    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 20, 2008]
    [Pages 240-241]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks During a Meeting With President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana in Accra, Ghana
    February 20, 2008

        President Bush. Thank you very much for your hospitality. Mr.
    President, thanks. First of all, it's an honor to be in your country,
    and it's an honor to be with you--[inaudible]. I don't know if the
    people of your country truly understand your standing in the
    international community, but you are one of the most respected
    international leaders. You have represented your country well; you have
    represented the continent of Africa well; and you represent certain
    basic values extremely well. So it's an honor to be with you today.
        You're right; you and I are both finishing our term. But you forgot
    to say that we're both going to finish strong. [Laughter]
        President Kufuor. That is a politician I talk about. [Laughter]
        President Bush. You mentioned the Millennium Challenge Account. And
    I believe you're the first country on the continent of Africa to receive
    a grant. And we did so because we believe in supporting governments that
    fight corruption, invest in their children, invest in the health of
    their citizens, believe in marketplace economies, and that's exactly the
    way you've led your country.
        And so ours is a--it's certainly not a gift. It is given in a
    cooperative spirit that--[inaudible]--people. And we believe that it is
    in our national interest to promote freedom and democracy as well as
    help the citizenry make the--[inaudible]. And you've led the way, Mr.
    President. It's been very easy to support your Government.
        And I appreciate you bringing up disease. There's no doubt in my
    mind that given some help, the Government of Ghana--led by you, sir--
    will eradicate malaria. It's going to take a lot of work and a lot of
    organizational skills and support from the international community,
    which you will have. And I predict to the people of Ghana that when you
    look back at President Kufuor's leadership, you'll say, this was the
    beginning of the end of the disease that affected so many lives of young
    children.
        And I appreciate your leadership, my friend, and I want to thank you
    very much for this warm hospitality. I do want to thank the people of
    Ghana--at least those we've seen so far--for getting up early, lining
    the streets, and waving with such enthusiasm. It made us all feel great,
    and it's a part of the trip I've really been looking forward to. And so
    grateful for your hospitality. Thank you, sir.

    Note: The President spoke at approximately 10 a.m. at Osu Castle.

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