Obama urges 'strong and sustainable' government

ACCRA, Ghana (CNN) - U.S. President Barack Obama praised Ghana Saturday for working to put their democratic government on a firmer footing, with peaceful transfers to powers.

Obama stressed that all nations must support "strong and sustainable" governments.

"History offers a clear verdict: governments that respect the will of their own people are more prosperous, more stable, and more successful than governments that do not," he told Ghana's parliament.

He also reminded Ghanaians that they have chosen constitutional rule over autocracy and praised them for their democratic spirit, in a speech to parliament.

"In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success - strong parliaments and honest police forces; independent judges and journalists; a vibrant private sector and civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in peoples' lives."