Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa, said Nkrumah on Ghana’s Independence Day.
He also said: “As I said in the assembly just minutes ago, I made a point that we are going to create our own African personality and identity. It’s the only way that we can show the world that we are ready for our own battles.”
What is the African identity and personality today if not the glorification of division and self-hate against each other. We are so divided that the dream of African unity is moving farther from us. The attempt to erase the border lines failed, the African passport became useless, even regional groups are powerless and we spend time to meet as a “union” to drink tea over a dream of a united continent our leaders don’t even believe in.
Nkrumah didn’t say it will come easy. “I made it quite clear that from now on – today – we must change our attitudes, our minds, we must realise that from now on, we are no more a colonial but a free and independent people. But also, as I pointed out, that also entails hard work.”
The African youth can make a change and help regain the lost African identity. The West cannot tell our story but ourselves. This is the time for a new Africa, the Africa Nkrumah dreamed of and it starts with you and me.
We are the only ones who can define our destiny.
Happy 64th Independence Day Ghana!
Ismail Akwei 