America.gov has the full text of President Obama’s speech in Ghana, July 11 in English, French, Arabic, Portuguese and Swahili. It’s worth taking a look at, as this speech outlines Obama’s vision for America and Africa.

If you see the text in any other languages, please post a link in the comments field below!

The Obama family visited Cape Coast Castle July 11, a former slave holding area in Ghana, which “reminds us of the capacity of human beings to commit great evil,” the president said.

Obama said it was a particularly important sight for his daughters to see. Malia and Sasha, he said, should be “reminded that history can take very cruel turns, and hopefully one of the things that was imparted to them during this trip is their sense of obligation to fight oppression and cruelty wherever it appears, and that any group of people who are degrading another group of people have to be fought against with whatever tools we have available to us.”

For more, see “Obama: Ghana Shows Democracy Can Thrive in Africa.”

While addressing Ghana’s parliament today, President Obama took a moment to say something to young people, telling them that the future of their nations lie in their hands:

“You have the power to hold your leaders accountable, and to build institutions that serve the people. You can serve in your communities, and harness your energy and education to create new wealth and build new connections to the world. You can conquer disease, and end conflicts, and make change from the bottom up. You can do that.”

“But these things can only be done if all of you take responsibility for your future.”

For the young people who read this blog, I want to know, do you think your generation can do all of these things?

During his speech in Ghana today, President Obama noted that the United States has committed $63 billion to fight diseases and other health challenges and $3.5 billion in food security assistance.

U.S. assistance to Africa is more than just giving money, Obama said. “Aid is not an end in itself. The purpose of foreign assistance must be creating the conditions where it is no longer needed,”

One problem Africa and America can tackle together is climate change, Obama said. “Africa gives off less greenhouse gas than any other part of the world, but it is the most threatened by climate change. … All of us, particularly the developed world, have a responsibility to slow these trends.” By working together, Obama said, African nations can develop wind and solar power and export profitable, clean energy abroad.

What do you think, do developed nations have a responsibility to help slow climate change in Africa?

In his speech today, President Obama emphasized the importance of having strong democratic institutions. “Africa doesn’t need strongmen, it needs strong institutions,” Obama said.

While democracy takes on different forms from nation to nation, one thing is clear, Obama said: “Governments that respect the will of their own people… are more prosperous, they are more stable and more successful than governments that do not.”

Democracy is more than holding elections, Obama said. “It’s also about what happens between elections.” Nations with strong institutions that respect independent judiciaries, police forces and press are key to democracy, “because that is what matters in people’s everyday lives,” Obama said.

If you’re interested in democratic issues, I recommend you check out America.gov’s blog, By The People.

Ghana is reportedly an exciting place to be today, as people lined the streets in Accra to get a glimpse of the Obama family as they travel through the country’s capital. Signs and t-shirts welcome the first family. When the Obamas arrived at the airport yesterday, musical performances greeted them.

This morning, President Obama met with Ghanaian President John Atta Mills, before addressing the country’s parliament. As the White House has explained, this was an important speech because Obama outlined his vision for U.S. relations with Africa in the coming years.

“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 children,” Obama said. Explaining that while Africa’s future lies in its own hands, Obama said, “I can promise you this: America will be with you every step of the way.”

The president, whose father was from Kenya, spoke of his personal connection to Africa. “I have the blood of Africa within me, and my family’s own story encompasses both the tragedies and triumphs of the larger African story.”

President Obama’s speech covered four themes: democracy, opportunity, health and resolution of conflicts. Obama Today will be discussing all of these topics throughout the weekend, so check back for more information!

Text, audio and excerpts of the speech is available on the White House Web site.