    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 20, 2008]
    [Page 250]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a State Dinner Hosted by President John Agyekum
    Kufuor of Ghana in Accra
    February 20, 2008

        Mr. President, Mrs. Kufuor, and all the
    distinguished guests here: Thank you for your warm welcome. And I would
    like to take this opportunity to thank the good people of Ghana for the
    wonderful welcome Laura and I received. I don't
    think I have been to a country where the people have been more friendly,
    more open. We appreciate so very much your hospitality, and I really
    appreciate the George Bush Motorway. [Laughter] The next time I come and
    ride on the George Bush Motorway, I promise that we will not shut the
    highway down. [Laughter]
        President Kufuor is a close friend. He has earned my respect, and
    he's earned the respect of leaders all across the world. He is an
    accomplished man with a good mind and a good heart.
        We first met in 2001; we were new Presidents. And here we are,
    nearly 7 years later, and we're fixing to leave office. [Laughter] But
    we both vow: We will finish strong with our heads held high.
        In the remaining months, we will work to strengthen the partnership
    between our two nations. The ties that bind the United States and Ghana
    are as long as they are deep. Last year, Ghana commemorated the 50th
    anniversary of its independence. And when you claimed your liberty in
    1957, the United States of America was by your side. Richard Nixon and
    Martin Luther King, Jr., were among the notable Americans who were here
    when the Union Jack was replaced by the red, yellow, and green of the
    Republic of Ghana. Four years later, 51 idealistic young Americans
    arrived in your beautiful country as Ghana became the first nation to
    host volunteers from the Peace Corps.
        This long tradition of friendship and cooperation continues today.
    Today, Ghana and the United States are working to strengthen democracy
    and good government. Together, we're harnessing the power of global
    trade to alleviate poverty. And, Mr. President, rest assured, I will
    work to complete the Doha round. Together, we're working to preserve
    peace, combat disease, and help ensure that all of Ghana's citizens can
    give their children what we all want for our children, a more hopeful
    future.
        And so, Mr. President, I want to thank you for your friendship. I
    thank you for your leadership. I thank you for your kindness. And I
    offer a toast to you, your gracious wife, and
    to the noble people of Ghana. God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:58 p.m. in the State Banquet Hall. In his
    remarks, he referred to Theresa Kufuor, wife of President Kufuor. The
    transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included
    the remarks of President Kufuor.