Mr. Obama says he wants to highlight the achievements of stable countries that are governed well, where leadership is accountable to the people and institutions are stronger than any one person.
Ghana's capital is strung with American and Ghanian flags. Billboards of the two leaders and of President and Mrs. Obama line the road from the airport. More than 10,000 police are on duty to maintain security during the one-day trip.
There had been high expectations for President Obama addressing thousands of Ghanians at the nation's Independence Square. But the start of the rainy season has moved that speech indoors to a conference center.
The president is expected to use those remarks to outline his administration's policy for Africa, including continued calls for good governance and rule of law.
Weather permitting, Mr. Obama and his family will also visit Cape Coast Castle, from where slaves were shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas for nearly 300 years.