Govt expresses gratitude for successful Obama visit

Accra, July 14, GNA - The government on Monday expressed appreciation the public for their outstanding contribution in ensuring the success of the two-day official visit to Ghana of US President Barack Obama and his family.

"Truly the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality was exhibited by all Ghanaians during the two-day visit and government is of no doubt that it would leave a lasting memory in the minds of President Obama and his family," an official statement signed by the Minister of Information, Mrs Sabah Zita Okaikoi, said.

It said it was the hope of government that the warm reception accorded the US President and his family would "motivate other heads of state across the globe to visit our country since government acknowledges that such visits serve as a major boost for investor confidence in our economy".

The government also commended the Speaker of Parliament, Parliamentarians, Members of the Council of State, the Diplomatic Corps, traditional authorities, and foreign visitors who were present to witness the historic visit and contributed to its success. The statement said the government also commended the Ghana Police Service, the Military and their American partners for their selfless contribution which ensured that there was maximum security throughout the period.

"It is the hope of government that the unity and the sense of purpose that ensured that the usual Ghanaian hospitality was exhibited to our foreign guests would continue as government works in building greater ties with the outside world."

The government also expressed its gratitude to both international and local media organizations that were present to guarantee that all those who were unable to be present at the various functions were able to watch and listen to the historic visit in the comfort of their homes. Government, however, apologised for some of the inconveniences that occurred during the period, particularly the closure of some major streets in Accra and Cape Coast.

"As much as the government would have wished to avoid such unfortunate inconveniences, it was necessary to ensure that the security of our august visitors was not compromised," the statement said.