Political independence earned under Nkrumah is being eroded – P.L.O Lumumba

Renowned Pan-Africanist Professor P.L.O. Lumumba has warned that the political independence gained by African nations during Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah's era is slowly being undermined by external economic and political pressures. In an interview on Joy Prime, Prof. Lumumba argued that while African countries had achieved formal independence from colonial rule, many still face obstacles that limit their capacity to make autonomous decisions.

Prof. Lumumba highlighted Nkrumah's belief that political independence must be accompanied by economic independence and African unity to prevent colonial influence from re-emerging in concealed forms. He quoted Nkrumah's assertion that the neocoloniser would attempt to return under different disguises. The professor cited Nkrumah's book, "Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism," to underscore his point that African countries' unity is crucial for maintaining sovereignty.

According to Prof. Lumumba, the presence of national symbols, African-led governments, and international financial institutions does not equate to complete independence. He cited the IMF and the World Bank's ongoing influence on African countries' policies, including currency systems and electoral processes. Prof. Lumumba also described some African nations as "satellite states" of external powers, suggesting that even the political independence they attained is eroding over time.

Prof. Lumumba firmly linked the issue of independence to African unity, emphasizing that Nkrumah intended Ghana's independence to be a stepping stone for the continent's integration and liberation. He argued that Africa's ongoing political fragmentation hinders countries' ability to collectively influence global affairs and contributes to conflicts in countries such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon.