By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
Africa’s renewed march toward true political and economic independence is set to take centre stage as Ghana prepares to host the 80th anniversary commemoration of the historic Fifth Pan-African Congress.
First held in Manchester, in the United Kingdom, in 1945, the Congress will be held in Accra from October 20 to 21, 2025 and will bring together political parties, peasants and women’s organisations, youth and student movements, Trade unions and a broad variety of other mass based organisations from across 50 countries in Africa and the Caribbean.
Themed; “From historical memory to economic and political justice – Uniting Pan-African progressive forces,” the conference will address the continuation of the national liberation struggle in Accra and elsewhere; the consolidation of national independence; the development of a framework for continental unity on the basis of anti – imperialism; reparative justice; and the development and application of a new model of economic and social development to free Africans from neocolonialism.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Pan-Africanist Kwesi Pratt Jr, stressed that the commemoration is not just an echo of the past.
He said: “It is a positive regathering of Africans to assert their right is in a world shaped against their dreams for freedom from all forms of poverty occassioned by the death burden and the unbridled exploitation of their resources. Africa cannot continue to be spectator in the world theatre.”
According to him, the gathering will also emphasis Africa’s place in the fast changing global landscape – one marked by digital transformation, currency fluctuations, and shifting geopolitical alliances.
Distinguished Pan-Africanists expected to grace the programme will include Comrade Ivan Djinn, General Secretary of the Metal Workers’ Union of South Africa; Professor Ekwia Brichou of the University of Cape Coast and Chairperson of Ghana’s National Media Commission; and Dr. Gamal Nasser Adam, former Vice-President of the Islamic University.
Also, the conference will feature John Dramani Mahama, the President of Ghana to deliver the key note address and is also hopeful of the participation of Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, representing the Alliance of Sahel States.
The Conference results will culminate in the signing of the Accra Declaration, which will define Africa’s future for decades.
