U.S President George W. Bush on Wednesday paid tribute to American Peace Corps volunteers serving in Africa and urged them to do their best to contribute to human development in the host countries.
"I appreciate your dedication and support to these countries," President Bush said at lunch with volunteer representatives in Ghana in Accra. The lunch was also attended by his wife Laura and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
President Bush arrived in Accra on Tuesday evening on the fourth leg of a five-nation trip to Africa.
He held talks earlier with President John Agyekum Kufuor and addressed a press conference during which he gave the assurance that the U.S was not planning to build new military bases in Africa. He also played down the risk of rivalry with China for influence on the continent.
There are some 136 Peace Corps volunteers currently serving in various sectors, spanning small business developments, education, environment and health in communities.
"Through their contribution and services across the land, Peace Corps volunteers make the world a small place," Peace Corps Country Director Robert Gollege told President Bush.
On behalf of the other volunteers, Melinda Palmers thanked President
Bush for taking time off to meet with them.
Since 1961, when Ghana became the first country to welcome Peace Corps
Volunteers, nearly 4,500 of them have served in the West African country including participation in Ghana's economic recovery, the promotion of human and natural resources, as well as HIV/AIDS awareness.
On arrival at the American Residency, venue for the luncheon, President Bush had brief interaction with employees and service men working at American facilities in Ghana.
That was after a special rendition of the American anthem by 2007 American idol winner Jordin Brianna Sparks, who was introduced to the gathering by American Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater.
Sparks, who won the reality television show American Idol at the age of 17, making her the youngest winner in the history of the competition, is currently engaged in malaria awareness campaign in Africa.
President Bush, who praised Sparks for singing the anthem so well, also lauded her involvement in the malaria campaign.
Source: GNA
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
I know what angels and demons look like – they are always around us, claims ex model and TV-presenter
18 mins -
GETFund takes project management to a digital system to enhance monitoring, evaluation, payment and delivery
26 mins -
Today’s front pages: Thursday, October 24, 2024
48 mins -
Joy Sports Invitational 2024: Draw for football competition to take place on Thursday
55 mins -
Hassan Ayariga promises meter-free water and electricity in APC government
58 mins -
Annoh-Dompreh removed me from NPP WhatsApp platform immediately I filed my nomination – Suhum MP
1 hour -
Why Harris moved from ‘joy’ to calling Trump ‘a fascist’
1 hour -
WAFU B U20Q: Black Satellites secure semi final berth
1 hour -
Boeing workers reject contract, extend strike: union
2 hours -
Ho Municipality to be elevated to Metropolitan status – Bawumia
2 hours -
Vote number 1 in December elections – Deputy Education Minister urges tertiary students
2 hours -
Alan is a champion of culture, peace and Industrialisation – Boniface Saddique
2 hours -
Agric Minister advocates for digital farming, calls for church partnership
2 hours -
NCCE warns of growing voter inclination towards election-related violence
2 hours -
OSP ordered to release Cecilia Dapaah’s caution statements to her former house help
3 hours