UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF PAN-AFRICANISM

This feature is not to undermine the ideals of pan-Africanists and pan-Africanism. As Africans and as humans, we all need our pasts because our past comes with our history and culture which defines us. Although our past sometimes influences our present and our future, we cannot categorically or vehemently state that it automatically defines our future. If that were the case, then most people will have no future, hope or reason for existence.  

Quite recently, I met someone who claimed to be a pan-Africanist and as such was armed with a lot of history especially of Africa. Upon listening to this person a number of times, I could not help but wonder the true meaning of pan-Africanism. An entirely new meaning of this word and ideals was created. I could not help but wonder exactly what had gone wrong in his life to account for the ideas he had and carried about. This person was preaching the message of hatred, all in the name of pan-Africanism.

While the exact definition of Pan-Africanism tends to be elusive, however, most scholars and activists admit that Pan-Africanism is a sociopolitical world view, philosophy, and movement which seeks to encapsulates the conscious attempts of native Africans and those of African heritage to forge a united front aimed at combating the dehumanizing effects of slavery, racism, colonialism, and oppression of various sorts against people of African descent. It also fosters radical change in neocolonialism and the implementation of an inward-looking strategy of production and development, for the unification of financial markets, economic integration, a new strategy for initial capital accumulation and the design
of a new political map for Africa.

Looking back, Africa has experienced a lot of struggle and still does. With colonialism came battles, loss of lives, slavery and a change in identity for a whole lot of us. As Africans, we are partly responsible considering the roles some individuals played during the slave trade. A lot happened which were dehumanizing. This is a dark history for our continent and the world at large, hence most people prefer not to recount since it evokes emotions. Most people are ashamed of this and prefer not to talk about it.

In the name of creating awareness about our past and sharing the ideals of pan-Africanism which basically involves unity and empowerment for Africa and among Africans, some people go round carrying photocopied sections of letters or Western discourse on Africa and Africans. As a Ghanaian, it was surprising to note that a lot of these documents had nothing to do with Ghana- the information being circulated was that of the reconciliation hearings in South Africa. How is that supposed to help anyone? Clearly, one of the ideals of pan-Africanism is the unification of Africa but how do I benefit from reading all those gruesome stories of the past?

Some people argue that we have all been corrupted by Western influence. Yes, I do share that sentiment since a lot of people back home are exhibiting strong traits of acculturation but is it completely negative?  What about the positive aspects of this whole acculturation?

As Ghanaians and Africans, we all know that a lot of our culture in the past and even present was really dehumanizing and gender biased. Talk about the widowhood rites, vestal virgins (Trokosi), human sacrifices, killing of Albinos, the outcasts (Osu), etc. these are just a few and we would agree that these aspects of our culture had no positive implications.  What about the introduction of education and Christianity?  A lot of our pan-African activists are even more educated and more acculturated than any other people. Most of our recognized pan-African activists have traveled far and wide beyond the continent for their own benefits. What does that make them? Is that completely negative?

For this fanatic although had received tertiary education, did not see the need for education. To him, the system had been corrupted and skewed to the advantage of the Western worlds in a way that the African had no hope for success. What about those who have made it in the past and still do? This person has lost it, in the name of pan-Africanism! I cannot help but wonder how many people out there share some of these views. If we are saying that a lot of acculturation has left us estranged with our culture and our identity, pan-Africanism, for this person, has done more harm than good. Worse still to him, the Holy Bible had been adulterated. He believed the scriptures introduced by the early missionaries had been written to play down on the African’s intelligence to succumb to their authority and power. Is this different from our prejudice against each other, all in the name of ethnicity and tribalism?

I am not disproving some of these facts but clearly, considering how far the world, Africa and Ghana has come since then, is there any need to continue preaching such words? Is there any need to incite a continent against the other? 

Yes, the African must be made aware of his past but what next? Can we completely do without Western influence as some people claim? Can the Western world do without us? Africa is the richest continent, yet the poorest. As a continent, can we not find a way to take advantage of the overdependence of the Western world on us? Clearly, we have the upper hand with all the resources we have. Instead of spreading hate speeches in the name of pan-Africanism and in the name of creating African awareness among Africans, why not seize the opportunity to educate people about the ways and means of improving themselves. Why not use that opportunity to empower ourselves? Why not use the opportunity to tell people about the resources we have as a continent and as a people and encourage each other to rise up and do more for themselves and the continent? Why not talk about selflessness? We always wait in expectation but what have you done to make life comfortable for yourself and society?

Although this person attributed all the bad things happening in African to western influence and colonialism, what about the westerners who helped to abolish slavery? What about the efforts of people like William Wilberforce and John Newton? Do their roles not amount to anything? There are several Westerners out there who have the best interest of our continent at heart than our very own people. Of course, man cannot be trusted but can do without a little bit of trust?

Instead of pointing fingers at our inability to progress as a continent, let us do our homework very well. Clearly, most of our pan-Africanist ideals these days have become more political than social. Instead of preaching and advocating for African unity and progress, the message is about politics and personal gains, ethnicity and tribalism. Our leaders have failed us with corruption at the highest level on our continent. The wars we witness and read about are all indicators of our individual greed that is eventually hindering our progress. Instead of spreading the hate speech in the name of pan-Africanism, let us encourage ourselves and our leaders to be honest and pay more attention to the needs of our people. As individuals, let us strive to make our continent a better place for all by working hard wherever we find ourselves. The blame game will never take us anywhere.

In as much as we try to sensitize fellow Africans about our past, we should be careful of the sort of people we talk to and the kind of language we use. The fact of the matter is that, some people cannot bear the bitter truth. You might be sending the right message but is this person prepared for it? Is he making the right interpretation? Personally, after encountering a few so called pan-African activists, it seems the message is more of hatred. Speeches or messages inciting people especially the youth but as to exactly what people are being incited to do is more or less left to their individual interpretation and discretion.

Some people carry with them all sorts of hatred. Indeed we are all a generation of generations and a lot has happened with each generation. With time, a lot is being done to bridge the gap and heal the wounds created by colonialism and neocolonialism. People have spoken strongly against all such forms of colonialism from gender equity to racism. As a continent, we have chalked some milestones although there still is more to be done. Good education is making that possible. Is it then necessary to dwell solely on the past, a dark one for that matter when a bright future stares at us? We all need to know our past but sometimes the past although not forgotten is better left where it is.  

Pan-Africanism demands that the riches of Africa be used for the benefit, uplift, development and enjoyment of the African people. Pan-Africanism is a system of equitably sharing food, clothing, homes, education, healthcare, wealth, land, work, security of life and happiness. Pan-Africanism is the privilege of the African people to love themselves and to give themselves and their way of life respect and preference. This rests with our leadership to make the right policies and to ensure even distribution of national wealth. This also lies with us in working hard at whatever and wherever we find ourselves. Spreading the message of hatred in the name of pan-Africanism only creates insecurity and hampers peace, development and progress.

Published: Daily Graphic (25^TH October, 2010).