Obama invites President John Evans Atta Mills to G8 Summit

President John Evans Atta Mills together with three other African leaders has been invited to attend the upcoming summit of the group of eight industrialized countries in the United States of America.

Chairperson of the African Union and President of Benin Yayi Boni, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete and President Mills will be attending the Group of Eight (G8) Summit at Camp David in the United States of America.

A statement signed by White House spokesman Jay Carney says the leaders will be part of a session to discuss food security.

“President Obama has invited [four] African Leaders to join Leaders at the G-8 Summit at Camp David on May 19 for a discussion session on accelerating progress towards food security in Africa,” the release stated.

Deputy Information Minister, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa told Joy News the invitation is indicative of the high regard the country is held.

“What is important is that Ghana is continuously being given its due respect and accorded the attention it deserves. Ghana remains a success story in Africa… this invitation should encourage all of us, especially in this election year to remain committed to our democratic aspirations and ensure that we do not derail the path that we have set for ourselves.”

This will be the second such an invitation has been extended to a Ghanaian President. President Kufuor in September 2008 also attended the group’s meeting in Berlin, Germany.

The G8 countries are France, Britain, Italy, Germany, Canada, Japan, the US and Russia.