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06.11.2008 General News

Ghanaians Celebrate Obama's Victory

06.11.2008 LISTEN
By GNA

The victory of US Democratic presidential candidate, Mr Barrack Obama, was greeted with wild celebrations by a number of Ghanaians, who are passionate about the belief that the world super power nation, is over-coming years of racial strive.

A public appraisal of the presidency of Mr Obama, conducted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra, yesterday, captured deep- seated trust and confidence among Ghanaians that a first Black-American leader is likely to be more sympathetic to the development agenda of Africa.

Mr Percy Amoah Gogoe, a Social Worker, told the GNA that the premium Americans placed on Obama's mantra of 'Change' is likely to spice the foreign policy of the US for the next four years.

He stressed, 'As a Pan-Africanist, I strongly believe that history is in the making.'

Mr Gogoe said the historic struggle of African-Americans for racial justice has paid off.

Mr Alabira Ibrahim, of the Millennium Challenge Account Authority, noted that Obama's victory is a phenomenal achievement that will cause transformation in global politics and economic progress.

Mr Mustapha Sanah, Executive Chairman of Northern Ghana Aid, an international non-governmental organisation, who spoke to the GNA from the US, congratulated the first black president of the US and asked Mr Obama to honour all his electoral promises and double aid to Africa.

He cautioned Africans not to expect too much from Obama's administration, since the US economy is on a sick bed.

The yesterday edition of the Ghanaian newspapers also featured a number of stories about Mr Obama.

The Chronicle captured the US elections with the headline, 'Obama win in the US; A new kind of pride,' Daily Guide, 'Obama fights McCain,' and 'Americans vote in historic elections.' Daily Graphic, 'US policy won't shift, Despite change in leadership- Diplomat,' 'Long lines greet voters in historic poll,' and 'An African shall lead them.'

Mr Obama, who will be sworn into office on January 20, 2009, is a son of a Kenyan and a white mother from Kansas.

He launched his campaign to be president in Illinois in February 2007 promising change.

The 47 years president-elect, who was a Senator from Illinois, campaigned against 72 year-old Arizona Senator Mr John McCain.

Mr Obama received more popular votes than any candidate in US history.

He won a popular vote of 51. 9 per cent, against the 46.8 per cent acquired by Mr McCain.

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