Like no other country, Ghana stands for positive political and economic development in Africa. That's the reason why the White House selected the country as President Barack Obama's first destination in Africa.

"Ghana has become a symbol due to its historical relevance," says Machaia Munene, a Kenyan political scientist. He adds that Ghana was the first African country to gain independence and that he hopes that Obama will use his visit to send a clear message to Africa and define the future US policy towards Africa.

Ghana has achieved results that have eluded many other African countries due to a lack of support from the local elites. The country has made progress in areas that the US views as important for the entire continent: economic and political development, transparent use of resources, political responsibility and actions to combat poverty and foster education and development.

In addition, Ghana also stands for good relations with the US. Add to this the fact that it is a stable democracy, and it's clear to see why it is the perfect destination for the US president, says Cornell University political scientist, Nicolas van de Walle.

"The choice of Ghana reflects the administration's desire to promote democratic development in the region as well as the desire to highlight what is a relatively successful economy in the region," he said.

Oil and security

That a reliable African partner such as Ghana was chosen as a destination also shows that Obama is continuing many aspects of the African policy of the Bush administration, which had already started to focus more on the continent and its relevance to the global economy and security.

Africa's oil and other resources are important for the US, as is a close security partnership that ensures that the continent doesn't become a gathering place for international terror groups. These national US interests have not changed under the Obama administration.

While Africa will not suddenly become the most important foreign policy topic for the US, people have high expectations of the first black president. Africans want to hear a clear message of equality from Obama, says Munene, who also maintains that African products should get the same access to the American market as American products have to the African market. But on a more general level, adds Munene, Africans simply want respect.

"The main expectation is that (Obama) will change attitudes - that his tone will be positive rather than negative, and that the US will be more respectful toward Africans," Munene said.

Yes we can

The slogan "Yes we can" could be heard all over Africa during the US election campaign. Many Africans believe that this slogan also applies to their continent. It stands for the conviction that anything is possible, no matter how bad the circumstances are.

Many Africans believe that a new and more equal relationship with the US is possible. The majority of the people are already convinced that the first black American president has a different stance toward Africa than his predecessor. It remains to be seen whether Obama will prove them right during his first African visit.

Author: Ute Schaeffer/mik/av
Editor: Deanne Corbett