Obama’s Speech That Cut To The Heart…

President Barack Obama’s recent visit to Ghana continues to ignite interest in the thriving West-African country, with various reasons given as the source of their commendable success in a continent fraught with corruption and electoral violence. Some point to President Mill’s relationship wtih Prophet TB Joshua as a veritable factor in the Ghanaian success story…

The millions who watched Obama address the continent of Africa Saturday 11th July 2009, from Accra, Ghana will agree that his words cut straight to the heart of 21st century Africa – a continent as rich in mineral resources as it is rife with corruption. Speaking on Africa’s importance, he said, “I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world – as partners with America on behalf of the future that we want for all our children.”

President Obama With President Atta-Mills

On the conflicts that scar the continent, he said, “These conflicts are a millstone around Africa’s neck. We all have many identities – of tribe and ethnicity; of religion and nationality. But defining oneself in opposition to someone who belongs to a different tribe, or who worships a different prophet, has no place in the 21st Century. Africa’s diversity should be a source of strength, not a cause for division.”

To African listeners at least, the location of the speech however struck home a more powerful message than its contents. Despite his political rhetoric and powerful words, Obama’s decision to visit Ghana over other African nations speaks more than a thousand words. Nevertheless, amidst all the angst, that Obama’s African choice is provoking – one has to look deeper.

Greeting the multitudes

The fact of the matter is that Ghana, spearheaded by Atta Mills, is making historic progress in its democratic and economic stability. In a continent, which is the spiritual father of many nations, including millions of Americans, spiritual guidance cannot be overlooked in Ghana’s success. What or who is the force behind Ghana’s democratic and economic stability and more to the point, Ghanaian President Atta Mills? The answer may lie in his relationship with Prophet T.B. Joshua, the man he describes as his mentor. No nation can be greater or more stable than its leader and behind every leader is a mentor.

While many presidents run to native doctors or politically inclined prosperity preachers for spiritual guidance, Ghanaian President Atta Mills has chosen to sit under the ministry and mentorship of renowned Nigerian Prophet, T.B. Joshua, of The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations. Mills makes no secret of this close relationship and openly declares that T.B. Joshua has been his mentor, and close friend for the past 10 years, and even prophesied his surprising victory against the opposition in January 2009.

Mills’ first Sunday as newly inaugurated President of Ghana was spent in a special Thanksgiving service at the Synagogue, Church Of All Nations where he publicly testified about the man who saw his victory:

“I want to thank the Almighty for making it possible for me to be here this morning to take part in this thanksgiving service. I am no stranger to the Synagogue. Indeed, I have been coming here very regularly and I’ve known the man of God for more than 10 years.
Now, if there is anybody who does not believe in God, I would say that our election should change that persons mind and make them believe in God… We prayed for peace, stability and unity for our dear nation before, during and after the election. We cried to God because He is our Creator and the Provider of all these. God gave us more than we asked for”.

Obama in a warm handshake with Mills

Six months later, God continued to answer the prayer of His servant as even the dubious weather conditions that clouded the prospect of Obama’s imminent arrival in Ghana were reportedly checked due to ‘divine intervention’. The incessant rainfall in Ghana that preceded the visit of the US President continued to pour even on the big day itself. While people were busy worrying about the adverse weather conditions, reports state that Prophet TB Joshua had earlier sent a message to Ghanaians that the rain would soon cease, and nothing would hinder Obama’s historic visit. He further said that the memorable visit would be a success for Ghana, and Africa as a whole. Hours after his declaration, the rain ended.

In a farewell speech to crowds at the airport, Obama solidified the partnership between the two nations, stating that he and President Mills had many things in common, besides both being new presidents, law professors and lovers of sport, they shared the same ideals, as Obama said, “ideals forged in struggles for independence that made our countries who they are. “We believe that democracy is not simply a gift from previous generations but a responsibility for each generation to preserve and to pass on. We believe that no one, whether through the influence of poverty, politics, the power of money or the fear of force is above the law.”

Obama Walks With Atta Mills

It is clear that the Obama Mills partnership is one committed to establishing a just society, a message to the whole of Africa that justice and fairness are worth more than gold, the greatest inheritance, the most enduring legacy. The fact that Obama chose Ghana suggests that he recognises Mills’ values go beyond politics. As a father, as a man who fears God and listens to His prophet, he is leading Ghana on a path of success.

SOURCE: All Voices