Ghana@50: Jesse Jackson critical of US delegation

... not high-powered enough, he says
ACCRA, GHANA - Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was in Ghana for the celebration of 50th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, said the country's independence anniversary holds "special meaning" for African Americans.

However, Rev. Jackson was critical of the U.S. delegation to Ghana for the anniversary, saying it lacked the high-profile dignitaries the event deserved.

The civil rights leader said President George W. Bush or Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, instead of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson, an African American, should have headed the five-person U.S. presidential delegation to Ghana.

"Imagine many heads of state gathering in Europe and sending the secretary of HUD," said Jackson.

The U.S. Embassy in Ghana chose not to comment in response to Jackson's criticism.

"I am honored to be asked by President Bush to lead this delegation," said Alphonso Jackson in a press statement. "The gathering of world leaders in Accra this week underscores the continued importance of Ghana to Africa and the world."

The Rev. Jackson said the West African country has many reasons to be proud, though it still has "unfinished business" in terms of reducing poverty and improving its health care and infrastructure.

Ghana has been seen as a beacon of political stability and economic reform in the region for the past two decades. But in terms of economic productivity it remains one of the world's poorest countries.

"Is Ghana a source of hope for Africa?" Jackson asked rhetorically. "Yes."