[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17412]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROGRESS AND IMPORTANCE OF GHANA

  (Mr. COHEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to applaud the efforts of Ghana 
in promoting good governance and civic participation. President Obama 
will wrap up the third leg of his international trip in Ghana. He will 
be there today.
  I am reminded of the important role this democratic nation plays in 
the international world. Ghana is an active participant in the United 
Nations and the African Union. In its region, it has been extremely 
active in international peacekeeping.
  Ghana, the first state in Sub-Saharan Africa to gain its 
independence, has shown that it is a stable nation whose government and 
people are accountable to one another. These acts are a good first step 
in developing future relationships between our Nation and Ghana.
  One of my constituents, five-time karate and kickboxing champion, 
Anthony ``Amp'' Elmore, fulfilled his lifelong dream by visiting Ghana 
in 1998. The champ visited Accra, and it has changed his life.
  After returning to Memphis, Amp developed his vision of educating and 
enlightening people about the cultural and economic importance of 
Africa as a continent, as well as Ghana. At his home and throughout the 
city, he showcased African artifacts, fabrics and arts.
  This weekend, on Friday and Saturday both, he will be honoring Africa 
at his home and inviting the public and having a fashion show and an 
African dinner. I will be there. Next year, I will visit Ghana and hope 
to develop trade between our city, Ghana and our Nation.

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