Lagos — Political gladiators in Ghana may have put aside their differences in readiness to host United States President, Barack Obama, who is due in the country in a historic visit.

Obama is flying into the West African country and Nigeria's next door neighbpur today, right from the group of eight industrialised countries (G8) meeting in Italy.

Reports from Ghana said the country was already upbeat about the event and has assembled the best paraphernalia in men and materials that would suit such a historic occasion.

It is going to be the first country in sub-Sahara that Obama, the first black man to lead America, would be visiting. The report, quoting Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohammed Mumuni, said that former presidents of the country, Jerry Rawlings and John Kufuor, not known to be in the best of terms, are part of the welcoming team for the U.S. President.

Obama is due in Ghana with his wife, Michelle, and children.

"You cannot conceivably receive an eminent visitor like President Obama of the USA and totally exclude President Kufuor or President Rawlings. I can confirm that these two eminent persons are part of a process for the welcome of President Barack Obama," Mumuni was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile Action Congress (AC) has extended a warm welcome to Obama who arrives Ghana on a two-day visit.

National Publicity Secretary of AC, Lai Mohammed, said in Lagos that though Nigeria, with its pre-eminent position in Africa, should have been the natural first African destination for Obama, "we understand the preference for Ghana over Nigeria and even Kenya, the home country of Obama's father".

"As the US President has made clear in an interview ahead of his visit, credible elections, good governance, abhorrence of corruption and transparent leadership were key considerations in determining where Air Force One will ferry him on his maiden official voyage to Africa.

"Unlike Nigeria, Kenya or most African countries, Ghana easily meets those criteria, hence President John Ata Mills will play host to President Obama on Friday and Saturday, while other African leaders will watch the visit on television.

"We congratulate Ghana and heartily welcome the American leader," AC said.