Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema called on Africa to accelerate development. South African politicians visiting Ghana rallied the continent's youth to support the idea. Many young Ghanaians gathered at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra to listen to South African politicians.
Malema took to the podium and called on young people to hold their leaders accountable. He said corruption was endemic in many African countries, including Ghana, and was undermining the gains made after independence from colonial rule. He appealed to African youth to uphold the ideals of Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
“The political freedom that Kwame Nkrumah and subsequent generations achieved means nothing without economic freedom. You can vote until you are purple, but your vote is meaningless unless there is bread on the table.” ” says Malema.
This is an election year for both Ghana and South Africa. And as both countries prepare for polls, political and social activists are mobilizing young people to make a meaningful contribution to determining their countries' futures. Malema also stressed the need for African unity.
“One Africa is a threat to Europe and America, so we must build a strong foundation for one Africa. Africa has one president, Africa has one currency. There is one military command in Africa and there is one parliament in Africa,” Malema added.
Malema's message resonated with the young people who came to hear him speak. However, some believe that this may be difficult to achieve.
“We have 56 heads of state, but when we are invited to the United Nations or the Security Council, we don't get to say a single word. The time has come when we must have a unified force to do so. Therefore, we must establish 'one Africa','' the young man said.
“Our minds are programmed to believe that we are different, and unless we remove the imaginary and mental barriers, it will be difficult for us to see ourselves as one.” explains another young man.
The event was organized by the socialist movement group Arise Ghana. Beyond the discussions held at this event, Pan-Africanists urge young people in Ghana and other parts of the continent to take steps to play a key role in changing the face of politics on the continent. Are expected.
They believe that the voices of young people need to be heard to form democracy and seek African unity.
Video: EFF's Julius Malema calls for African unity