President John Dramani Mahama has called for renewed efforts to address historical injustices against people of African descent, citing colonial domination and the transatlantic slave trade.
He said addressing these historical injustices requires informed dialogue and international cooperation to advance justice for people of African descent.
President Mahama made the call in Moscow, Russia, while delivering his acceptance speech after receiving an honorary doctorate from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN).
According to him, African leaders have a responsibility to translate the aspirations of the continent’s founding leaders into practical outcomes that improve the lives of their people.
He referenced Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and the Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba, whose struggles, he said, were rooted in the pursuit of dignity, sovereignty and genuine independence for African people.
President Mahama noted that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah believed independence should go beyond the raising of national flags to give Africans the power to shape their societies, develop their economies and live with dignity.
He said the present generation of African leaders must demonstrate their commitment to these ideals through improvements in education, stronger institutions and increased opportunities for young people.
“Our responsibility as present-day African leaders is to give practical expression to that aspiration of our forebears,” he said.
President Mahama further stressed the importance of universities in addressing historical injustices, arguing that academic institutions must promote rigorous scholarship, preserve historical memory and create the freedom to examine difficult truths.
He said the name of the university, which honours Patrice Lumumba, carries a legacy and responsibility to ensure that knowledge helps people understand their circumstances and acquire the means to improve them.
The Ghanaian leader is in Moscow to participate in the third Russia-Africa Forum, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
His visit also includes engagements with African leaders, Russian officials and business representatives to explore areas of mutual interest and strengthen relations between Ghana and Russia.
The honorary doctorate from RUDN is one of two academic honours expected to be conferred on President Mahama during his visit to Russia.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭