ACCRA, Ghana--In a sweeping speech, President Barack Obama this afternoon told the Ghanaian Parliament, and all Africans, to look to themselves to shape their collective destiny.

"Africa's future is up to Africa," Mr. Obama said in his speech, in which he not only laid out his vision for Africa, but set the principles of his administration's relationship with the continent.

In his initial visit to sub-Sahara Africa, Mr. Obama told the Ghanaian Parliament that he chose to come to Africa after visits to Russia and Italy to show that Africa, notwithstanding its history, should no longer be treated as an after-thought by Western leaders.

"I've come here to Ghana because the 21st century will be shaped by not only what happens in Rome, and Athens, but what happens in Accra as well," Mr. Obama said to thunderous applause.

Focussing his speech on four issues--Democracy, Opportunities for growth and trade, access to public health especially for women and children, and the peacefull resolution of conflicts-- Mr. Obama challenged Ghanaians and all of Africa to look forward beyond their recent history of great triumph and tragedy.

Describing his visit and this era as "a new moment of great promise" for Africa, Mr. Obama acknowledged the trailblazing role played by historical giants of Africa like Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah, who led the march for independence.

However, that era is gone, said Mr. Obama. Africa, he said, is "a fundamental part of our interconnected world."

Therefore, it ought to rid itself of "strong men" who often hold onto power longer than they should. Instead, African leaders and civil society should strive to create strong institutions, which will nurture the basis of a thriving and free continent.

Going forward, Mr. Obama said the United States will not dictate to Africans what kind of governments they should have. However, the kinds of governments Africans establish will set the tone of his administration's relationship with the continent.

Governments that create strong institutions that are the basis for good governance, open and independent judiciary and press, Mr. Obama said, will enjoy a good relationship with the United States, which will help them develop themselves.

As for those that don't, the president said, the United States will have a responsibilty "to isolate them."

"I have the blood of Africa in me," Mr. Obama said in his speech, recalling how his Kenyan grandfather was a cook for the British. The tri-fecta of corruption, tribalism, and patronage are some of Africa's biggest hurdles to its development, he said.

Mr. Obama saved his biggest challenge forthe youth of Africa, who comprise half the population of many countries like Ghana.

"The world will be what you make of it," Mr. Obama said, challenging them to stand up for the principles of an open and free society.

And if they rise up to that challenge, Mr. Obama said, "America will be with you every step of the way, as a partner, as a friend."