[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 7 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Page 253]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.