President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to translate the ideals of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and Congolese independence leader Patrice Lumumba into tangible improvements in the lives of their people.
He said the aspirations of the continent’s founding leaders must be reflected in stronger public institutions, quality education and expanded opportunities for young people.
President Mahama made the remarks in Moscow during his acceptance speech after receiving an honorary doctorate from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), an institution associated with the legacy of Patrice Lumumba.
He said the university’s name carried particular significance for Africa because Lumumba represented the struggle for the dignity and sovereignty of African people.
President Mahama noted that Lumumba’s ideals were closely aligned with those of Nkrumah, who believed that African independence should extend beyond the attainment of political freedom.
According to him, Kwame Nkrumah maintained that genuine independence must give African countries the power to shape their societies, develop their economies and enable their citizens to live with dignity.
“Patrice Lumumba and Kwame Nkrumah belonged to a generation that challenged Africans to imagine a different future for ourselves,” he said.
President Mahama stressed that contemporary African leaders had a responsibility to make that vision a reality.
“Our responsibility as present-day African leaders is to give practical expression to that aspiration of our forebears,” he added.
He said African countries must demonstrate their commitment to these ideals through improvements in education, stronger institutions and opportunities that allow young people to fulfil their potential.
The President also called for efforts to address historical injustices against people of African descent arising from colonial domination and the transatlantic slave trade.
He maintained that universities could contribute to these efforts through rigorous research, the preservation of historical memory and the examination of difficult historical truths.
President Mahama’s remarks come as he participates in the third Russia-Africa Forum in Moscow, where African leaders and Russian officials are expected to discuss issues of mutual interest.
His visit also includes engagements aimed at strengthening Ghana-Russia relations, including a planned high-level meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭