Cape Coast, July 11, GNA- Residents of Cape Coast adorned with dresses embossed with the pictures of the US President, Barack Obama and holding the flags of Ghana and the US, have trooped to the forecourt of the Cape Coast Castle to catch a glimpse of the visiting president. A large crowd had also gathered at the Omanhene's palace where the President would visit.

Despite the tight security being provided by some 1000 policemen deployed in the town, particularly along routes that the visiting President would be using, enthusiastic residents had lined up drumming and dancing. Street vendors are doing brisk business selling souvenirs of President John Atta Mills and President Obama. As early as 0700 hours, the police had blocked some major roads leading to the castle and the Omanhene's palace.

When the GNA visited Kotokoruba, the central business area of Cape Coast, most shops and stores were closed, and the few that were open were selling memorabilia of Mr Obama and President Mills. The streets have been swept clean and decorated with the Ghanaian and US flags with city guards towing away vehicles that had parked at unauthorized places. Many of the people the Ghana News Agency, spoke to expressed their to joy about the visit stressing that it had at least helped to give the town a face- lift, since most houses have been renovated and the streets cleared of all rubbish.

One Maame Aba Yaa, who described herself as a fan of Mr Obama, said "I am so happy at least I would have a feel of "Abrokyere" (overseas) in Cape Coast." At Elmina, residents are pouring on the streets spotting t'-shirts' and clothes with pictures of President Obama and President Mills. Many of them were also seen boarding vehicles to Cape Coast to catch a view of the US President.