Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has emphasized the need for African unity and economic emancipation, highlighting the continent's vast resources and youthful population as key drivers for transformation. Speaking at the 80th anniversary of the historic fifth Pan-African Congress, Kufuor stressed that Africa must work together to achieve its goals and overcome the legacy of colonialism and neo-colonialism.
"While the struggle for independence was largely achieved, the challenge now lies in achieving inclusive governance, social and economic development, and overcoming the legacy of colonialism and neo-colonialism," Kufuor said. He emphasized that Africa must envision and achieve a borderless continent, facilitating trade, economics, infrastructure, and cultural exchange to attract investments and value addition.
Kufuor highlighted Africa's unique position, sitting at the geographic center of the world, and its vast natural resources, including a quarter of the world's population, with most being youthful and well-educated. "The challenge is now to Africans themselves, rather than external aggressors," he said. "We must work together to achieve our goals and leverage our resources, technology, and human capital to drive transformation."
The former president urged the audience to seize the opportunity to shape Africa's future, emphasizing that the continent's resources, technology, and human capital are key to driving transformation. He highlighted the importance of achieving a borderless continent, leveraging Africa's natural resources and youthful population, and overcoming the legacy of colonialism and neo-colonialism to achieve social and economic development.
Kufuor's speech was delivered at a significant moment, as Africa looks to position itself as a key player in the global economy. With its vast resources, youthful population, and strategic geographic position, Africa is poised to become a major economic powerhouse.
The fifth Pan-African Congress, held in 1945, was a landmark event in the continent's struggle for independence and self-determination. The congress brought together leading African and diasporic intellectuals, activists, and politicians to discuss the future of Africa and the diaspora.
Kufuor's call for African unity and economic emancipation comes at a time when the continent is facing numerous challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change. However, with its vast resources and youthful population, Africa is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and achieve its full potential.
As Africa moves forward, Kufuor's words serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving the continent's goals. "Africa must work together to achieve its goals," he said. "We must leverage our resources, technology, and human capital to drive transformation and achieve economic emancipation."
