Kwesi Pratt urges African youth to reject ‘Gen Z revolution’, reclaim Africa’s resources
Veteran journalist and political commentator Kwesi Pratt Jnr has urged African youth to reject what he described as externally driven political narratives and unite across generations to challenge exploitation, neocolonialism and the continued extraction of the continent’s natural resources.
Renowned Ghanaian journalist and political analyst Kwesi Pratt Jnr has implored African youth to reject what he terms as externally imposed political ideologies and strive to unite across generations in the fight against exploitation, neocolonialism, and the continual extraction of Africa's natural resources. At the Youth Forum on Debt and Reparations held at the University of Ghana, Legon, on September 5, under the theme "Reclaiming Africa’s Wealth, Resisting Neocolonial Bondage," Mr Pratt emphasized Africa's recent solidarity at the United Nations and highlighted the continent's potential for action when speaking with a unified voice.
However, Mr Pratt criticized African governments for entering defense pacts with the European Union and the United States and intelligence agreements with Ukraine, questioning their commitment to condemning the role of European powers in the enslavement and exploitation of Africans while simultaneously participating in activities that could exacerbate foreign military and security ties.
He stressed the importance of prioritizing African sovereignty, especially regarding conflicts and insurgencies in the Sahel states of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, attributing these issues to external actors seeking to destabilize the region. Mr Pratt also voiced his concerns over the proposed sale of a majority stake in the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) to foreign investors, arguing that the country's bauxite reserves, estimated to be worth billions of dollars, could provide a more sustainable solution.
Mr Pratt warned against the continent's reliance on the extraction and export of gold, bauxite, diamonds, lithium, and other minerals, as these resources are finite and could pose a significant threat to future generations. He emphasized the need for African countries to gain control over their resources and ensure that their extraction contributes meaningfully to domestic development.
The journalist also criticized the colonial pattern of African infrastructure, particularly railway networks, which predominantly facilitate the export of raw materials rather than promoting local industrialization. He called for a reorientation of infrastructure to support local processing, industrialization, and African ownership of natural resources.
Regarding the role of young people, Mr Pratt rejected the so-called "Gen Z revolution," asserting that it lacks sufficient ideological substance and risks creating an artificial divide among generations facing similar socioeconomic challenges. He urged young people to build solidarity with workers and other disadvantaged groups, emphasizing that the struggle against exploitation should unite people regardless of their age.
Mr Pratt also criticized Ghana's frequent engagement with international financial institutions like the IMF, noting that the country has sought assistance from the IMF approximately 18 times and has continued to face severe economic challenges. He questioned the effectiveness of international institutions, arguing that their structures were established during a time when much of Africa was under colonial rule, thereby not adequately representing African interests.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
