African Liberation Day was a very unique and inspiring event. The day was split into two separate parts. The first half took place at the Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum. Here, there was a wreath laying ceremony, songs of joy and pride were sung, and countless African dignitaries came to honor the father of Ghana, Osageyfo Kwame Nkrumah. The most notable among the attendees were Kwame Nkrumah’s daughter and son who are currently active in Ghanaian politics.
Shortly before the Ceremony began the speech given by Dr. Nkrumah on the night of Ghana’s independence was played over the loud speaker. Within his legendary speech, Nkrumah mentioned of an “African identity” and urged all of Africa to exercise self determination as a single unified front. Although the speech was originally given over 50 years ago, Africa is still in need of an identity that originates from within African society and not imposed on them by their former colonial masters or their current neo-colonial exploiters.
After the ceremony was finished we were able to join the world’s leading Pan-African activists at conference center in Ghana. The dialogue was amazing, and I was able to extrapolate several key points which are: (1) there must be no borders in the minds of Africans. The possibilities for growth, unity, and international influence are endless. (2) We must develop a new conception of energy production. (3) As Africans, spirituality and morals are our greatest tools. The first point is essentially saying that we need to be creative, utilize new approaches that will help Africans and Africa improve their current international status. We must be able to willingly accept confrontation in order to develop practical solution to our problems. The second point deals with ecological integrity. One of the panelists sad our place within the whole must dictate energy production. It would certainly behoove continental Africa to do away with western ideologies when energy production is concerned. We are inherently held accountable for how we treat Asase Yaa (mother earth), and must not neglect to handle the many natural resources within Africa with care, respect, and modesty, if we want to see the resurgence of Africa. Lastly, Dr. Nkrumah said that morality and spirituality should be our primary tools for victory over injustice. We must never stray from these because we as Africans brought God-consciousness to the world and gave the world its first codes of ethics. Naturally, we must build upon the solid foundation that our ancestors have laid and we will surely emerge victorious.
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