“If we are to remain free, if we are to enjoy the full benefits of Africa’s enormous wealth, we must unite to plan for the full exploitation of our human and material resources, in the interest of all our people.”

—Kwame Nkrumah, President of Ghana (1957–1966)

56 years and counting! Ghana, under the leadership of its first president, Kwame Nkrumah, started the sweeping change on the African continent—fighting for self-rule, emancipation from the colonialists, and, overall, to attain a continental union. This movement saw the forming of allies with civil rights activists, freedom fighters, and other political leaders. The capital city of Accra became a safe haven for freedom fighters from FRELIMO, SWAPO, ZANU, ANC, MPLA, and others, inspired by Kwame Nkrumah.

Leaders spent a large part of their young years in Accra consolidating efforts and preparing to take on the might of the colonial powers. Kwame Nkrumah formed various alliances, notably with Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, Jomo Kenyatta, Modibo Keïta, and Sékou Touré. These alliances led to policies and treaties allowing for the free movement of people between nations, the first steps towards a continental union.

In envisioning ‘One Africa,’ a strong continental union was to:

• Project the African personality.
  
• Overcome the destructive forces of neo-colonialism.
  
• Enhance the security and cohesion of African states.
  
• Transform the political map of Africa.
  
• Overcome the problem of cultural divisions in Africa.
  
• Put an end to European exploitation of Africa.
  
• Effectively utilize and coordinate Africa’s resources for sustainable development.
  
• Promote world peace and security.

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Nubuke Foundation, Accra 2024