David Allan Paintsil
10 July 2009
Cape Coast — Cape Coast, the former colonial capital, on Thursday afternoon went agog as both the aged and the youth trooped to the Victoria Park (Jubilee Park) to catch a glimpse of the United States of America Airforce helicopters, which have been deployed to the place in preparation towards the visit of the US President, Barack Obama.
Some young men quickly formed singing groups, popularly known as 'Samambo' or 'jama' group, on seeing the helicopters flying over the length and breadth of Cape Coast's skies..
About five of such aircrafts were deployed to the place and they flew above the sea, Cape Coast Castle area, and in some cases, the Robert Mensah Sports Stadium.
Some of the aircrafts landed at the Victoria Park, and the arena became the toast of many people who gathered to see the Airforce helicopters fly in, land on the ground and leave the place in a spectacular manner.
This development brought great joy to many of the residents in the newly created Metropolis. The people had already seen some level of development projects being done in anticipation of the Obama visit on Saturday.
A section of residents described the military precision of the rehearsals by the American security and pilots as very remarkable, and praised the US for its dedication towards ensuring the safety of their first gentleman. They said the display has brought America to Cape Coast.
Earlier in the day, some police personnel who are going to provide security on the day of the visit went through training sessions at the forecourt of the Cape Coast Castle.
About 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to Cape Coast to offer protection to the United States of America President and his wife, Michelle and children Sasha and Marla.
The euphoria heightened when Vice President John Mahama, who was accompanied by the Central Regional Minister, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa Doe were conducted round the Cape Coast Palace and Castle by Mr. Kojo Bonsu, of the office of the President, who doubled as event Organiser for the welcoming programme for President Obama.
According to Kojo Bonsu, President Obama is expected to spend three hours in Cape Coast, and would be interviewed live on CNN and Sky Television from the Cape Coast Castle. He said Obama will also unveil a plaque at the Cape Coast Castle.
Vice President Mahama later told the press that he was impressed about the state of the Oguaa Palace, which is expected to host Obama on Saturday, explaining that Ghana is proud to host President Obama five months into his assumption of office.
The Vice President was in the Central Region to sympathize with flood victims.
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