February 20, 2008
PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, thanks. First of all, it's an honor to be in
your country, and it's an honor to be with you. I don't know if the people of
your country truly understand your standing in the international community, but
you are one of the most respected international leaders. You have represented
your country well, you have represented the continent of Africa well, and you
represent certain basic values extremely well. So it's an honor to be with you
today.
You're right, you and I are both finishing our term -- but you forgot to say
that we're both going to finish strong. (Laughter and applause.)
PRESIDENT KUFUOR: That is a politician I talk about. (Laughter.)
PRESIDENT BUSH: You mentioned the Millennium Challenge Account. And I believe
you're the first country on the continent of Africa to receive a grant. And we
did so because we believe in supporting governments that fight corruption,
invest in their children, invest in the health of their citizens, believe in
marketplace economies -- and that's exactly the way you've led your country.
And so ours is a -- it's certainly not a gift. It is given in a cooperative
spirit that (inaudible) people. And we believe that it is in our national
interest to promote freedom and democracy, as well as help the citizenry make
the (inaudible). And you've led the way, Mr. President; it's been very easy to
support your government.
And I appreciate you bringing up disease. There's no doubt in my mind that
given some help, the government of Ghana -- led by you, sir -- will eradicate
malaria. It's going to take a lot of work and a lot of organizations to do this,
and support from the international community -- which you will have -- and I
predict to the people of Ghana that when you look back at President Kufour's
leadership, you'll say this was the beginning of the end of the disease
(inaudible).
So I appreciate your leadership, my friend, and I want to thank you very much
for this warm hospitality. I do want to thank the people of Ghana -- at least
those we've seen so far -- for getting up early, lining the streets and waving
with such enthusiasm. It made us all feel great, and it's a part of the trip
I've really been looking forward to. So grateful for your hospitality. Thank
you, sir. (Applause.)
END
