Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - stakeholders gathered to Launch the 80th anniversary of the 5th Pan-African Congress, held in Manchester, United Kingdom in 1945. The conference, themed "From Historical Memory to Economic and Political Justice-Uniting Pan-African Progressive Forces," promises to be a landmark event in the annals of Pan-African history.¹
Addressing the press conference, Comrade Kwesi Pratt Jnr, a member of the Coordinating Committee of the Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF), emphasized that the commemoration is not just an echo of the past but a call to action for the present and future. "This conference is not just an echo of the past; it is a positive re-gathering of Africans to assert their rights in a world shaped against their dreams for freedom from all forms of poverty occasioned by the debt burden and the unbridled exploitation of their resources," he stated.
The conference is expected to draw participation from over 50 countries across Africa and the Caribbean, including political parties, trade unions, youth and student movements, women's organizations, and other mass-based movements. Notable speakers include:
President John Dramani Mahama, African Union Champion on Reparations and former President of Ghana
- *President Ibrahim Traoré*: Leader of the Alliance of Sahel States and President of Burkina Faso
Comrade Irvin Jim*: General Secretary of the Metal Workers Union of South Africa
Professor Akua Britwum, Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and Chairperson of the National Media Commission of Ghana
Dr. Gamal Nasser Adam, Immediate past Vice President of the Islamic University of Ghana
The conference will deliberate on several critical issues, including:
Continuation of the National Liberation Struggle, Reaffirming Africa's commitment to freedom and self-determination
Consolidation of National Independence, Strengthening Africa's sovereignty and independence
Development of a Framework for Continental Unity, Promoting anti-imperialism and Pan-Africanism
Reparative Justice, Seeking historical justice and reparations for Africa's past injustices
New Model of Economic and Social Development, Designing a new economic model that prioritizes Africa's development and well-being
The conference is expected to launch the Accra Declaration on a New Pan-African Political-Economic Model, which aims to promote Africa's economic and political independence. The declaration is a call to action for Africans to unite and work towards a common goal of achieving economic and political justice.