Kwame Nkrumah (1909-1972) was the leader of Ghana, the former British colony of the Gold Coast and the first of the European colonies in Africa to regain independence with majority rule. He was an iconic figure of the African liberation movement. In the following speech one gets a sampling of the inspirational meditations of the mighty prophet Dr Kwame Nkrumah:
I Speak Of Freedom — Dr Nkrumah
For centuries, Europeans dominated the African continent. The white man arrogated to himself the right to rule and to be obeyed by the non-white; his mission, he claimed, was to “civilize” Africa. Under this cloak, the Europeans robbed the continent of vast riches and inflicted unimaginable suffering on the African people.
All this makes a sad story, but now we must be prepared to bury the past with its unpleasant memories and look to the future. All we ask of the former colonial powers is their goodwill and co-operation to remedy past mistakes and injustices and to grant independence to the colonies in Africa.
It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.
Although most Africans are poor, our continent is potentially extremely rich. Our mineral resources, which are being exploited with foreign capital only to enrich foreign investors, range from gold and diamonds to uranium and petroleum. Our forests contain some of the finest woods to be grown anywhere. Our cash crops include cocoa, coffee, rubber, tobacco and cotton. As for power, which is an important factor in any economic development, Africa contains over 40% of the potential water power of the world, as compared with about 10% in Europe and 13% in North America. Yet so far, less than 1% has been developed. This is one of the reasons why we have in Africa the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty, and scarcity in the midst of abundance.
Never before have a people had within their grasp so great an opportunity for developing a continent endowed with so much wealth. Individually, the independent states of Africa, some of them potentially rich, others poor, can do little for their people. Together, by mutual help, they can achieve much. But the economic development of the continent must be planned and pursued as a whole. A loose confederation designed only for economic co-operation would not provide the necessary unity of purpose. Only a strong political union can bring about full and effective development of our natural resources for the benefit of our people.
The political situation in Africa today is heartening and at the same time disturbing. It is heartening to see so many new flags hoisted in place of the old; it is disturbing to see so many countries of varying sizes and at different levels of development, weak and, in some cases, almost helpless. If this terrible state of fragmentation is allowed to continue it may well be disastrous for us all.
There are at present some 28 states in Africa, excluding the Union of South Africa, and those countries not yet free. No less than nine of these states have a population of less than three million. Can we seriously believe that the colonial powers meant these countries to be independent, viable states? The example of South America, which has as much wealth, if not more than North America, and yet remains weak and dependent on outside interests, is one which every African would do well to study.
Critics of African unity often refer to the wide differences in culture, language and ideas in various parts of Africa. This is true, but the essential fact remains that we are all Africans, and have a common interest in the independence of Africa. The difficulties presented by questions of language, culture and different political systems are not insuperable. If the need for political union is agreed by us all, then the will to create it is born; and where there’s a will there’s a way.
The present leaders of Africa have already shown a remarkable willingness to consult and seek advice among themselves. Africans have, indeed, begun to think continentally. They realize that they have much in common, both in their past history, in their present problems and in their future hopes. To suggest that the time is not yet ripe for considering a political union of Africa is to evade the facts and ignore realities in Africa today.
The greatest contribution that Africa can make to the peace of the world is to avoid all the dangers inherent in disunity, by creating a political union which will also by its success, stand as an example to a divided world. A Union of African states will project more effectively the African personality. It will command respect from a world that has regard only for size and influence. The scant attention paid to African opposition to the French atomic tests in the Sahara, and the ignominious spectacle of the U.N. in the Congo quibbling about constitutional niceties while the Republic was tottering into anarchy, are evidence of the callous disregard of African Independence by the Great Powers.
We have to prove that greatness is not to be measured in stockpiles of atom bombs. I believe strongly and sincerely that with the deep-rooted wisdom and dignity, the innate respect for human lives, the intense humanity that is our heritage, the African race, united under one federal government, will emerge not as just another world bloc to flaunt its wealth and strength, but as a Great Power whose greatness is indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion, nor won at the expense of others, but founded on hope, trust, friendship and directed to the good of all mankind.
The emergence of such a mighty stabilizing force in this strife-worn world should be regarded not as the shadowy dream of a visionary, but as a practical proposition, which the peoples of Africa can, and should, translate into reality. There is a tide in the affairs of every people when the moment strikes for political action. Such was the moment in the history of the United States of America when the Founding Fathers saw beyond the petty wranglings of the separate states and created a Union. This is our chance. We must act now. Tomorrow may be too late and the opportunity will have passed, and with it the hope of free Africa’s survival.
From Kwame Nkrumah, I Speak of Freedom: A Statement of African Ideology (London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1961), pp. xi-xiv.
Kip up d gud work of informing young African’s about their outstanding past leaders as this wil help inspire them on d development of our own AFRICA. Kudos
Ghanaian especially the youth who did not meet this man have really loose a great thing. we appreciate the good work you are doing for keeping their rich wisdom and speeches. we appreciate their efforts to mother Ghana.
Hello guys, thanks for sharing with us your thoughts. You may join The Revolution Of Consciousness at: http://www.myafricanaffairs.com
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Dr. Nkrumah was right and very wise. Its high time for us who are present to work on what he started during those days when most African countries got independence. They did their part during their time and what is remaining is our duty to make their dream come true. I believe they wished to be around at this time to witness what they needed it to be, as Africa to become one. Working together for our development and success of our people.
Osia is right that there is no one who is superior than the other, we are not inferior at all, what we need is to woke up and take a step forward and everything will work on our side. We have the will, its only that we need to apply it in reality. Our leaders needs to focus on African issues, African development, African success and not to be bought by the outsiders for the expense of African people for their benefits, who exploit us at the beginning and continue to use our leaders.
This is the right time to act.
Thank you all.
Sure the Nkrumah and the Gaddafi’s have done their part and time have change. In this change, the myth of the African leasers as the only one’s with the exclusive responsibility for the unification of the African continent, has to discontinue. Indeed the problem at this point is absolutely a leadership one and this can best be translated into the leadership of the AFRICA UNION AUTHORITY’S (PRESIDENT COMMISSION CHAIRMAN). The AGA make this strongly on this premises of the citizens of the 53 member states of the Union to be participating in the election of the Union’s authority president. We as awell agree that such election could be done on behalf of the people of each member states by the Parliaments of each state, thus representing their constituencies. This will be solving the problem of logistics and cost, as it will be allowing the union to have more power in carrying out its responsibility of peace and prosperity agenda until such a time when the people are in the position to be voting directly by themselves. You can read more on this on http://www.aga4fed.com
NKRUMAH WAS A REAL GENIUS. A ALWAYS LOVED WHAT MY TEACHER SAID ABOUT NKRUMAH….”NKRUMAH’S TONGUE WILL NEVER ROUT”. LONG LIVE THE IDEOLOGIES OF DR NKRUMAH
i think kwame nkrumah had a muslim name , but he was not a muslim according to history. when he went to egypt to fetch his wife fathia ,the egyptians said he has to bare a muslim name in order to take fathia as his wife .