Diasporans React To Obama in GH so Far

Published: July 11, 2009
2 Comments

The Globe - The streets of Ghana have been electrified by Barack Obama’s arrival on its soil. From the dusty roads of Bawku to the paved lanes of Legon, Obama Mania has taken over the country. The president’s speech to parliament was widely watched by many in the Diaspora. Many cheered his praise and rebuke of Africa’s citizenry and it’s leadership respectively.

But on display was also Ghana’s dignitary corps. With sad and often embarrassing moments on show for the world to see, many members of parliament mortified Ghanaians abroad by displaying their lack of propriety. In what should be a shining hour for Ghanaians at home and abroad, some had this to say:

I just watched a short BBC video of Obama’s arrival at Kotoka last night! What an embarrassing scene! You’d think Atta-Mills PR people (if he’s got any), could have stage managed it better! Instead of lining up along the red carpet or whatever and be introduced in an orderly fashion, they all bunched up at the bottom of the stairs and Atta-Mills was rather in the background, grinning from ear to ear like some Ekwrasi farmer who has been introduced to a ‘broni’. It was a total shambles! They could have done the formal greeting in the comfort of the VIP lounge instead of getting them to meet every Tom, D!ck and Harry of Ghana. When I recall the oven-blast that greets one when you step off the plane at Kotoka, I started ‘sweating’ for them, especially Barack, at least Michelle and the girls were in suitable attire. The poor man was wilting in his white shirt and tie! Can’t Atta-Mills get anything right ever?!!! I am so glad its the Vice President who will receive the Obamas in Cape Coast. He is a very good looking man who is sooooo much better in speech, style, manners etc than that buffoon of a President! - Maame Afua, London

Looks to me that those present are more excited about shaking his hand than what he had to say… What a race, we Africans! - George the Bush Boy, Accra

Rawlings brought a camera to parliament house! Abah! he couldn’t delegate? - Naana Serwah, Ontario

I’m really disappointed in the baby at La Poly Clinic who pulled away from Obama when he reached out to hold. She missed an opportunity to be immortalized in history. Silly un-insightful 10 month old girl! Sampson, Takoradi

2 comments so far...

Vladimir Nettey —› July, 12 2009

I am not sure why we are getting upset about the way our people behaved. When it comes to kissing @#!% and sucking up, Ghanaians are legend. We have this knack of making ourselves look like we need to be hanging on the every word of foreign dignitaries when they come to Ghana - especially when they come from the US. Let us cast our minds back to the 90’s when ex-President Clinton visited Ghana for 4 hours. Do we remember the HUGE turnout that flocked to Kotoka International Airport to catch a glimpse of him?
I am not making light of the fact that, of al the countries in Africa that President Obama could have visited, he chose Ghana (with good reason). It is an indication of the fact that our political process is observed by the outside world and our relative stability is respected internationally, but for the love of everything good, when are we going to behave like we see ourselves at par with everyone else in the world!?!?!?
When are we going to have some pride in ourselves as Ghanaians and behave with a little more self respect?

Malaka —› July, 12 2009

Oh bl3d3,
Why?? Your comments lead me to believe you take Ghana seriously. I mean, this is a nation that will weave kente and carve traditional masks, and in an effort to make them more sellable, stamp “Made in USA” on the back!

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