[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 7 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Page 254]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.