    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [February 20, 2008]
    [Pages 248-249]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at the United States Embassy in Accra
    February 20, 2008

        Thank you all. First, I want to thank Jordin Sparks for taking time out of her busy schedule to join us
    here in Ghana and for performing such a beautiful version of our
    national anthem. By prevailing on last season's ``American Idol,''
    Jordin showed the world she has a great voice. Raising awareness about
    malaria means that she has got great compassion and a big heart.
        In addition to some great singing, last year's ``American Idol''
    featured a fundraising campaign called Idol Gives Back. The campaign
    brought in more than $75 million for charities working in the United
    States and Africa. Seventeen million dollars went to organizations that
    protect American families--African families from malaria. And one of
    these charities, Malaria No More, has used the donations to provide bed
    nets for more than 2 million mothers and children in Uganda and Angola
    and Madagascar and Mali and Zambia.
        Last spring, Laura and I made an appearance
    on ``American Idol''--not because of our voices. [Laughter] We went on
    the show to thank viewers for participating in the Idol Gives Back
    campaign. This spring, FOX and ``American Idol'' will once again appeal
    to viewers to help defeat malaria. On April 9th, the show will raise
    money to fight malaria in Africa and support other worthy causes to the
    second round of Idol Gives Back.
        Laura and I hope, and Jordin hopes, that America's generosity will still pour
    forth. And we ask our fellow citizens to contribute to this worthy
    cause.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:36 a.m. in the Ambassador's residence.
    In his remarks, he referred to entertainer Jordin Sparks.

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