Welcome Obama

Americans have finally decided to hand over the baton of presidency of arguably, the world's most powerful country to a Blackman and thus appending a new entry in world history.

The heated campaign, considered the most expensive political exercise in that country's history, which preceded the momentous decision and the manner in which the subject maintained a central position in world affairs as it lasted, points at the important nexus between the US and the rest of the world.

No wonder, it is often said that when America coughs the world catches cold.

For those who doubted the possibility of a Blackman ascending that political plane in the US, as President-elect Barack Obama stated in his post- victory speech, Tuesday night, offered that answer.

Half a century ago or even a little after that period, cynics would have sneered at such a possibility and even dismissing it as arrant nonsense.

With perseverance and an exceptional determination to win, the son of a Kenyan man has won the hearts of most Americans and is set to take over the Oval Office in the White Office.

Many Africans jubilated at what fate had foisted on the world and we share with them the joy of this sweet victory if not for anything but for the fact that a proof of the Blackman's capabilities is about to be given the litmus test.

As we celebrate the victory of a man we can to a certain extent, call one of us, we should take note that an Obama victory does not signal the end of Africa's predicament on the global plane.

Our destiny as Africans lies by and large in our own hands.

We can only break out of the cycle of poverty and political decadence only if we stop dictators and adversaries of genuine democracy from coming near power.

The challenges of many an African country is tied to the leadership issue. The lack of this essential ingredient in the running of efficient government machinery is the bane of most African countries.

Not even those African countries endowed with abundant natural resources have been able to cater for the needs of their people who still languish in penury in the face of plenty.

An Obama victory should therefore not be considered an end to this horrible incidence of political anomalies.

Should Obama even decide to follow an Africa-friendly foreign policy, such a path will not be able to exact the desired positive changes, in the face of democracy-unfriendly leaderships which abound in many parts of the continent.

Suffice it to explain however that we pray that President-elect Obama would consider giving Africa a special place in his heart, even as he grapples with the task of returning the smile and respectability to Americans.

The honeymoon period would soon elapse and we know that Obama would be engaged with making good quickly, his promises to his compatriots which was the reason they voted the way they did anyway.

For us especially in Ghana, the American elections should teach us very cogent lessons as our Election Day draws near.

The two presidential candidates disagreed on approaches to national issues and argued about these on the campaign trail.

At the end of it all, the decision-makers, the American people, decided which way they want to go and that was it.

Senator McCain without ado conceded defeat and made a fantastic statement which no doubt went a long way in ensuring a more cohesive America.

The victor on his part fired an equally wonderful post-triumph speech. Herein lies the major lesson for Ghanaians some of who are engaged in a bitter and unnecessary trading of acrimonies in the run-up to December 7.

Leaders who should show exemplary leadership are here and there found wanting and even making utterances which cannot be in the interest of peace and the nation's health.

Even as we savour the Obama victory therefore, the most important lesson for us is how to accept the verdict of the people of Ghana on December 7 and avoid irresponsible conduct.

Welcome to the league of world leaders, Obama, and cockpit of American affairs.