Obama exhorts Africa’s young to hold leaders accountable for redeeming the promise of freedom
By APSaturday, July 11, 2009
Obama to Africa’s young people: Step up now!
ACCRA, Ghana — President Barack Obama is challenging Africa’s young people to aspire to a better life, telling them that it’s their responsibility “to build upon freedom’s foundation.”
In his first visit to the sub-continent as president, Obama went before the Ghanaian Parliament to tell legislators to keep building on the progress made there and in other African nations in recent years.
But he also noted Africa’s “tragic past” and exhorted the youth to be activists in helping change society for the better.
Obama said, “You have the power to hold your leaders accountable and to build institutions that serve the people.” He cautioned that there will be “suffering and setbacks” but said people cannot get discouraged, saying the price of retreat would be too high.
