Feb. 20 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2008

those resources, it will create more employ- President Kufuor. Thank you, ladies and ment for people. And I know that John gentlemen. is concerned about that. And my only point is, there ought to NOTE: The President’s news conference be—you know, these countries ought to set began at 10:38 a.m. at Osu Castle. In his re- standards and expect countries to live by marks, he referred to President Pervez them. And there’s plenty of leaders who Musharraf of Pakistan; former Prime Min- are willing to do that. ister and Opposition Leader Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan, who was killed in a suicide attack Anyway, thank you very much, Mr. Presi- in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on December 27, dent. It’s been a joyful experience here in 2007; President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Li- the press conference. beria; President Paul Kagame of Rwanda; President Kufuor. Thank you, Mr. Presi- President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic dent, for coming. Republic of the Congo; and President Pierre President Bush. Yes, sir. Nkurunziza of Burundi.

Remarks at the United States Embassy in Accra February 20, 2008

Thank you all. First, I want to thank and children in Uganda and Angola and Jordin Sparks for taking time out of her Madagascar and Mali and Zambia. busy schedule to join us here in Ghana Last spring, Laura and I made an ap- and for performing such a beautiful version pearance on ‘‘American Idol’’—not because of our national anthem. By prevailing on of our voices. [Laughter] We went on the last season’s ‘‘American Idol,’’ Jordin show to thank viewers for participating in showed the world she has a great voice. the Idol Gives Back campaign. This spring, Raising awareness about malaria means that FOX and ‘‘American Idol’’ will once again she has got great compassion and a big appeal to viewers to help defeat malaria. heart. On April 9th, the show will raise money In addition to some great singing, last to fight malaria in Africa and support other year’s ‘‘American Idol’’ featured a fund- worthy causes to the second round of Idol raising campaign called Idol Gives Back. Gives Back. The campaign brought in more than $75 Laura and I hope, and Jordin hopes, that million for charities working in the United America’s generosity will still pour forth. States and Africa. Seventeen million dollars And we ask our fellow citizens to contribute went to organizations that protect American to this worthy cause. families—African families from malaria. And one of these charities, Malaria No NOTE: The President spoke at 11:36 a.m. in More, has used the donations to provide the Ambassador’s residence. In his remarks, bed nets for more than 2 million mothers he referred to entertainer Jordin Sparks. HEARING with

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Remarks During a Lunch With Peace Corps Volunteers in Accra February 20, 2008

Ambassador, thank you very much for us and bringing along some of the—our setting up this lunch. Laura and I and fellow citizens who are making a huge dif- Condi are thrilled to be with some of our ference in people’s lives. most notable citizens. These are folks who I’m sure you would like to share a few have left the comfort of America to join remarks. the Peace Corps to serve humanity, and [At this point, the discussion continued, and we’re really looking forward to hearing your no transcript was provided.] stories and hearing what life is like. And one of the things I tell our country NOTE: The President spoke at 12:02 p.m. in all the time is, our great strength lies in the Ambassador’s residence at the U.S. Em- the hearts and souls of our citizens. And bassy. In his remarks, he referred to U.S. I don’t think there’s any more giving people Ambassador to Ghana Pamela E. Bridge- than the Peace Corps volunteers. And so, water; and Robert W. Golledge, Jr., Country Robert, thank you very much for joining Director, Peace Corps—Ghana.

Remarks Prior to a Tee-Ball Game in Accra February 20, 2008

Welcome to tee-ball in Ghana. Yes, we’re game. I do want to thank your coaches. glad you’re here. Thanks for coming. I am Thanks for coaching. Thanks for teaching so honored to be here for—to witness the people the importance of teamwork. I like game between—I want to make sure I get baseball a lot, so thanks for teaching them this right—the Little Dragons and the Lit- how to play baseball too. tle Saints. And are you ready to start? Are you Yes, I appreciate the Secretary of State going to give me that ball? All right, come coming, Condoleezza Rice. Madam Sec- on over. This is the first ball. Ready? You retary, thank you. I appreciate very much want to put it on the tee? Play ball. the Ambassador joining us. Madam Ambas- sador, thank you. And we got a Major NOTE: The President spoke at 2:55 p.m. at League scout here—yes, Jimmie Lee the Ghana International School. In his re- Solomon from Major League Baseball. He’s marks, he referred to U.S. Ambassador to looking for some talent. Good to see you, Ghana Pamela E. Bridgewater; and Jimmie Jimmie Lee. Lee Solomon, executive vice president, base- Listen, thank you all for letting us come ball operations, Major League Baseball. by. I’m very excited about watching this HEARING with

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