[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.