May 25, 2013 at 6:15am

AU Day: Speeches from some Presidents of Ghana on Africa

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[From Left] Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, John Rawlings, John Kufuor, John Atta Mills and John Mahama

Africans across the continent are celebrating the 50th anniversary of African Union (AU) while all 54 leaders are in Ethiopia to ponder the progress of the continent 50 years after the formation of the AU.

AU Day is an annual commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on 25th May, 1963.

The Organization was founded to spearhead efforts to liberate the continent from colonial masters and it brought the continent together to jointly address its challenges such as conflicts and poverty.

Citi News assessed the state of the Africa Union by reviewing speeches given by some Ghanaian Presidents during the AU’s anniversaries, meetings and other important gatherings.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Jerry John Rawlings, John Kufuor, the late Professor John Atta Mills and current President, John Mahama elected Presidents, have all spoken at Africa and its development.

Ghana’s first President, the late Dr. Nkrumah was widely known for his quest to create a united Africa which he wanted to be called the United States of Africa.

He described the 20th Century as the century for African Independence saying, “this decade is the decade of African Independence; forward then to Independence now, tomorrow; the United States of Africa.

Ex-President Rawlings was also of the view that democracy can only work effectively in Africa if it is “a reflection of the indigenous social, cultural and political ethos of our various countries.”


Mr. Kufuor on his part noted that once Africans have accepted to live in a democratic environment where the people are made to elect their leaders, the verdict of such election should be accepted because it represents the will of the people.

According to him, “Africa is in transition and therefore, we are moving from the old times when strong men and dictators held sway and to the time when people decide through the ballot box.”

The late Professor Mills also stated that intra-cultural trade in Africa was essential to the growth and prosperity of the continent.

He stressed that Africa “cannot continue to sit on the sidelines and watch. We have to take the giant steps that others have taken in other to boost trade among themselves. The need for us to take the giant step is not optional; it is imperative.”