Greek philosopher Aristotle once said that for a person to be happy, they will need virtuous friends.
Today, too, Africa is earnestly seeking support from its other African communities in which they can offer mutual support and inspiration to one another.
At times, discord with fellow African leaders gets in the way of understanding the purpose of what Kwame Nkrumah wanted, which was total political integration to help Africans develop warm, humanistic relationships with one another despite their differences.
His continental union was to have three main objectives: overall continental planning on a scale; a unified land, sea, air, military a d defence strategy; and common foreign policy.
Originally, Pan-Africanism, as a unique cultural and spiritual movement for the promotion of negritude, became first used among the black Americans and West Indians of the 19th century. However, it assumed a political dimension in the 20th century, with several adherents, within and outside Africa. Kwame Nkrumah was one of the proponents of Pan-Africanism, a strong movement for African unity.
He was the first African leader to attract international fame in this regard and represents for the black world a symbol of unity. It is therefore not surprising that the Organisation for African Unity is his brain child. As a radical nationalist, he believed that the true and complete independence of Africa can only be achieved as a united people with a common goal.
The unity thought by Kwame Nkrumah was not only a means to an end. But a unity uniting all Africans together with a shared commitment to help all African people become happy through the correct Pan-Africanism philosophy which —is itself the epitome of human harmony and the true picture of peace. It is the goal, not a means.
Mac-Brown
“If Kwame Nkrumah was alive today, what do you think he would have Prioritised and done right now?
TSASI
I believe he will work for the happiness and prosperity of the African people and support their social problems.
Mac-Brown
Indeed, the main societal problems in Africa today after Kwame Nkrumah’s overthrow are the same as 50 years ago ( unemployment, poverty, environment, and integration.
TSASI
The reason they still exist is not because enough investment is not made but because what they tried wasn’t Kwame Nkrumah’s Pan-Africanism unity plan. African leaders need to sit down and look into Nkrumah’s model of unity that is also focused on social investment.
Mac-Brown
What is social investment?
TSASI
Social investment is about investing in people. It means policies designed to strengthen people’s skills and capacities and support them to participate fully in employment and social life.
In fact Kwame Nkrumah’s key policy area was education, quality childcare, Healthcare, training, jobs, and rehabilitation.
Mac-Brown
Although Nkrumah’s African unity means different things to his enemies, if they have been adopted, I believe it would well guarantee and cover the needs of the African people.
TSASI
If there is anything that Africa has excelled after Kwame Nkrumah’s overthrow, then it is the fact that it has never addressed the social needs of the African people. “The gap between rich and poor has grown ever larger. This causes a lot of social tension and economic exclusion.
Mac-Brown
Knowing that it only takes Africans to be committed to be the catalyst for transforming Africa, perseverance in our efforts to develop our homelands and create trust, harmony and peace with all those around us is what matters now.
TSASI
African leaders will have to deal with themselves, because they were atimes impertinent and had the tendency to veer off in the wrong direction, with admirable patience.
One after another they have to lay down the foundation of Kwame Nkrumah’s Pan-American unity that is the faith of Africans deep in their minds which would remain unshakable throughout their lives.
These efforts would later prove to be the basis for establishment of the unity of all the African member states. Thank you Nana Ama for today’s Dialogue.
