First lady Melania Trump took her “Be Best” campaign in support of child development to Africa on October 2, visiting a hospital and hugging an infant after arriving in Accra, Ghana, on her first major, solo international trip.
In a colorful airport ceremony, she was greeted by Ghanaian first lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo and presented with a bouquet of flowers by an 8-year-old girl, both of whom wore traditional kente cloth. Drummers played, schoolchildren waved flags and dancers swirled.
At Greater Accra Regional Hospital, the American first lady distributed teddy bears and blankets emblazoned with the “Be Best” slogan of her initiative to boost children’s emotional, social and physical health. She toured a clinic and the hospital’s new neonatal intensive-care unit, held a baby, and spoke with mothers and hospital officials.
The hospital tour was followed by tea with Ghana’s first lady.
The White House said in advance that Trump’s mission is to focus on maternal and newborn care, children’s education and “the deep culture and history woven into each African country, and how the United States is supporting each country on its journey to self-reliance.” The first lady’s five-day trip also includes stops in Malawi, Kenya and Egypt.
