Ghanaian Diplomat Speaks About The Troubles Of Africa

If Africa hadn't been colonized, would it be facing the same problems such as civil war, genocide, HIV/AIDS crisis or the problems related to the neo-colonialism it is struggling with today?

This question was among many others that Ivor Agyeman-Duah, minister of public affairs diplomacy for the Embassy of Ghana, answered during a Thursday lecture at the William H. Thompson Alumni Center of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Agyeman-Duah, who is a Fellow of the World Press Institute at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, was invited to speak by the Department of Black Studies, International Studies and Programs, the Safari Club and the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha. He has authored six books on the politics and culture of Ghana.

During the lecture, titled, "Ghana in West Africa: Prospects for a Post-Colonial State, " Agyeman-Duah explained the history of Ghana and the current political situation the country faces. For the speaker, colonialism has done good and bad deeds for Africa. Agyeman-Duah said some good things were many schools were that created and most people were able to get a better education through mission schools. He emphasized that these schools were modeled on the culture of colonization. Agyeman-Duah said these institutions should have led Africa to better political and economical development, but instead, "colonialism took any sense of direction that Africa has, which was to build its economy around its natural traditions and cultures."

Colonialism also brought about some negative side effects, Agyeman-Duah said. "More than 30 years after the independence, we are still without direction in many of the things we do." He said the African people are to blame for what is happening to the continent as well.

"We did not help ourselves: we instituted dictatorship, mismanagement, but there is a hope for Africa today because of African leaders who are showing new direction and great leadership." He said the New Partnership for Africans' Development is one of many initiatives that is encouraging political development in many African countries.

Agyeman-Duah also spoke about trade and economic opportunities in Ghana and other African countries.

During his three-day stay in Omaha, Agyeman-Duah talked to members of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and faculty and students at Creighton University. He also visited some Omaha public schools as well as members of the Safari Club, a group of African professionals living in Omaha.

"We were pleased to see a cross-culture at the event," said Belinda Greiner, member of League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha and co-chair of the event. Ignatius Boadu, UNO international student and vice president of UNO's Pan-African Student Organization, said the lecture was a good idea. "The presence of an African official at UNO shows the University cares about Africa," he said. "Most faculties and students don't know about Africa."

He said he agrees with the speaker that Africa should be given much attention by investing in the continent.

"Investment will help the economy and would help people in Africa to stop killing each other," Boadu said. "They would no longer be hungry or without a job."

He also said that South Africa is the most developed country in Africa because of the help and investments of white people. With that same kind of help, the rest of Africa could catch up.

Agyeman-Duah said for him, the solution for Africa "would not depend on good government or having multiple political parties, but how international environments treat Africa in international trade. And this could not be accomplished without the development of technology and human skills in the continent."