There was once a man called Kwame Nkrumah. He was a great man, an African, a visionary who had high hopes for his continent.
He left a controversial legacy. From a staunch freedom fighter, he became the president of a one-party state, imprisoning political opponents without trial. From a liberator he turned into a dictator, stifling his people until they could no longer breathe.
Nevertheless, Kwame had a vision.
It is for his visionary and revolutionary ideas that he is still remembered today, not only in his home country, but in Africa as a whole.
Kwame saw a modern Africa, an industrialised Africa, a strong and united Africa that was able to compete on the world scene. It was an Africa that could stand on its own, without crutches, without a rope on its neck that would drag it through years of economic dependence and exploitation. It was an Africa with common goals and aspirations, an Africa with a past and a future, an Africa that was ready to take on the challenges of the twentieth century with hope and strength. Kwame saw the United States of Africa.
This was an Africa with an educated people, proud and dignified Africans, purposeful and confident Africans, spirited and productive Africans who would be able to “manage their own business” without bringing their knees down to the pitiful position of begging. These were Africans who would eventually soar in the skies like the eagle, not to prey on others or destroy them, but to serve humanity in its awesomeness and splendour, armed with their innate respect for the human soul.
This was an Africa that would take the good out of all the influences it had been encumbered with to form a new and solid identity.
Kwame saw a powerful Africa.
In his vision, Kwame did not see an Africa riddled with debt, staggering under the weight of its own absurdities. He did not see starvation, wars, disease and corruption. He did not envision a poor and helpless Africa, not for a second.
Instead, he saw an Africa that could feed itself. He saw an Africa that could supply its own electricity and sustain its economies. He saw an Africa that could produce its own cars and take care of its own citizens without putting “its mouth in the kitchen” of others. He saw an Africa with an empowered workforce and a dedicated one as such!
It was a great and independent Africa.
In his vision, Kwame did not see dishonest leaders crumbling under their constant bickering and pettiness. Kwame saw mighty leaders, capable of leading their people to self-reliance and economic freedom. Leaders who could stand firm and resolute when faced with challenges. Leaders who could inspire and want the best, and only the best, for their countries and people. He did not see copycats, show-offs, thieves or warmongers. No, he did not see these types of leaders.
Kwame valued culture; it was a nation’s best asset. Kwame valued education; universities were built. Kwame valued infrastructure; the Akosombo Dam became a reality. Kwame valued an efficient public service; teachers, nurses and lawyers were trained. Kwame yearned for a unified Africa; the Organisation of African Unity was born.
Kwame believed in the future of Africa.
He was the president of Ghana, the first black African nation to stand on its own. 50 years ago, he was removed from power by a military coup. His people rejoiced. He died six years later, in exile, leaving behind his powerful and timeless vision.
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About the Author
Thandi Ngwira Gatignol is the founder of Learn English With Africa. She was born on June 11th, 1981 in Blantyre, Malawi. When she was 19, she left her country of birth for France. She currently lives with her two daughters and husband in Poland.
Thandi holds a Bachelor’s degree in English studies obtained at the Université Paris X Nanterre in France and a Certificate in Journalism from Malawi. She has taught English as a French Ministry of Education certified teacher both in France and in Poland. She speaks six languages fluently, including French, Polish and Italian. She is now learning Kiswahili, German and Spanish. Salt No More is her debut novel and you can find her other books here on the website or on Amazon.
Course Title: Kwame Nkrumah’s Great USA: The United States of Africa? (Level B1-B2)© Learn English With Africa, March 2016
