[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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