U.S. President George W. Bush on Monday touted the strong relationship between the United States and the African nation of Ghana, paying particular attention to their trade relationship, and their joint commitment to peace and nation-building. Bush's statements came during the arrival ceremony held at the White House for Ghana President John Kufuor. The meeting came after Bush and First Lady Laura Bush visited Ghana in February. “Ghana and America stand as one as we work to secure freedom from poverty. Ghana's leaders are governing justly, fighting corruption, and investing in their people. And America is proud to support these efforts through our Millennium Challenge Compact,” Bush said. Bush also spoke on the U.S.-Ghanaian effort to reduce illiteracy, disease, and promote peace, and free and fair elections in the African nation. “President Kufuor, your country is a model of entrepreneurship and democracy and peace on the continent of Africa. We are grateful for the warm friendship your nation has shown ours,” Bush said. In brief comments made by Kufuor, he said “My hope is that Ghana-U.S. partnership will be strengthened in the years ahead, and that this will be augmented by increased U.S. private sector involvement in the economy of Ghana, including the emerging oil sector. Incidentally, the first major find [of oil in Ghana] last year was by a U.S.-based company, Cosmos, from Houston [Texas].” He also thanked Bush, saying “I should also seize this opportunity to commend the United States for its continuing support to the African Union through the United Nations, particularly in the areas of conflict resolution, peacekeeping and reconstruction on the continent of Africa.”
