The Daughter of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Samia Nkrumah, has emphasized the necessity of African unity as the foundation for the continent’s progress.
Speaking at the 2025 Graduation and Awards Ceremony of the Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI) held at the University of Ghana, Legon, Samia urged the graduating class to embrace her father’s vision of a united Africa, highlighting that collaboration and integration are essential for economic survival and prosperity.
Passionately, Samia transported her audience back to the 1960s, recounting a defining moment when her father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, advocated for African unity at a historic African Heads of State meeting in Cairo.
She described how Nkrumah outlined a vision of a united Africa with a single market, single currency, a central bank, and even a unified defense system to ensure peace and security across the continent.
Her storytelling highlighted a poignant moment when Nkrumah, after making a powerful plea for unity, diffused tension with humility and grace after a pointed rebuttal by Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere.
“He could have argued back, but instead, he clapped. His humility exemplified true African leadership,” – she remarked, emphasizing that unity in diversity is essential for Africa’s progress.
Samia made a clarion call for the current generation to prioritize African unity and integration, urging leaders to think beyond borders and embrace a collective future.
“For our prosperity and survival, we must put our heads together and build our nations together,” she said, adding that economic independence and a united front are critical for fulfilling the dreams of Africa’s forebears.
The Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI), an award-winning executive education institute established in 2021, hosted over 260 graduates during the ceremony.
The Graduates received certifications in Political Leadership, Youth Leadership, and Corporate Leadership programs.
Prof. Martins Akuti, a Member of the graduating class, shared a thought-provoking perspective, criticizing Africa’s continued dependence on foreign resources and its colonial-influenced education system.
“We prioritize everything from other continents, including food, over our own,” he lamented. He called for a shift in mindset, urging African parents to teach local languages at home and challenge colonial legacies. “I am inspired to change the narrative as a graduate of PALI,” he affirmed.
PALI’s vision of nurturing holistic, entrepreneurial, and conscientious leaders resonated strongly throughout the event.
The institute continues to champion a united, self-reliant Africa through education and leadership development.
The event was a resounding call for Pan-Africanism, with Samia Nkrumah’s speech underscoring the urgency of unity in realizing Africa’s potential.
“Even one nation can leave a powerful impact. Let us all play our part,” – she concluded, leaving the audience inspired to rise to the challenge of building a united and prosperous Africa.
Ghana l Atinkaonline.com l Ebenezer Madugu
