Prof. Prodi: Africa must practice its own democracy

Read Article

Comments (80)

This article is closed for comments.

Read Comments Comments (80)

KOO HIA 12 years ago

All this ideas were from our only African leader of vision Kwame Nkrumah but imperialist did not allow his selfless ideas to work to the benefit of all Africans.

All this ideas were from our only African leader of vision Kwame Nkrumah but imperialist did not allow his selfless ideas to work to the benefit of all Africans.
GTV-TV3 on WWW.OFMTV.COM 12 years ago

ALL GHANA NEWS LIVE ON TV3, UTV Ghana, Metro TV, TV AFRICA, JOY NEWS, GTV, ADOM TV, Sports TV AND
OVER 7500 TV - RADIO CHANNELS FREE ONLINE AT WWW.OFMTV.COM

ALL GHANA NEWS LIVE ON TV3, UTV Ghana, Metro TV, TV AFRICA, JOY NEWS, GTV, ADOM TV, Sports TV AND
OVER 7500 TV - RADIO CHANNELS FREE ONLINE AT WWW.OFMTV.COM
RED-SOKOTO-GUDARI 12 years ago

Until we cave our own model of democracy, we are wasting our time! Though France is part of EU,time comes when France says, it is applying french democracy which addresses local issues! why must we always copy blindly from th ...
read full comment

Until we cave our own model of democracy, we are wasting our time! Though France is part of EU,time comes when France says, it is applying french democracy which addresses local issues! why must we always copy blindly from the external supper nation? When we arrive at African democracy, then, we can even talk of Ghanaian democracy too! We need to wean ourselves from this copy copy busines! We have our culture and traditions different from that of the Europeans! Let us understand this!
Nana Ansah 12 years ago

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has been vindicated many times. When Nkrumah was on the world stage Prodi was in his teenage. In other words Prodi is telling us to go back and pick up where Nkrumah left - SANKOFA.

What we have ...
read full comment

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has been vindicated many times. When Nkrumah was on the world stage Prodi was in his teenage. In other words Prodi is telling us to go back and pick up where Nkrumah left - SANKOFA.

What we have to recognise that a prophet was born in Ghana. Even his peers have to invite Nkrumah the self-made scholar from faraway UK to deliver the message. The whole story surrounding Kwame Nkrumah is unique. God Has Anionted Nkrumah Already(GHANA) He is the anionted one but like always the prophet is despised by by his own people.

Jesus said:" No prophet is accepted in his hometown." John 4:44

"Unless we establish African Unity now, we who are sitting here today shall tomorrow be the victims and martyrs of neo-colonialism." Kwame Nkrumah 1963 OAU Conf. Addis Ababa

And how right was Nkrumah. Nkrumah saw it coming. Nkrumah was the man who saw tomorrow. One coup after the other removed all the leaders who were at the time in Addis Ababa from power because they failed to listen to the prophet. To be honest, I weep each day because our economic and industrial development was arrested by a disgruntled few in 1966.

In Ghana the Mate Mehu shenanigans started laying bombs on his paths and spelling doom for all his projects. But the Axioms (ideas and ideals) of Nkrumah has outlived all these shenanigans. You can't skew the truth.

Nkrumah Lives! We still face forward. Long live Maame/Daavi Ghana in economic Freedom and social Justice
ZoRRo 12 years ago

We have wasted a lot of time and human resources in our attempt to develop. We have acted like a dog given a bar of soap; don't know what to do with our many natural resources. We continue to creat divisions, encourage corrup ...
read full comment

We have wasted a lot of time and human resources in our attempt to develop. We have acted like a dog given a bar of soap; don't know what to do with our many natural resources. We continue to creat divisions, encourage corruption, and foster mediocrity.
Nana Ansah 12 years ago

ZoRRo, I couldn't have said it better. You are right on the spot. That said, we still have to work hard for the time and resources lost to bridge the gap. In the words of Kwame Nkrumah 'So much to do so little done'.” So we ...
read full comment

ZoRRo, I couldn't have said it better. You are right on the spot. That said, we still have to work hard for the time and resources lost to bridge the gap. In the words of Kwame Nkrumah 'So much to do so little done'.” So we all have to pull up our sleeves and hit the ground running. Work and Happiness that is the key to creating wealth and a happy society. No labour; no pay(money). No pay means rendered poor. Impoverishment means limited fun. No money; no fun. We will have to speed up in education to be front row seaters in the knowledge based economy of the 21st century. Knowledge is power. Money is power therefore knowlwdge is money. The best investment is education (knowledge), it always yields a dividend.

ZoRRo your job is to find means to take from the wealthy and give it to the poor. Right!! Kidding!

I am hopeful that one day pretty soon we shall overcome. Cheers mate!
WWW.GHANATVLIVE.NET 12 years ago

Free Internet tv streaming serving Ghanaians in the diaspora

www.ghanatvlive.net Live Brings You Live TV stations From Ghana. GTV, TV3, GTV Sports+, Adom TV Live, Joy News TV Live, Metro TV Ghana, e.tv And More.

WWW.G ...
read full comment

Free Internet tv streaming serving Ghanaians in the diaspora

www.ghanatvlive.net Live Brings You Live TV stations From Ghana. GTV, TV3, GTV Sports+, Adom TV Live, Joy News TV Live, Metro TV Ghana, e.tv And More.

WWW.GHANATVLIVE.NET
GHFUO, change ur thinking 12 years ago

WE FOLLOW WITHOUT THINKING AND CAREFUL OBSERVATION. WE BUILD STADIUMS N SKYSCRAPERS IN OUR BELLIES. WE ARE AFRAID TO BE INNOVATIVE. WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO START BEFORE WE FOLLOW...WAA LOOK!?

WE FOLLOW WITHOUT THINKING AND CAREFUL OBSERVATION. WE BUILD STADIUMS N SKYSCRAPERS IN OUR BELLIES. WE ARE AFRAID TO BE INNOVATIVE. WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO START BEFORE WE FOLLOW...WAA LOOK!?
Kwame Ghana 12 years ago

Prof, can you help to turn africa around. Africans have lost true leaders, vision, direction and in many cases misguided by the concept of democracy through western influnence and manipulation. SANKOFA is not a crime. Go back ...
read full comment

Prof, can you help to turn africa around. Africans have lost true leaders, vision, direction and in many cases misguided by the concept of democracy through western influnence and manipulation. SANKOFA is not a crime. Go back to where you start.
William Sorkpor, USA 12 years ago

Easier said than done: identify one basic change or add-on that Africa can make to its practice of western-style democracy.

The professor failed to do so.

What is to come next?

Perhaps Africa should write its own te ...
read full comment

Easier said than done: identify one basic change or add-on that Africa can make to its practice of western-style democracy.

The professor failed to do so.

What is to come next?

Perhaps Africa should write its own ten commandments?

Let's wise-up, and focus on the big picture, -- the economic health of Africa.

May Lord Almighty continue to bless our beloved Great Ghana: Amen!!!

F.A 12 years ago

The answer is simple!! Our leaders have lost it and are intellectually lazy to do the hard bit.

The answer is simple!! Our leaders have lost it and are intellectually lazy to do the hard bit.
CITIZEN ONE 12 years ago

Only the ignorant and disillusioned would agree with such a statement. Besides many many Ghanaians have said this before, why do someone you suddenly think it sounds better coming from a white guy? Same twisted Ghanaian menta ...
read full comment

Only the ignorant and disillusioned would agree with such a statement. Besides many many Ghanaians have said this before, why do someone you suddenly think it sounds better coming from a white guy? Same twisted Ghanaian mentality. We always think we have the balls to challenge and match western civilization.

It's like saying Africans should practice their own form of Science, Medicine, Mathematics and Hygiene. This man is no smarter than a Ghanaian 6th former if not lesser.

Our problem is simple, our ancestors were not very bright, and we are paying the price, although some of us have superior intelligence, the overwhelming number of Africans deficient genetically in brain power over clouds our individual potentials.

Democracy is Democracy anywhere on this planet. I would not accept mediocrity, nor be content with advancing primitive African lifestyles. White people were once primitive, why can they keep advancing then advice us to retrogress?
william 12 years ago

Teachers of political science, economics, in our varsities and high schools, what do you teach? Western models better to be copied? Sankofa and learning of best practices? Or what? That is where the problem becomes serious. M ...
read full comment

Teachers of political science, economics, in our varsities and high schools, what do you teach? Western models better to be copied? Sankofa and learning of best practices? Or what? That is where the problem becomes serious. Mentoring the youth to be copyists not innovators. To become strangers to their culture and imbibe the imported! To be recolonised mentally!!!!Well diaspora and the information age youth, rise up and take back our destiny as NkrumaH, Nyerere, Sekou Toure and others wanted it.
GHFUO, change ur thinking 12 years ago

AN EDUCATED POPULACE WILL TRIUMPH OVER ALL. THE MAJORITY OF US ARE UNEDUCATED, SO WE RESORT TO PRIMITIVE FORCE TO SETTLE OUR DIFFERENCES...NKRUMAH DIDNT KILL, JJ KILLED...BUT BCOS THE POPULACE WERE UNEDUCATED. MANY FAVOR JJ O ...
read full comment

AN EDUCATED POPULACE WILL TRIUMPH OVER ALL. THE MAJORITY OF US ARE UNEDUCATED, SO WE RESORT TO PRIMITIVE FORCE TO SETTLE OUR DIFFERENCES...NKRUMAH DIDNT KILL, JJ KILLED...BUT BCOS THE POPULACE WERE UNEDUCATED. MANY FAVOR JJ OVER NKRUMAH, EVEN TILL TODAY
Bagobila Busanga 12 years ago

Nasar, Nyere, Modibo Keita, Emperor Selasie and Kwame Nkramah laid the foundation already. The leaders of today are ignoring it. I will say, the African Unity is meanigless unless it is linked up with the african culture, afr ...
read full comment

Nasar, Nyere, Modibo Keita, Emperor Selasie and Kwame Nkramah laid the foundation already. The leaders of today are ignoring it. I will say, the African Unity is meanigless unless it is linked up with the african culture, african religons and its democracy. Copy and paste democracy will never help us.
Nana Ansah 12 years ago

His Excellency Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah
President of the Republic of Ghana
Your Excellences, Colleagues, Brothers and Friends,

At the first gathering of African Heads of State, to which I had the honour of playing host, ...
read full comment

His Excellency Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah
President of the Republic of Ghana
Your Excellences, Colleagues, Brothers and Friends,

At the first gathering of African Heads of State, to which I had the honour of playing host, there were representatives of eight independent States only. Today, five years later, we meet as the representatives of no less than thirty-two States, the guests of His Imperial Majesty, Haile Selassie, the First, and the Government and people of Ethiopia. To His Imperial Majesty, I wish to express, on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana my deep appreciation for a most cordial welcome and generous hospitality.

The increase in our number in this short space of time is open testimony to the indomitable and irresistible surge of our peoples for independence. It is also a token of the revolutionary speed of world events in the latter half of this century. In the task which is before us of unifying our continent we must fall in with that pace or be left behind. The task cannot be attached in the tempo of any other age than our own. To fall behind the unprecedented momentum of actions and events in our time will be to court failure and our own undoing.

A whole continent has imposed a mandate upon us to lay the foundation of our Union at this Conference. It is our responsibility to execute this mandate by creating here and now the formula upon which the requisite superstructure may be erected.

On this continent it has not taken us long to discover that the struggle against colonialism does not end with the attainment of national independence. Independence is only the prelude to a new and more involved struggle for the right to conduct our own economic and social affairs; to construct our society according to our aspirations, unhampered by crushing and humiliating neo-colonialist controls and interference.

From the start we have been threatened with frustration where rapid change is imperative and with instability where sustained effort and ordered rule are indispensable.
No sporadic act nor pious resolution can resolve our present problems. Nothing will be of avail, except the united act of a united Africa. We have already reached, the stage where we must unite or sink into that condition which has made Latin America the unwilling and distressed prey of imperialism after one and a half centuries of political independence.

As a continent we have emerged into independence in a different age, with imperialism grown stronger, more ruthless and experienced, and more dangerous in its international associations. Our economic advancement demands the end of colonialist and neo-colonialist domination in Africa.

But just as we understood that the shaping of our national destinies required of each of us our political independence and bent all our strength to this attainment, so we must recognise that our economic independence resides in our African union and requires the same concentration upon the political achievement.

The unity of our continent, no less than our separate independence, will be delayed if, indeed, we do not lose it, by hobnobbing with colonialism. African Unity is, above all, a political kingdom which can only be gained by political means. The social and economic development of Africa will come only within the political kingdom, not the other way around. The United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, were the political decisions of revolutionary peoples before they became mighty realities of social power and material wealth.

How, except by our united efforts, will the richest and still enslaved parts of our continent be freed from colonial occupation and become available to us for the total development of our continent? Every step in the decolonisation of our continent has brought greater resistance in those areas where colonial garrisons are available to colonialism.

This is the great design of the imperialist interests that buttress colonialism and neo-colonialism, and we would be deceiving ourselves in the most cruel way were we to regard their individual actions as separate and unrelated. When Portugal violates Senegal's border, when Verwoed allocated one-seventh of South Africa's budget to military and police, when France builds as part of her defence policy an interventionist force that can intervene, more especially in French-speaking Africa, when Welensky talks of Southern Rhodesia joining South Africa, it is all part of a carefully calculated pattern working towards a single end: the continued enslavement of our still dependent brothers and an onslaught upon the independence of our sovereign African States.

Do we have any other weapon against this design but our unity? Is not our unity essential to guard our own freedom as well as to win freedom for our oppressed brothers, the Freedom Fighters?
Is it not unity alone that can weld us into an effective force, capable of creating our own progress and making our valuable contribution to world peace? Which independent African State will claim that its financial structure and banking institutions are fully harnessed to its national development? Which will claim that its material resources and human energies are available for its own national aspirations? Which will disclaim a substantial measure of disappointment and disillusionment in its agricultural and urban development?

In independent Africa we are already re-experiencing the instability and frustration which existed under colonial rule. We are fast learning that political independence is not enough to rid us of the consequences of colonial rule.
The movement of the masses of the people of Africa for freedom from that kind of rule was not only a revolt against the conditions which it imposed.

Our people supported us in our fight for independence because they believed that African Governments could cure the ills of the past in a way which could never be accomplished under colonial rule. If, therefore, now that we are independent we allow the same conditions to exist that existed in colonial days, all the resentment which overthrew colonialism will be mobilised against us.

The resources are there. It is for us to marshal them in the active service of our people. Unless we do this by our concerted efforts, within the framework of our combined planning, we shall not progress at the tempo demanded by today’s events and the mood of our people. The symptoms of our troubles will grow, and the troubles themselves become chronic. It will then be too late even for Pan-African Unity to secure for us stability and tranquillity in our labours for a continent of social justice and material well-being. Unless we establish African Unity now, we who are sitting here today shall tomorrow be the victims and martyrs of neo-colonialism.
There is evidence on every side that the imperialists have not withdrawn from our affairs. There are times, as in the Congo, when their interference is manifest. But generally it is covered up under the clothing of many agencies, which meddle in our domestic affairs, to foment dissension within our borders and to create an atmosphere of tension and political instability. As long as we do not do away with the root causes of discontent, we lend aid to these neo-colonialist forces, and shall become our own executioners. We cannot ignore the teachings of history.

Our continent is probably the richest in the world for minerals and industrial and agricultural primary materials. From the Congo alone, Western firms exported copper, rubber, cotton, and other goods to the value of 2, 773 billion dollars in the ten years between 1945 and 1955, and from South Africa, Western gold mining companies have drawn a profit, in the four years, between 1947 to 1951, of 814 billion dollars.
Our continent certainly exceeds all the others in potential hydroelectric power, which some experts assess as 42 per cent of the world's total. What need is there for us to remain hewers for the industrialised areas of the world?

It is said, of course, that we have no capital, no industrial skill, no communications and no internal markets, and that we cannot even agree among ourselves how best to utilise our resources.

Yet all the stock exchanges in the world are preoccupied with Africa's gold, diamonds, uranium, platinum, copper and iron ores. Our capital flows out in streams to irrigate the whole system of Western economy. Fifty-two per cent of the gold in Fort Knox at this moment, where the U. S. A. stores its bullion, is believed to have originated from our shores. Africa provides more than 60 per cent of the world's gold. A great deal of the uranium for nuclear power, of copper for electronics, of titanium for supersonic projectiles, of iron and steel for heavy industries, of other minerals and raw materials for lighter industries - the basic economic might of the foreign Powers - come from our continent.

Experts have estimated that the Congo basin alone can produce enough food crops to satisfy the requirements of nearly half the population of the whole world.

For centuries Africa has been the milk cow of the Western world. It was our continent that helped the Western world to build up its accumulated wealth.

It is true that we are now throwing off the yoke of colonialism as fast as we can, but our success in this direction is equally matched by an intense effort on the part of imperialism to continue the exploitation of our resources by creating divisions among us.
When the colonies of the American Continent sought to free themselves from imperialism in the 18th century there was no threat of neo-colonialism in the sense in which we know it today. The American States were therefore free to form and fashion the unity which was best suited to their needs and to frame a constitution to hold their unity together without any form of interference from external sources. We, however, are having to grapple with outside interventions. How much more, then do we need to come together in the African unity that alone can save us from the clutches of neo-colonialism.

We have the resources. It was colonialism in the first place that prevented us from accumulating the effective capital; but we ourselves have failed to make full use of our power in independence to mobilise our resources for the most effective take-off into thorough going economic and social development. We have been too busy nursing our separate States to understand fully the basic need of our union, rooted in common purpose, common planning and common endeavour. A union that ignores these fundamental necessities will be but a shame. It is only by uniting our productive capacity and the resultant production that we can amass capital. And once we start, the momentum will increase. With capital controlled by our own banks, harnessed to our own true industrial and agricultural development, we shall make our advance. We shall accumulate machinery and establish steel works, iron foundries and factories; we shall link the various States of our continent with communications; we shall astound the world with our hydroelectric power; we shall drain marshes and swamps, clear infested areas, feed the under-nourished, and rid our people of parasites and disease. It is within the possibility of science and technology to make even the Sahara bloom into a vast field with verdant vegetation for agricultural and industrial developments. We shall harness the radio, television, giant printing presses to lift our people from the dark recesses of illiteracy.
A decade ago, these would have been visionary words, the fantasies of an idle dreamer. But this is the age in which science has transcended the limits of the material world, and technology has invaded the silences of nature. Time and space have been reduced to unimportant abstractions. Giant machines make roads, clear forests, dig dams, layout aerodromes; monster trucks and planes distribute goods; huge laboratories manufacture drugs; complicated geological surveys are made; mighty power stations are built; colossal factories erected - all at an incredible speed. The world is no longer moving through bush paths or on camels and donkeys.
We cannot afford to pace our needs, our development, our security to the gait of camels and donkeys. We cannot afford not to cut down the overgrown bush of outmoded attitudes that obstruct our path to the modern open road of the widest and earliest achievement of economic independence and the raising up of the lives of our people to the highest level.

Even for other continents lacking tile resources of Africa, this is the age that sees the end of human want. For us it is a simple matter of grasping with certainty our heritage by using the political might of unity. All we need to do is to develop with our united strength the enormous resources of our continent. A United Africa will provide a stable field of foreign investment, which will encourage as long as it does not behave inimically to our African interests. For such investment would add by its enterprises to the development of the national economy, employment and training of our people, and will be welcome to Africa. In dealing with a united Africa, investors will no longer have to weigh with concern the risks of negotiating with governments in one period which may not exist in the very next period. Instead of dealing or negotiating with so many separate States at a time they will be dealing with one united government pursuing a harmonized continental policy.
What is the alternative to this? If we falter at this stage, and let time pass for neo-colonialism to consolidate its position on this continent, what will be the fate of our people who have put their trust in us? What will be the fate of our freedom fighters? What will be the fate of other African Territories that are not yet free?

Unless we can establish great industrial complexes in Africa – which we can only do in united Africa – we must have our peasantry to the mercy of foreign cash crop markets, and face the same unrest which overthrew the colonialists? What use to the farmer is education and mechanisation, what use is even capital for development; unless we can ensure for him and a fair price and ready market? What has the peasant, worker and farmer gained from political independence, unless we can ensure for him a fair return for his labour and a higher standard of living?

Unless we can establish great industrial complexes in Africa, what have the urban worker, and all those peasants on overcrowded land gained from political independence? If they are to remain unemployed or in unskilled occupation, what will avail them the better facilities for education, technical training, energy and ambition which independence enables us to provide?

There is hardly any African State without frontier problem with its adjacent neighbours. It would be futile for me to enumerate them because they are already familiar to us all. But let me suggest to Your Excellences, that this fatal relic of colonialism will drive us to war against one another as our unplanned and uncoordinated industrial development expands, just as happened in Europe. Unless we succeed in arresting the danger through mutual understanding on fundamental issues and through African Unity, which will render existing boundaries obsolete and superfluous, we shall have fought in vain for independence. Only African Unity can heal this festering sore of boundary disputes between our various States. Your Excellences, the remedy for these ills is ready to our hand. It stares us in the face at every customs barrier, it shouts to us from every African heart. By creating a true political union of all the independent States of Africa, we can tackle hopefully every emergency, every enemy and every complexity. This is not because we are a race of superman, but because we have emerged in the age of science and technology in which poverty, ignorance and disease are no longer the masters, but the retreating foes of mankind. We have emerged in the age of socialized planning, when production and distribution are not governed by chaos, greed and self-interest, but by social needs. Together with the rest of mankind, we have awakened from Utopian dreams to pursue practical blueprints for progress and social justice.

Above all, we have emerged at a time when a continental land mass like Africa with its population approaching three hundred million are necessary to the economic capitalization and profitability of modern productive methods and techniques. Not one of us working singly and individually can successfully attain the fullest development. Certainly, in the circumstances, it will not be possible to give adequate assistance to sister States trying, against the most difficult conditions, to improve their economic and social structures. Only a united Africa functioning under a Union Government can forcefully mobilize the material and moral resources of our separate countries and apply them efficiently and energetically to bring a rapid change in the conditions of our people.

If we do not approach the problems in Africa with a common front and a common purpose, we shall be haggling and wrangling among ourselves until we are colonized again and become the tolls of a far greater colonialism than we suffered hitherto.
Unite we must. Without necessarily sacrificing our sovereignties, big or small, we can, here and now, forge a political union based on Defence, Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy, and a common Citizenship, an African currency, an African Monetary Zone and an African Central Bank. We must unite in order to achieve the full liberation of our continent. We need a common Defence system with an African High Command to ensure the stability and security of Africa.
We have been charged with this sacred task by our own people, and we cannot betray their trust by failing them. We will be mocking the hopes of our people if we show the slightest hesitation or delay by tackling realistically this question of African Unity.

The supply of arms or other military aid to the colonial oppressors in Africa must be regarded not only as aid in the vanquishment of the freedom fighters battling for their African independence, but as an act of aggression against the whole of Africa. How can we meet this aggression except by the full weight of our united strength?

Many of us have made non-alignment an article of faith on this continent. We have no wish, and no intention of being drawn into the Cold War. But with the present weakness and insecurity of our States in the context of world politics, the search for bases and spheres of influence brings the Cold War into Africa with its danger of nuclear warfare. Africa should be declared a nuclear-free zone and freed from cold war exigencies. But we cannot make this demand mandatory unless we support it from a position of strength to be found only in our unity.

Instead, many Independent African States are involved by military pacts with the former colonial powers. The stability and security which such devices seek to establish are illusory, for the metropolitan Powers seize the opportunity to support their neo-colonialist controls by direct military involvement. We have seen how the neo-colonialists use their bases to entrench themselves and attack neighbouring independent States. Such bases are centers of tension and potential danger spots of military conflict. They threaten the security not only of the country in which they are situated but of neighbouring countries as well. How can we hope to make Africa a nuclear-free zone and independent of cold war pressure with such military involvement on our continent? Only by counter-balancing a common defence force with a common defence policy based upon our desire for an Africa untrammelled by foreign dictation or military and nuclear presence. This will require an all-embracing African High Command, especially if the military pacts with the imperialists are to be renounced. It is the only way we can break these direct links between the colonialism of the past and the neo-colonialism which disrupts us today.

We do not want nor do we visualize an African High Command in the terms of the power politics that now rule a great part of the world, but as an essential and indispensable instrument for ensuring stability and security in Africa.

We need a unified economic planning for Africa. Until the economic power of Africa is in our hands, the masses can have no real concern and no real interest for safeguarding our security, for ensuring the stability of our regimes, and for bending their strength to the fulfilment of our ends. With our united resources, energies and talents we have the means, as soon as we show the will, to transform the economic structures of our individual States from poverty to that of wealth, from, inequality to the satisfaction of popular needs. Only on a continental basis shall we be able to plan the proper utilisation of all our resources for the full development of our continent.

How else will we retain our own capital for our development? How else will we establish an internal market for our own industries? By belonging to different economic zones, how will we break down the currency and trading barriers between African States, and how will the economically stronger amongst us be able to assist the weaker and less developed States?
It is important to remember that independent financing and independent development cannot take place without an independent currency. A currency system that is backed by the resources of a foreign State is ipso facto subject to the trade and financial arrangements of that foreign country.

Because we have so many customs and currency barriers as a result of being subject to the different currency systems of foreign powers, this has served to widen the gap between us in Africa. How, for example, can related communities and families trade with, and support one another successfully, if they find themselves divided by national boundaries and currency restrictions? The only alternative open to them in these circumstances, is to use smuggled currency and enrich national and international racketeers and crooks who prey upon our financial and economic difficulties.

No independent African State today by itself has a chance to follow an independent course of economic development, and many of us who have tried to do this have been almost ruined or have had to return to the fold of the former colonial rulers. This position will not change unless we have unified policy working at the continental level. The first step towards our cohesive economy would be a unified monetary zone, with, initially, an agreed common parity for our currencies. To facilitate this arrangement, Ghana would change to a decimal system. When we find that the arrangement of a fixed common parity is working successfully, there would seem to be no reason for not instituting one common currency and a single bank of issue. With a common currency from one common bank of issue we should be able to stand erect on our own feet because such an arrangement would be fully backed by the combined national products of the States composing the union. After all, the purchasing power of money depends on productivity and the productive exploitation of the natural, human and physical resources of the nation.
While we are assuring our stability by a common defence system, and our economy is being orientated beyond foreign control by a Common currency, Monetary Zone and Central Bank of Issue, we can investigate the resources of our continent. We can begin to ascertain whether in reality we are the richest, and not, as we have been taught to believe, the poorest among the continents. We can determine whether we possess the largest potential in hydroelectric power, and whether we can harness it and other sources of energy to our own industries. We can proceed to plan our industrialization on a continental scale, and to build up a common market for nearly three hundred million people.

Common Continental Planning for the Industrial and Agricultural development of Africa is a vital necessity.

So many blessings must flow from our unity; so many disasters must follow on our continued disunity, that our failure to unite today will not be attributed by posterity only to faulty reasoning and lack of courage, but to our capitulation before the forces of imperialism.

The hour of history which has brought us to this assembly is a revolutionary hour. It is the hour of decision. For the first time, the economic imperialism which menaces us is itself challenged by the irresistible will of our people.
The masses of the people of Africa are crying for unity. The people of Africa call for a breaking down of boundaries that keep them apart. They demand an end to the border disputes between sister African States – disputes that arise out of the artificial barriers that divided us. It was colonialism’s purpose that left us with our border irredentism that rejected our ethnic and cultural fusion.

Our people call for unity so that they may not lose their patrimony in the perpetual service of neo-colonialism. In their fervent push for unity, they understand that only its realization will give full meaning to their freedom and our African independence.

It is this popular determination that must move us on to a Union of Independent African States. In delay lies danger to our well-being, to tour very existence as free States. It has been suggested that our approach of unity should be gradual, that it should go piece-meal. This point of view conceives of Africa as a static entity with “frozen” problems which can be eliminated one by one and when all have been cleared then we can come together and say: “Now all is well. Let us unite”. This view takes no account of the impact of external pressures. Nor does it take cognizance of the danger that delay can deepen our isolations and exclusiveness; that it can enlarge our differences and set us drifting further and further apart into the net of neo-colonialism, so that our union will become nothing but a fading hope, and the great design of Africa’s full redemption will be lost, perhaps, forever.
The view is also expressed that our difficulties could be resolved simply by a greater collaboration through cooperative association in our inter-territorial relationships. This way of looking at our problems denies a proper conception of their inter-relationship and mutuality. It denies faith in a future for African advancement, in African independence. It betrays a sense of solution only in continued reliance upon external sources through bilateral agreements for economic and other forms of aid.
The fact is that although we have been cooperating and associating with one another in various fields of common endeavour even before colonial times, this has not given us the continental identity and the political and economic force which would help us to deal effectively with the complicated problems confronting us in Africa today. As far as foreign aid is concerned, a United Africa would be in a more favourable position to attract assistance from foreign sources. There is the far more compelling advantage which this arrangement offers, in that aid will come from anywhere to Africa because our bargaining power would become infinitely greater. We shall no longer be dependent upon aid from restricted sources. We shall have the world to choose from.
What are we looking for in Africa? Are we looking for Charters, conceived in the light of the United Nations example? A type of United Nations organisation whose decisions are framed on the basis of resolutions that in our experience have sometimes been ignored by member States? Where groupings are formed and pressures develop in accordance with the interest of the group concerned? Or is it intended that Africa should be turned into a lose organization of States on the model of the organization of the American States, in which the weaker States within it can be at the mercy of the stronger or more powerful ones politically or economically or at the mercy of some powerful outside nations or group of nations? Is this the kind of association we want for ourselves in the United Africa we all speak of with such feeling and emotion?

Your Excellences, permit me to ask: is this the kind of framework we desire for our United Africa? And arrangement which in future could permit Ghana or Nigeria or the Sudan, or Liberia, or Egypt or Ethiopia for example, to use pressure, which either superior economic or political influence gives, to dictate the flow and the direction of trade from, say, Burundi or Togo or Nyasaland to Mozambique?

We all want a United Africa, united not only in our concept of what unity can connotes, but united in our common desire to move forward together and dealing with all the problems that can best be solved only on a continental basis.
When the first Congress of the United States met many years ago at Philadelphia, one of the delegates sounded the first chore of unity by declaring that they had met in a “state of nature” in other words, they were not at Philadelphia as Virginians, or Pennsylvanians, but simply as Americans. This reference to themselves as Americans was in those days a new and strange experience. May I dare to assert equally on this occasion, Your Excellences that we meet here today not as Ghanaians, Guineans, Egyptians, Algerians, Moroccans, Malians, Liberians, Congolese or Nigerians but as Africans. Africans united in our resolve to remain here until we have agreed on the basic principles of a new compact of unity among ourselves which guaranties for us and future a new arrangement of continental government.

If we succeed in establishing a new set of principles as the basis of a new Charter or Statute for the establishment of a Continental Unity of Africa and the creation of social and political progress for our people then, in my view, this Conference should mark the end of our various groupings and regional blocs. But if we fail and let this grand and historic opportunity slip by then we should give way to greater dissension and division among us for which the people of Africa will never forgive us. And the popular and progressive forces and movements within Africa will condemn us. I am sure therefore that we should not fail them.
I have spoken at some length, Your Excellences, because it is necessary for us all to explain not only to one another present here but also to our people who have entrusted to us the fate and destiny of Africa. We must therefore not leave this place until we have set up effective machinery for achieving African Unity. To this end, I now propose for your consideration the following:
As a first step, Your Excellences, a Declaration of Principles uniting and binding us together and to which we must all faithful and loyally adhere, and laying the foundations of unity should be set down. And there should also be a formal declaration that all the Independent African States here and now agree to the establishment of a Union of African States.

As a second and urgent step for the realization of the unification of Africa, an All-Africa Committee of Foreign Ministers be set up now, and that before we rise from this Conference a day should be fixed for them to meet.

This Committee should establish on behalf of the Heads of our Governments, a permanent body of officials and experts to work out a machinery for the Union Government of Africa. This body of officials and experts should be made up of two of the brains from each Independent African State. The various Charters of the existing groupings and other relevant document could also be submitted to the officials and experts. A praesidium consisting of the Head of the Governments of the Independent African States should be call upon to meet and adopt a Constitution and others recommendations that will launch the Union Government of Africa.
We must also decide on allocation where this body of officials and experts will work as the new Headquarters or Capital of our Union Government. Some central place in Africa might be the fairest suggestion either at Bangui in the Central African Republic or Leopoldville in Congo. My colleagues may have other proposals. The Committee of Foreign Ministers, officials and experts should be empowered to establish:

1. A Commission to frame a Constitution for a Union Government of African States;

2. A Commission to work out a continent-wide plan for a unified or common economic and industrial programme for Africa; this plan should include proposals for setting up:

• A Common Market for Africa

• An African currency

• African Monetary Zone

• African Central Bank, and

• Continental Communications System;

3. A Commission to draw up details for a Common Foreign Policy and Diplomacy;

4. A Commission to produce plans for a Common System of Defence;

5. A Commission to make proposals for Common African Citizenship.

These Commissions will report to the Committee of Foreign Ministers who should in turn submit within six months of this Conference their recommendations to the Praesidium. The Praesidium meeting in Conference at the Union Headquarters will consider and approve the recommendations of the Committee of Foreign Ministers.

In order to provide funds immediately for the work of the permanent officials and experts of the Headquarters of the Union, I suggest that a special Committed be set up now to work a budget for this.
Your Excellences, with these steps, I submit, we shall be irrevocably committed to the road which will bring us to a Union Government of Africa. Only a united Africa with central political direction can successfully give effective material and moral support to our Freedom Fighters in Southern Rhodesia, Angola, Mozambique, South-West Africa, Bechuanaland, Swaziland, Basutoland, Portuguese Guinea, etc., and of course South Africa.
Kantanka. HH 12 years ago

Mafia-ridden mentality Democrasy is democrasy. Anything short is unfair to mankind

Mafia-ridden mentality Democrasy is democrasy. Anything short is unfair to mankind
ELINAM 12 years ago

Way more than a prophesy in any scriptures.

Way more than a prophesy in any scriptures.
JH New York 12 years ago

This nice speech is mainly centered on the idea of United Africa, devoid of the first step advise towards(the subject) African Types of Democracies or Constitutions in accordance to our norms for individual Sovereign States ...
read full comment

This nice speech is mainly centered on the idea of United Africa, devoid of the first step advise towards(the subject) African Types of Democracies or Constitutions in accordance to our norms for individual Sovereign States to adopt and followed as such but not to adopt or Copy foreign Constitutions or laws which was/is at variances with our Traditions,Culture,and Customs.
James Osei 12 years ago

This is exactly what Kutu was talking about in 77/78 with the Unigov concept but the politicians and academics did not understand.

This is exactly what Kutu was talking about in 77/78 with the Unigov concept but the politicians and academics did not understand.

Spiky 12 years ago

Yes I agree with you; the imperialist can be blamed but they can do nothing without the African hand. Truly Kennedy did not like Nkrumah but was he the one that pulled the trigger to overthrow Nkrumah? No! It was our own Koto ...
read full comment

Yes I agree with you; the imperialist can be blamed but they can do nothing without the African hand. Truly Kennedy did not like Nkrumah but was he the one that pulled the trigger to overthrow Nkrumah? No! It was our own Kotoka and Afrifa. That is the problem. Traitors among us are our downfall, and there are plenty of them as I write.
alfred 12 years ago

lack of leadership,education,structures,
capital,technology and the prevalence of tribalism,corruption,ignorance has worked against democracy............

lack of leadership,education,structures,
capital,technology and the prevalence of tribalism,corruption,ignorance has worked against democracy............
Nana Ansah 12 years ago

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has been vindicated many times. When Nkrumah was on the world stage Prodi was in his teenage. In other words Prodi is telling us to go back and pick up where Nkrumah left - SANKOFA.

What we have ...
read full comment

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has been vindicated many times. When Nkrumah was on the world stage Prodi was in his teenage. In other words Prodi is telling us to go back and pick up where Nkrumah left - SANKOFA.

What we have to recognise that a prophet was born in Ghana. Even his peers have to invite Nkrumah the self-made scholar from faraway UK to deliver the message. The whole story surrounding Kwame Nkrumah is unique. God Has Anionted Nkrumah Already(GHANA) He is the anionted one but like always the prophet is despised by by his own people.

Jesus said:" No prophet is accepted in his hometown." John 4:44

"Unless we establish African Unity now, we who are sitting here today shall tomorrow be the victims and martyrs of neo-colonialism." Kwame Nkrumah 1963 OAU Conf. Addis Ababa

And how right was Nkrumah. Nkrumah saw it coming. Nkrumah was the man who saw tomorrow. One coup after the other removed all the leaders who were at the time in Addis Ababa from power because they failed to listen to the prophet. To be honest, I weep each day because our economic and industrial development was arrested by a disgruntled few in 1966.

In Ghana the Mate Mehu shenanigans started laying bombs on his paths and spelling doom for all his projects. But the Axioms (ideas and ideals) of Nkrumah has outlived all these shenanigans. You can't skew the truth.

Nkrumah Lives! We still face forward. Long live Maame/Daavi Ghana in economic Freedom and social Justice
richard 12 years ago

I agree with you entirely

I agree with you entirely
Krikri,, 12 years ago

The last time it was de Klerk, the former apartheid boss of South Africa who said the same thing. Today, it is a former Italian President. Does it mean the leaders of Africa DO NOT THINK? DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE RAMIFICATIONS O ...
read full comment

The last time it was de Klerk, the former apartheid boss of South Africa who said the same thing. Today, it is a former Italian President. Does it mean the leaders of Africa DO NOT THINK? DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE RAMIFICATIONS OF 'COPYING BLIDLY AND FOOLISHLY'? OR THEY ARE EITHER INCOMPETENT OR MERE ROBOTS? It is painful to write like I am doing but I have no choice. Any president in Africa should know, before they even assume that position, that we need an African democracy because we are different from the whites. Let me cite an example: Why do we keep some Ghanaians on Article 71 office holders and put the majority on some stinking and degrading thing they call SSNIT pension? They are keeping the system the way it is because, it is good for them to still wear the 'obroni wawu' identity of the White slave masters.As a first step,Mahama scrap the greedy and crazy Article 71 office holder nonsense.Let us all be on the same thing. Uproot the FREE everything including foreign travels by expesident!! This is slavery extraordinary
PKA 12 years ago

African leaders will not subscribe to this excellent idea because most of them have been brainwashed. in addition, the western system of governance enables them to loot national coffers and only pay lip service to the citizen ...
read full comment

African leaders will not subscribe to this excellent idea because most of them have been brainwashed. in addition, the western system of governance enables them to loot national coffers and only pay lip service to the citizenry.
Georgie 12 years ago

Africa cannot have any different democracy which works in the interest of African despots and tyrants.

Africa cannot have any different democracy which works in the interest of African despots and tyrants.
KANAWU 12 years ago

IF WE THINK IT'S EVIL AS IT IS TO US IN AFRICA. WE DON'T HAVE TO BOW DOWN TO ANY SUPER POWER BECAUSE OF SUPPORT. WE SHOULD PROMOTE INTER-AFRICAN TRADE. MOST OF ALL, OUR LEADERS SHOULD BE BOLD AND EMBARK ON INDUSTRIALIZATION I ...
read full comment

IF WE THINK IT'S EVIL AS IT IS TO US IN AFRICA. WE DON'T HAVE TO BOW DOWN TO ANY SUPER POWER BECAUSE OF SUPPORT. WE SHOULD PROMOTE INTER-AFRICAN TRADE. MOST OF ALL, OUR LEADERS SHOULD BE BOLD AND EMBARK ON INDUSTRIALIZATION IN AFRICA. WE SHOULD PROCESS OUR RAW MATERIALS HERE IN AFRICA.
Paul Amuna 12 years ago

There is nothing new in this. Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah told African leaders and peoples over 50 years ago that we needed an "African Identity" and that we needed to forge ahead our "own system of democracy" which allows for ...
read full comment

There is nothing new in this. Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah told African leaders and peoples over 50 years ago that we needed an "African Identity" and that we needed to forge ahead our "own system of democracy" which allows for free enterprise whilst catering for the less fortunate amongst us.

Nkrumah argued at the time that Africa's needs were different from those of Europe or even the Eastern countries, emerging from colonialism and our approach to government and development had to put the nation state first before all other considerations.

Our brand of government has to reflect the will and aspirations of the people and not the dictates of external powers with parochial interests. He said that by operating in this African identity and working hard to improve our lot, we would be able to "demonstrate to the white man that the black man is completely capable of handling his own affairs".

He was vilified at the time and both western and African detractors labeled him with so many names. Today we have A EUROPEAN POLITICIAN coming to tell Ghanaians Africans should forge their own style of democracy!!! Funny old world, and this is news? To whom?

We fail to identify true, honest and dedicated leaders and collude and connive with outsiders to destroy them. Then 50 years later they come to tell us what we already have been told and should be doing!!!
Nana Ansah 12 years ago

"Unless we establish African Unity now, we who are sitting here today shall tomorrow be the victims and martyrs of neo-colonialism." Kwame Nkrumah 1963 OAU Conf. Addis Ababa

20 Kwame Nkrumah, July 10, 1953
Nkrumah insp ...
read full comment

"Unless we establish African Unity now, we who are sitting here today shall tomorrow be the victims and martyrs of neo-colonialism." Kwame Nkrumah 1963 OAU Conf. Addis Ababa

20 Kwame Nkrumah, July 10, 1953
Nkrumah inspired the anti-colonial movement at a time when almost every African country was under European rule. Moving a motion in parliament for the independence of his native Ghana, then the British colony of Gold Coast, Nkrumah declared that every nation was entitled to self-government. “The right of a people to decide their own destiny, to make their way in freedom, is not to be measured by the yardstick of colour or degree of social development. It is an inalienable right.”

Google: Top 25 political speeches of all time to see the entire list.

WWW.GHANATVLIVE.NET 12 years ago

Free Internet tv streaming serving Ghanaians in the diaspora

www.ghanatvlive.net Live Brings You Live TV stations From Ghana. GTV, TV3, GTV Sports+, Adom TV Live, Joy News TV Live, Metro TV Ghana, e.tv And More.

WWW.G ...
read full comment

Free Internet tv streaming serving Ghanaians in the diaspora

www.ghanatvlive.net Live Brings You Live TV stations From Ghana. GTV, TV3, GTV Sports+, Adom TV Live, Joy News TV Live, Metro TV Ghana, e.tv And More.

WWW.GHANATVLIVE.NET
Krikri,, 12 years ago

they collaborated with the CIA and others to overthrow Dr Kwame Nkrumah so that they can continue with the same exploitation of the masses and awarding themselves crazy ex-gratia after their terms.

they collaborated with the CIA and others to overthrow Dr Kwame Nkrumah so that they can continue with the same exploitation of the masses and awarding themselves crazy ex-gratia after their terms.
NOKORE NA EYE OOH 12 years ago

Look at the religions of Christians and Moslems in Ghana being consumpt at the helm of all affairs. Our own cultures has been crushed down like mashed potatoes.

Look at the religions of Christians and Moslems in Ghana being consumpt at the helm of all affairs. Our own cultures has been crushed down like mashed potatoes.
Elom 12 years ago

He has said the truth, we need to develop our kind of democracy!

He has said the truth, we need to develop our kind of democracy!
Bongo Boy 12 years ago

Fish and chips are not for everybody

Fish and chips are not for everybody
Bongo Boy 12 years ago

The West would not allow us to grow our democracy organically

The West would not allow us to grow our democracy organically
UNMISGUIDED AFRICAN CHILD... 12 years ago

One can only limit and credit this discussion of Black Africa finding it's own demmocracy to Acebe's first novel (How)"Things Fell Apart"....and to see where and how the dilema of millions of Black Africans came to be exploit ...
read full comment

One can only limit and credit this discussion of Black Africa finding it's own demmocracy to Acebe's first novel (How)"Things Fell Apart"....and to see where and how the dilema of millions of Black Africans came to be exploited and dehumanized in the empty gulf between Two CULTURES !!

Or,if you will,how the Black African came to be torn between two conflicting cultures.,namely his own vis-a-vis the OTHER...the imposition of the selfish Alien European culture
on us.

This realization is centered around(if we all recall)the main character in the book OKONKWO.In this character,Mr Achebe,sees in Okonkwo the early African who is obsessed with the honour of his OWN community,a PROUD and potent individual who behaved in accordance with the norms of his community.
Okonkwo,was unconditionally opposed to anything alien(foreign).He believed in a fundermental continuity in the African Experience.

To exploit us,these selfish Europeans sought what Achebe refers to as "a new commonsense for the Africans."..which became contrary to our OWN norms,...and became insignificant and hostile to the African in his own enviroment.

And now,in Post Colonial Africa,we have all become spectators of Alien events,alien Democracy, and alien systems of governance.

Hence,...As Achebe puts it,.."a knife has been placed into the African system"...hence, our (borrowed) Democracy today is a Misfit.

Ultimately,Achebes novel is interesting for the light it throws on a large and representative view of Africa.It begs the question that Professor ROMANO PRODI poses:

SHOUL AFRICA FIND IT'S OWN
DEMOCRACY? Discuss !!

I am
nana-yaw(your-brother-in-thje struggle)
kofi mensah 12 years ago

This is very common sense and Prodi is absolutely right. But the copying as he says should only be in broad outlines. We have to inject features in it that suit our people. One of the things we have copied is a system that wo ...
read full comment

This is very common sense and Prodi is absolutely right. But the copying as he says should only be in broad outlines. We have to inject features in it that suit our people. One of the things we have copied is a system that works in a literate society. Have we contemplated a system which would work in an environment where the majority are illiterate, even those who have been to school. The eclection petition problem in Ghana is a blatant reminder that literate culture practices are our problem regarding transparency and signatures. But what Prodi said applies in other domains as well: economy, architecture, food, fashion style and design. The list is never ending
EZEKIEL 12 years ago

WILL OUR PEOPLE LISTEN ???Some want even to name their party .." Republican Party"..with Logo and everything !!!!
Look at how RECENTLY a minority in the USA tried to HI-JACK the whole Nation! Is that the TYPE of democracy we ...
read full comment

WILL OUR PEOPLE LISTEN ???Some want even to name their party .." Republican Party"..with Logo and everything !!!!
Look at how RECENTLY a minority in the USA tried to HI-JACK the whole Nation! Is that the TYPE of democracy we want ????
mr Tina 12 years ago

Thank you Mr Prodi. May you live long. Our leaders do not think but very smart in stealing and making false promises. Nkrumah laid the fundation for them but they refuse to make use of it.

Thank you Mr Prodi. May you live long. Our leaders do not think but very smart in stealing and making false promises. Nkrumah laid the fundation for them but they refuse to make use of it.
faithgrows 12 years ago

I THINK JJ SAID THIS SOME TIME GONE.

I THINK JJ SAID THIS SOME TIME GONE.
Owusu-Nkwantabisa 12 years ago

Please read my article on this same platform: Re: Corruption, Politics and Tribalism killing Ghana about a viable alternative.

Parliamentary democracy and the promotion of independent candidates. We should abolish the pre ...
read full comment

Please read my article on this same platform: Re: Corruption, Politics and Tribalism killing Ghana about a viable alternative.

Parliamentary democracy and the promotion of independent candidates. We should abolish the presidency and the national parties.
AMPOMEASONO 12 years ago

Nice to hear a Western Statesman giving a speech that echoes Osagyefo. In all our villages in Ghana we practice our kind of Democracy where cases are settled Democratically. But our leaders from Dr. Busia preached so much Wes ...
read full comment

Nice to hear a Western Statesman giving a speech that echoes Osagyefo. In all our villages in Ghana we practice our kind of Democracy where cases are settled Democratically. But our leaders from Dr. Busia preached so much Western Democracy which is foreign to our way of life and still believed in our Chieftancy which confused him. Bring back NKRUMAHISM,
Braveboy 12 years ago

Since our leaders love to listen to white men, maybe they might listen this time around.

How long have we been telling them to cut the coat according to our size.

Yes, it is a great thing to learn and borrow ideas, bu ...
read full comment

Since our leaders love to listen to white men, maybe they might listen this time around.

How long have we been telling them to cut the coat according to our size.

Yes, it is a great thing to learn and borrow ideas, but you must only learn the principles and test it with your system before use.

An example is, how many of our doctors have been able to justify why we should give them more money, especially, since we use state resources to train them in the first place.

Western doctors always devise new ways to meet the particular needs of their people.

They would take a herbal medicine from Africa and evolve it to meet their needs, but Africa doctors would travel to study medicine and return to implement a foreign system that keeps involving in its original source and very soon it becomes outmoded. We live in plenty and yet we take advantage of none.

I listened to two ministers at the weekend justifying why it is not a bad thing to take many loans, aid and grants because all the advanced nations owe huge amounts.

For one thing the ministers did not realize, these countries have huge arsenals to defend themselves. You can not threaten them and thus they have reasonable guarantees to peace and stability. This is just one end of the explanation, but who can tell Fiifi Kwetey he is wrong?

He has probably studied under all the best foreign brains on economies and he has the degrees to back himself and the poor people of Ghana are too ignorant to understand all these economic jargon.
I pray there's a turn around for Africa.
Kotei 12 years ago

YES, BRAVO!, CLAP CLAP CLAP FOR THIS WHITE PROF. THE WHITE MAN HIMSELF HAS SPOKEN THE TRUTH. BUT WHO IS INTELLIGENT ENOUGH IN AFRICA TO DESIGN THAT SYSTEM TO SUIT AFRICA. MAY BE I CAN.

YES, BRAVO!, CLAP CLAP CLAP FOR THIS WHITE PROF. THE WHITE MAN HIMSELF HAS SPOKEN THE TRUTH. BUT WHO IS INTELLIGENT ENOUGH IN AFRICA TO DESIGN THAT SYSTEM TO SUIT AFRICA. MAY BE I CAN.
Zip Up 12 years ago

Excuse me Mr Prodi, you just zip it and keep such knowledge for Italy or EuropeBut not for Africa, We Africans will battle our quest for good Governance on our own till we get it right, Democracy is a Word that every natural ...
read full comment

Excuse me Mr Prodi, you just zip it and keep such knowledge for Italy or EuropeBut not for Africa, We Africans will battle our quest for good Governance on our own till we get it right, Democracy is a Word that every natural living Species cherish so much without reservation, condition or fears, just for the common meaning of Democracy ( A System where by all Eligible Citizens Paticipate equally either through Election or Representation in their day to day state of Affairs or Decision Making and Taking (Socio-Economic Issues ) Democracy Is The Darling Of Contemporary Living Species without denial
TRUTH PREACHER 12 years ago

B-R-A-V-O! Your excellency, Plain word is not a cheek.The Problem of our Africa leaders is HOW TO THINK, not WHAT TO THINK. A leader must have Vision and be able also to execute that Vision. Our leaders are lazy thinkers, so ...
read full comment

B-R-A-V-O! Your excellency, Plain word is not a cheek.The Problem of our Africa leaders is HOW TO THINK, not WHAT TO THINK. A leader must have Vision and be able also to execute that Vision. Our leaders are lazy thinkers, so they fail in Performance.
It´s time for our leaders to wake up and start thinking.
C.O.D 12 years ago

We cannot for we are even marrying the way westerners marry as if someone has told us that way we marry is detestable to God Our Creator. Thanks Mr. Prodi.

We cannot for we are even marrying the way westerners marry as if someone has told us that way we marry is detestable to God Our Creator. Thanks Mr. Prodi.
CAPII 12 years ago

AFRICAN NATURAL RULERS ARE THE TRADITIONAL KINGS/CHIEFS.BONO-MANSO,AKWAMU,AKYEM,DENKYIRA,ASHANTI EMPIRES ARE FEW EXAMPLES.PARTY POLITICS, MILITARY REGIMES ARE DIVISIVE AND DO NOT INTEGRATE OUR SOCIETY.LETS EDUCATE OUR TRADITI ...
read full comment

AFRICAN NATURAL RULERS ARE THE TRADITIONAL KINGS/CHIEFS.BONO-MANSO,AKWAMU,AKYEM,DENKYIRA,ASHANTI EMPIRES ARE FEW EXAMPLES.PARTY POLITICS, MILITARY REGIMES ARE DIVISIVE AND DO NOT INTEGRATE OUR SOCIETY.LETS EDUCATE OUR TRADITIONAL RULERS TO 21st CENTURY STANDARDS AND CONTROL THEIR AFFAIRS.
BJJ 12 years ago

YES,WHAT A WISE MAN,HE IS RIGHT.

YES,WHAT A WISE MAN,HE IS RIGHT.
GHANA BA 12 years ago

PRODI KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT BECAUSE ITALIAN "DEMOCRACY"IS WORSE THAN A JOKE.SINCE 1946,THEY HAVE ENDED UP WITH 62 DODGY PRIME MINISTERS AND USELESS PRESIDENTS.PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION IS A COMPLETE FARCE.

PRODI KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT BECAUSE ITALIAN "DEMOCRACY"IS WORSE THAN A JOKE.SINCE 1946,THEY HAVE ENDED UP WITH 62 DODGY PRIME MINISTERS AND USELESS PRESIDENTS.PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION IS A COMPLETE FARCE.
solo 12 years ago

They have crafted their own form od democracy with elements of their culture and is working perfectly for them. No wonder within 30 years Iran has become powerful and one of the most sophisticated nations on earth.

They have crafted their own form od democracy with elements of their culture and is working perfectly for them. No wonder within 30 years Iran has become powerful and one of the most sophisticated nations on earth.
Nana Asare 12 years ago

I THINK THIS MAN IS SAYING THE SAME THING EX PREZ KUFFOUR TOLD GHANAIANS THAT WE HAVE SOON FORGOTTEN,

I THINK THIS MAN IS SAYING THE SAME THING EX PREZ KUFFOUR TOLD GHANAIANS THAT WE HAVE SOON FORGOTTEN,
CRUSADER 12 years ago

This Italian prof should go and advice his own peoplet change the fasist-democracy to western one.Is this a democractic country where rasist is at peak?

This Italian prof should go and advice his own peoplet change the fasist-democracy to western one.Is this a democractic country where rasist is at peak?
GHANA BA 12 years ago

SOLO,PLEASE DON"T MAKE ME CHOKE ON MY FUFU.DEMOCRACY IN IRAN? THE RIGHT WORD IS A CROSS BETWEEN THEOCRACY AND GERONTOCRACY PLUS A GOOD DOSE OF AUTOCRACY.

SOLO,PLEASE DON"T MAKE ME CHOKE ON MY FUFU.DEMOCRACY IN IRAN? THE RIGHT WORD IS A CROSS BETWEEN THEOCRACY AND GERONTOCRACY PLUS A GOOD DOSE OF AUTOCRACY.
Dadwen 12 years ago

When the white man says "jump," we say: "how high?" Wake up guys...what is it that Prodi said that other Africans haven't said? When Dr. Kwame Nkrumah preached that same gospel a while back, we threw darts at him. Even right ...
read full comment

When the white man says "jump," we say: "how high?" Wake up guys...what is it that Prodi said that other Africans haven't said? When Dr. Kwame Nkrumah preached that same gospel a while back, we threw darts at him. Even right here in Ghanaweb, there are people who have been saying the same thing. So where is this chorus "Thank you Prof. Prodi"
coming from? We need to snap out of this worshiping of the white man mentality.
Abeeku Mensah 12 years ago

I have consistently chastised political wanabe and our so-called intellectual elites especially the NPP elite who continue to talk about bringing democratic principles to Ghana when they have never understood what democracy, ...
read full comment

I have consistently chastised political wanabe and our so-called intellectual elites especially the NPP elite who continue to talk about bringing democratic principles to Ghana when they have never understood what democracy, democratic values and principles is. When and where did Nana Akufo-Addo formulate a genuine democratic value or principle? When did Dr. Okoampa-Ahoofe, Sir John and or the mini-me Rockson Adofo and all the other yahoos including the so-called Rev. Professor Asante formulate a democratic principle or value?
We have allowed people to talk about democratic values and principles they are clueless about in Ghana with some co-opting foreign based and practiced democratic principles as their own while they cannot and will not be able to cite the requisite democratic institutions that must be functional to enforce democratic values. Maybe now that a white man says so the morons in Ghana and in the Diaspora with propensity to shout from the roof tops will listen and hang their heads in shame.
KWABENA OHEMENG,LONDON 12 years ago

Prodi,will the politicians who are benefiting from the dysfunctional western democracy imposed on African nations accept what you have said? Western democracy is the most singular political factor drawing african nations back ...
read full comment

Prodi,will the politicians who are benefiting from the dysfunctional western democracy imposed on African nations accept what you have said? Western democracy is the most singular political factor drawing african nations back and yet politicians are behaving as if it is indigenous to Africa and that without it african nations will not move forward.It is a shame that Prodi,an Italian is telling Africans that western democracy is not good for Africa.We always want to be told what to do by a whiteman.What a shame!!!!!
original 12 years ago

l always say this to my friends that we Africans don't need this Europeans way of democracy because it doesn't help us.

l always say this to my friends that we Africans don't need this Europeans way of democracy because it doesn't help us.
Lloyd 12 years ago

The time has come for Africa to focus on African needs and stop trying to adopt to the styles of these western nations. When shall our people wake up and see that, these western nations does not want Africa to unite. I dream ...
read full comment

The time has come for Africa to focus on African needs and stop trying to adopt to the styles of these western nations. When shall our people wake up and see that, these western nations does not want Africa to unite. I dream of the day that we shall have a true USA ( United States of Africa). Western nations knows how powerful we will become and so they are bringing division among our people. Africa wake up.
akonfem mahama,booool 12 years ago

GREAT MAN,YOU SAID IT ALL,CORRUPT MAHAMA WILL HEAT AND STOP COVER UP OF STEALING ALL GHANA MONEYOOOOOO,

GREAT MAN,YOU SAID IT ALL,CORRUPT MAHAMA WILL HEAT AND STOP COVER UP OF STEALING ALL GHANA MONEYOOOOOO,
Lloyd 12 years ago

Not all nations can have democracy because of the different cultures we have in Africa. Certain nations it is good for autocratic government as that brings stability. For years Iraq was autocratic nation and there was peace a ...
read full comment

Not all nations can have democracy because of the different cultures we have in Africa. Certain nations it is good for autocratic government as that brings stability. For years Iraq was autocratic nation and there was peace and stability. Yeah the people we oppressed and ruled with iron fist but in certain nations and part of the world democracy does not work. Autocratic system is not that all bad except the leaders are stupid.
Hear it Clear 12 years ago

This is wisdom!! You have said it all, Prof.

This is wisdom!! You have said it all, Prof.
Oppong 12 years ago

Democracy is democracy. There is nothing like Africa democracy. If people are not doing the right things be bold to tell them. After all democracy like every human endeavor, progresses and its always a reflection of the level ...
read full comment

Democracy is democracy. There is nothing like Africa democracy. If people are not doing the right things be bold to tell them. After all democracy like every human endeavor, progresses and its always a reflection of the level of civilization of the society. America's democracy at the time of Lincoln and others was completely different from what we are seeing today. We must strive to perfect the system and forget about Africa democracy which does not exist anywhere.
Nii Okai 12 years ago

The USA and its so called allies will never like the African nations to be free both politically and economically. The main reason is that they are aware that the Africans can never have their way out as long as they practise ...
read full comment

The USA and its so called allies will never like the African nations to be free both politically and economically. The main reason is that they are aware that the Africans can never have their way out as long as they practise the western democracy.

The USA's fear is that if Africans are encouraged to develop their own form of democracy, the USA will no more be able to control the African nations' resources which to the USA is detrimental to their survival internationally.

In short the development of an Africa democracy means African nations will be out of the hook. The professor is honestly aware of the woes of the Africans and he is much touch to be the spokesman for the Africans, because the African leadership had been undermined so great that any African leader today who suggests any alternative political system will be castigated by the super power USA and her followers from the western Europe, and possibly first economy undermined and secondly be killed just like USA overthrew Nkrumah and followed him to Guinea, where they poisoned and killed him through his cook, and how the USA recently hurried in killing Gadaffi, who was financially supporting the African Union with the goal of seeing Africa coming out with a good system both politically and economically.

Presently it has become very clear that Aficans have the ball in their court, the next question Professor Prodi will ask is can the African leasders take the real lead in discusing their political issues collectively or with divided minds.

If collectively then there can be success, but if with division then the USA will target some of the African leaders who may be spearheading this idea of African democracy and wickedly destroy their economy so that their people will overthrow them out of power.

What many of you Africans do not see and understand is that the world economy is a thing that belong to some nations therefore such nations will always never approve certain nations to develop if they do not owe allegiance to them. Study the USA and West reaction to nations which never follow Western democracy. Your economy will be in trouble, and they will make sure nothing goes well for your economy. ''A BIG PROBLEM TO HANDLE, MY PEOPLE''

If one reads the assination of Patrice Lubumba of the Congo in the www.youtube.com. You can see that the western nations with their master USA believe that the African wealth such as the minerals, oil, arable lands etc are for them, this means they will never allow us to develop our own political system which will fit more into our natural lives as people of different cultures.

The USA believe that such freedom for the Africans politically will enable them to have stable governments which more or less will bring the Africans to the level required, all things being equal, and that make Africans be competitive, a thing that the west has never accepted practically.

The Africans should understand that the West knows the political problems that African nations face but they never prepared to see us through, because we should never forget that in the marketing world like today, the USA will never like us to be out of the hook to succeed.
wiseman 12 years ago

the guy has talked real sense and differs from a lot of the western leaders advocating democratic governance in africa without even understanding africa.

the guy has talked real sense and differs from a lot of the western leaders advocating democratic governance in africa without even understanding africa.
Dr 12 years ago

Wise preaching! He has confirmed it all! A challenge to African leaders!

Wise preaching! He has confirmed it all! A challenge to African leaders!
JH New York 12 years ago

Thank you Prof Prodi.
I have said exactly that to one or two people some time past back home.Somewhere between July and August during a discussion on Ghana in retrospect with a friend who is also from Ghana,I happened to tel ...
read full comment

Thank you Prof Prodi.
I have said exactly that to one or two people some time past back home.Somewhere between July and August during a discussion on Ghana in retrospect with a friend who is also from Ghana,I happened to tell him that the singular mistake I found with the Educated as they claimed whom wrestled
mistake I found with The Educated led by Dr Kwame Nkrumah whom
JH New York 12 years ago

who wrestled leadership roles from the Chiefs
and later political power of the then Colonial govt,was how they sidelined the Chiefs.
In my opinion the Educated should have sat down with the Chiefs being custodians of our T ...
read full comment

who wrestled leadership roles from the Chiefs
and later political power of the then Colonial govt,was how they sidelined the Chiefs.
In my opinion the Educated should have sat down with the Chiefs being custodians of our Traditions,Cultural and Customs to draft the Constitution to the House for amendment,if
any,and approval.
Can you imagine the response to my
utterances? "Nkrumah was/is not a Saint"
was his answer to me. Now,this friend is a
University of Ghana graduate. He may have
passed out with honors.I didn't get anywhere.
But based on his response,I knew there and
then that he lacks intuitive balance and
reason(common sense).And therefore far
below my level of intelligence.Anyway.
Thanks again Prof Prodi.
JH New York 12 years ago

constitution according to our norms to the House for amendment,if any,and approval.
But not to adopt or copy everything as the Colonial powers ruled by or foreign.
Can you imagine.........................

constitution according to our norms to the House for amendment,if any,and approval.
But not to adopt or copy everything as the Colonial powers ruled by or foreign.
Can you imagine.........................
RANDY KWAKU 12 years ago

IT IS TIME WE LEARN, WE ARE FAR BEHIND, OUR BRAINS ARE DECAYED, ALL THAT WE DO IS COPY AND PASTE, A TYPICAL EXAMPLE IS THE EDUCATION POLICY IN GHANA, COPIED FROM UK AND DROPPED. LOOK AFRICANS HAVE THE BRAIN, THE IDEA BUT ALWA ...
read full comment

IT IS TIME WE LEARN, WE ARE FAR BEHIND, OUR BRAINS ARE DECAYED, ALL THAT WE DO IS COPY AND PASTE, A TYPICAL EXAMPLE IS THE EDUCATION POLICY IN GHANA, COPIED FROM UK AND DROPPED. LOOK AFRICANS HAVE THE BRAIN, THE IDEA BUT ALWAYS FOLLOW BLINDLY. DOMESTICATION OF POLICY. HE IS RIGHT BUT WAS NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY. BIG BRAINS AND BIG MINDS HAVE SAID BUT AFRICANS WILL NOT TAKE IT BECAUSE THE IDEA IS COMING FROM AN AFRICAN. IF THE US OR THA UK SHOULD SAY 'HEY AFRICANS PRACTICE YOUR OWN DEMOCRACY' I BET ALL WILL BE READY TO IMPLIMENT IT. NKRUMAH SAID IT ALL BUT GREEDINESS OF BLACK MEN. WELL WE LIVE TO SEE.
Abongo 12 years ago

Pro. Prodi, you are my hero. Africa is wasting time following the so called Europeans. It is time Ghana step up and say, this is how we are going to govern Ghana and no dog barks.

Pro. Prodi, you are my hero. Africa is wasting time following the so called Europeans. It is time Ghana step up and say, this is how we are going to govern Ghana and no dog barks.
danladi china 12 years ago

yes prof i totally agree with you africans should have their own way of democrazy type which is suitable to their own people but not to imitate the western styles, i thing that is a good ider prof,i hope our leader can adopt ...
read full comment

yes prof i totally agree with you africans should have their own way of democrazy type which is suitable to their own people but not to imitate the western styles, i thing that is a good ider prof,i hope our leader can adopt the your iders which will be good for the afrcan people
GHFUO, change ur thinking 12 years ago

GH BLACK ZOMBIES
WE FOLLOW WITHOUT THINKING AND CAREFUL OBSERVATION. WE ARE CORRUPT N STEAL MONIES. NOT TO BUILD INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ALL TO SEE BUT TO BUILD STADIUMS N SKYSCRAPERS IN OUR BELLIES.
WE ARE AFRAID TO BE INNOVAT ...
read full comment

GH BLACK ZOMBIES
WE FOLLOW WITHOUT THINKING AND CAREFUL OBSERVATION. WE ARE CORRUPT N STEAL MONIES. NOT TO BUILD INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ALL TO SEE BUT TO BUILD STADIUMS N SKYSCRAPERS IN OUR BELLIES.
WE ARE AFRAID TO BE INNOVATIVE.
WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO START BEFORE WE FOLLOW...WAA LOOK!?
AN EDUCATED POPULACE WILL TRIUMPH OVER ALL. THE MAJORITY OF US ARE UNEDUCATED, SO WE RESORT TO PRIMITIVE FORCE, NEGATIVE ENERGIES LIKE FOOD POISONING, COUPS, ETC TO SETTLE OUR DIFFERENCES.
..NKRUMAH DIDNT KILL, JJ KILLED...BUT BCOS THE POPULACE WERE UNEDUCATED AND STILL IS. MANY FAVOR JJ OVER NKRUMAH, EVEN TILL TODAY. INSPITE OF ALL THE MAJOR FOUNDATIONS DR NKRUMAH LAID DOWN
FOR GH. "Unless we establish African Unity now, we who are sitting here today shall tomorrow be the victims and martyrs of neo-colonialism." Kwame Nkrumah 1963 OAU Conf. Addis Ababa
And how right was Nkrumah. Nkrumah saw it coming. Nkrumah was the man who saw tomorrow. One coup after the other removed all the leaders who were at the time in Addis Ababa from power
because they failed to listen to the prophet. To be honest, I weep each day because our economic and industrial development was arrested by a disgruntled few in 1966.
yaw thomas 12 years ago

Do we now understand why president Obama said yes we can,asem no 3na 3da ho no.lets Ghanaian leaders think about that.

Do we now understand why president Obama said yes we can,asem no 3na 3da ho no.lets Ghanaian leaders think about that.
Modibo Keita 12 years ago

Africa to practice it`s own democracy?oh no are U dreaming,how.

Africa to practice it`s own democracy?oh no are U dreaming,how.
CITIZEN CANE 12 years ago

THIS IS RIGHT SAID MR PRODI. BUT CAN U INFORM THE GREEDY WESTERN AND U.S. TO LEAVE US ALONE AND STOP STEALING AND ROBBING AFRICANS MORALY MENTAL SLAVELY. WE CAN HANDLE OURSELFS.

THIS IS RIGHT SAID MR PRODI. BUT CAN U INFORM THE GREEDY WESTERN AND U.S. TO LEAVE US ALONE AND STOP STEALING AND ROBBING AFRICANS MORALY MENTAL SLAVELY. WE CAN HANDLE OURSELFS.
Mama Tula 12 years ago

Here we go again, Nkrumah and Rawlings have been vindicated once more. It is now left with our leaders who only know how to feed on the tax payers' money to sit up and crave a system of democracy that suits the African cultur ...
read full comment

Here we go again, Nkrumah and Rawlings have been vindicated once more. It is now left with our leaders who only know how to feed on the tax payers' money to sit up and crave a system of democracy that suits the African culture. Thank you Professor Prodi.
ben 12 years ago

Its time we have a good debate on what we actually want and stop the EVERYDAY comparism to the WEST.

Its time we have a good debate on what we actually want and stop the EVERYDAY comparism to the WEST.
yumdan 12 years ago

if China have done it to suite their own people why cant we Afdricans follow our own Destiny and Culture instead of this western Democracy whci is not helping us here

if China have done it to suite their own people why cant we Afdricans follow our own Destiny and Culture instead of this western Democracy whci is not helping us here

80 Comments

Welcome,

SIGN IN

Welcome,

RESET PASSWORD

Hello,

Terms and conditions

REGISTER

Prof. Prodi: Africa must practice its own democracy

Read Comments .st0{display:none;fill:#14BDD3;} .st1{display:none;} .st2{display:inline;fill:#FC0F0F;} .st3{display:inline;fill:#FFFFFF;} .st4{display:inline;fill:none;stroke:#000000;stroke-width:6;stroke-miterlimit:10;} Comments (80)

Read Comments Comments (80)