A former African Union (AU) Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao, has called on Africans to change non-performing leaders or those who misuse the natural resources of their countries.
Similarly, she said, leaders who implement policies that are detrimental to the development of their countries and the continent should not be given another chance to govern.
Dr Chihombori-Quao made the call at the 14th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures and Special Congregation, organised by the University of Cape Coast (UCC) on the theme: “Imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism-the three axis of evil for Africa”, in Cape Coast, on Tuesday.
Instituted in 1974 to honour the memory of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the lecture addressed issues of social, economic and political development of Africa in particular and the Black World in general.
The former AU Ambassador to the UN urged African youth to shape the destiny of their countries by saving the same from the shackles of colonialism and neo-colonialist agenda.
“If your leadership is not accountable nor serving you well, replace them. If your Minister of Education is not recommending the proper reading materials in the educational system, replace him or her,” Dr Chihombori-Quao advised.
As part of the event, the UCC conferred on her an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D. Litt Honaris Causa) for her meritorious and distinguished service to humanity and the African Continent.
A citation in honour of Dr Chihombori-Quao reads: “Your initiatives to unify people of African descent, established health facilities, advocate the African narrative, and contribute significantly to health, education, and entrepreneurship are commendable”.
Speaking on the topic “African youth rising – the revolution has begun”, Dr Chihombori-Quao acknowledged that Africans and people of African descent had a responsibility to finish the unfinished business of the proponents of the Pan-African ideals in order for the African Continent to free itself from neo-colonists or colonialists.
She called on Africans to support the ‘happenings’ in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, explaining that the countries were fighting against unjust policies and programmes of former colonialists who continued to manipulate systems in those countries.
Dr Chihombori-Quao said that the youth of Africa were “suffering, sick and tired of the bad leadership happening on the continent. We must rise up and change the narrative of bad leadership”.
She expressed concern about the challenge of neo-colonialists’ agenda ensuring that African leaders do not speak with one voice, saying, “Our leadership has failed Africa”.
Dr Chihombori-Quao stressed that “until Africans realise that they are suffering from the legacy of colonisation and loyalty of slavery, nothing they do would change until they change their mind.”
The Chancellor of UCC, Sir Sam Jonah, urged “political parties to have visions first before focusing on manifestoes,” and called on Ghanaians to demand the visions of political parties during campaigning.
He underscored the need for African countries to ensure that the relationships with former colonial powers and other developed nations do not result in indirect colonial rule.
FROM DAVID O. YARBOITETTEH,
CAPE COAST
