agree?

President Obama, on his first official visit to sub-Saharan Africa, has made a powerful call for Africans to stand up for their democratic rights.

He said Africa could have a prosperous future and promised American aid to fight the continent's diseases, conflicts and lack of development.

Is this a defining moment for the continent? Has President Obama lived up to expectations? And what does this speech say about Africa's place in the world?

Read your previous comments on this story

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Published: Monday, 6 July, 2009, 17:54 GMT 18:54 UK

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 16:28 GMT 17:28 UK

it trips me a lot when we africa takes the issue of aboma viste to ghana an issue.i supose he is coming to africa not ghana per say.main you this the same small sens we 'av been exihibiting that has lead us in the dark.
instead of us coming togeather to receive obama,and dicuss the way forward for africa.we are now engaged in this petty thing about where he comes first.that should not be our worry that selfishness.am troubled.

MASAK SANKOH, freetown

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 16:20 GMT 17:20 UK

All depends on what America refers to as democracy. Kenya and Nigeria have gotten their form of democracy, and there is no apology over any electoral or selectoral misunderstanding.
That is not what America is after, it is what draws their interest, and we have it. Obama will come when the need arise.
By the way, we welcome him to his ancestral home of Africa.

Nse Tom, Calabar, Nigeria

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 16:17 GMT 17:17 UK

The answer is that Ghana is the spiritual home of Africa.Remember Ghana is the first born son of Africa.Ghana is the gateway to Africa..I believe those Nigerians ranting and raving are delusional..There can be no better choice to visit Ghana apart from Kenya.

Richard, Accra

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 15:46 GMT 16:46 UK

The most powerful man in the world is coming to Africa...What do u expect?We are ought to be excited.
Ghana did their home work well in terms of democracy and rule of law that is why they are reaping the reward of their hardwork.
They definately deserves every visit from the President of the United States of America.
Shuwary Barlatt,Freetown

Shuwary Barlatt, Freetown

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 15:44 GMT 16:44 UK

Why the question¬
He made a decision to go to Africa. He selected one of the least corrupt on the grounds of 'good governance' So whats the problem?
He was making a political point, that's his job. I hope he has a great time there.
Why not Kenya first... well, that could be seen as too personal a decision. That and the history of the US Embassy bombing!

Mr B, Oxfordshire

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 15:31 GMT 16:31 UK

I think it is irrelevant where President Obama goes Ghana or Nigeria or any country in Africa. The main thing which we Africans need to learn is how we could have more Obama’s in Africa who can bring change, stability, democracy, peace and sustainability. Just saying he is one of us is not enough. We need to see beyond that and lets get inspired, inspire our kids and be like him articulate, intelligent and become effective leaders. He choose Ghana for the right reason, lets all of us enjoy it.

Dr Zelalem Kebede, London, United Kingdom

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 15:22 GMT 16:22 UK

The choice was probably made by his advisors. Ghana was birthplace of Kofi Annan UN Sec Gen.
Ghana was a prosperous country in 1957 as it gained independence, largely due to its Cocoa industry, with huge monetary reserves billions in todays currency and looked to lead Africas Union of States.
In 9 yrs it was bankrupt due to Nkrumahs incompetence and corruption was rampant.
Now Ghana has turned around and may fulfill its dream, thats why Obama went there IMO but should have visited Kenya too.

Bill Cook, Hamiliton, Bermuda

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 15:19 GMT 16:19 UK

I think president Obama should educate his African counterparts on appreciating & accepting political defeat & loss of power as attributes to democracy,freedom of citzens and arespect for consttutionalism in the continent by military junters,power hungry leades and elections fruadsters not forgetting Africa dependent on foriegn`s aids which had question continent ability to feed itself despite our natural richness....WELCOME Mr & Mrs Barrack & Michael Obama TO AFRICA............!!!!

Dinka Aliap Chawul, Kampala,Uganda

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 15:14 GMT 16:14 UK

I am totally surprised to see African arguing among themselves as to whether Ghana is the appropriate place for the US President to visit. Isn't Ghana an African Country? If Ghana is an example of good Democracy than brovo to Obama for choosing Ghana as the first country in Africa to visit.

David Akoi, Monrovia

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 15:14 GMT 16:14 UK

Accra is electrified! We can't just wait to say 'Akwaaba' to President Obama and his family. For me, he is just amazing! He has brought so much hope to the ordinary African. He makes me feel i can do anything just by dreaming it. I just hope our president will not go begging but the activities planned will just showcase the beauty of Ghana to the whole world!

I also hope that this visit will open up Ghana as a tourist destination of choice.

Welcome President Obama!

Adwoa, Accra

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 15:06 GMT 16:06 UK

See what a powerful government can do to a human being. Display their power and take away your soul.

Lee Sanders Jr, Phenix City, AL. North America, United States

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 14:50 GMT 15:50 UK

Obama's first trip to africa should be focused on our political leaders'behavior.They need more from others to respect the rules of democracy.Please Obama teach them how to deal with their people .

abdelbassid ben djaffal, chad

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 14:36 GMT 15:36 UK

Obama can visit ghana a million times, it does not take away anything from nigeria. nigeria does not and will never depend on any particular country to survive.
Nigeria receives world leaders more than any country in africa. last week, russian president was there.
By the way, of what importance is Obama visit?
It is sad that people do not appreciate the role nigeria play in africa. If not for nigeria, perhaps there will be no more countries like liberia and sierra leone

Chris Onu, lagos

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 14:29 GMT 15:29 UK

in my heart l would have prefered nigeria cos that my country, but my head tells me ghana is a preferable spot, cos they country has had a better tranistion in government than nigeria. l must say l find ghana a safer country to say the least. Obama coming to africa means a lot to me cos l love him and his wife is so adorable. nothing compares to that lady, she is what every man needs to succed in life. l love africa and god bless the obamas.

chike anthony abadom, kent london

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Added: Thursday, 9 July, 2009, 14:14 GMT 15:14 UK

My name is Prince Odechie a teenager from Ghana and will would like to express my views on President Obama's visit to Ghana. Being a Ghanaian makes me feel proud of my country and this to me feels more than great. I hope Obama's visit tomorrow and Saturday will be bring about more economic improvement in my country. Not only will that be a benefit, but also strengthen our bond of friendship and economic relations we have with the United States.
I promise to go meet him at the airport

earel cole, Accra, Ghana

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