Nkrumah’s legacy must drive African unity, self-reliance and environmental protection – Armah-Kofi Buah

Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged Ghanaians and Africans to renew their dedication to Nkrumah's principles of self-determination, Pan-Africanism, self-reliance, and shared prosperity as Ghana commemorates the 117th birthday of Kwame Nkrumah at this year's NkrumahFest. Buah emphasized that the annual ceremony should move beyond mere celebration and become a platform to assess whether the country and the continent are living up to Nkrumah's vision.

This year's NkrumahFest, themed "Nkrumah @117: Celebrating His Enduring Legacy – Africa Must Unite or Perish," aims to promote Africa's unity and progress. The week-long event, held in Nkroful, focuses on the life, ideas, and Pan-African vision of Ghana's first President.

Buah highlighted four central purposes of the celebration: remembering Nkrumah's life and contribution with pride, reflecting on Ghana and Africa's progress towards his envisioned future, recommitting to self-determination and Pan-Africanism, and inspiring a new generation to carry forward his ideals. He stressed that Nkrumah's legacy should not be limited to monuments and historical accounts but measured by the institutions and infrastructure that continue to serve Ghanaians after his death.

Examples of such institutions include the Akosombo Dam, Tema Harbour, Adomi Bridge, and several universities. Buah argued that Nkrumah's developmental projects were conceived with future generations in mind, not for short-term political gains. He also reiterated the relevance of Nkrumah's Pan-African vision, stating that Ghana's independence was part of a broader struggle for African liberation and that political independence without continental unity remains incomplete.

The Minister urged Ghanaians to consider whether Africa has made sufficient progress towards the political and economic integration envisaged by Nkrumah, citing challenges in movement and border arrangements between Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire as evidence of the need for deeper integration. Buah challenged young Ghanaians to view Nkrumah's legacy as a responsibility rather than a historical chapter, encouraging them to revive values such as innovation, courage, self-reliance, and commitment to causes larger than individual interests.

He also linked Nkrumah's legacy to the protection of Ghana's natural environment, urging citizens to support efforts to combat illegal mining and environmental degradation. Buah emphasized that preserving Ghana's rivers, forests, and other natural resources is crucial for future generations and that honoring Nkrumah requires protecting the country's natural heritage with the same determination shown during the independence struggle.