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0 The Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, captured the essence of the Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) at the commissioning of its new headquarters in Accra, urging African leaders and citizens to foster inclusiveness and a communal spirit in the continent’s path to development.
At a memorable ceremony on Monday, June 30, 2025, the traditional ruler and renowned Pan-Africanist emphasised the need for authenticity, humility, and conscious leadership in African governance to help the continent catch up with the rest of the world.
“It is not African to drive big cars and carry grand titles while the man on the street is suffering. Let us share in the pain of others. We must question everything we are told,” Nana Nketsia said in his keynote address, before leading other dignitaries to officially inaugurate the grand PPF headquarters in the heart of Accra.
“Do not accept things blindly. Be aware, be conscious, and lead with compassion. That is what true African leadership looks like,” the respected chief added.
The inauguration marked a major milestone for the Pan-African organisation, with various speakers describing the event as a turning point in the ongoing struggle for African unity and self-determination.
The launch drew a strong presence of dignitaries, activists, intellectuals, and cultural figures, who defied the rains to celebrate a movement rooted in the legacy of Pan-Africanism and committed to shaping Africa’s future.
Dr Eric George Alexander Don-Arthur, a former presidential advisor and member of the PPF International Organising Committee, described the opening of the PPF headquarters as a monumental step forward for the Pan-African cause. He expressed pride in Ghana’s role as host of the new secretariat and called it a timely boost to the continent’s collective aspirations.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey toward promoting Pan-Africanism, unity, and progress across the length and breadth of our continent,” he said.
“We are reminded of the rich history and legacy of Pan-Africanism. From the early pioneers who fought for independence and self-determination to the modern-day champions of African unity, we stand on the shoulders of these giants,” Dr Don-Arthur added.
Accra is set to host the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress in October this year. Held in Manchester in 1945, the historic Congress was a defining moment in Africa’s liberation history, bringing together iconic figures such as Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, W.E.B. Du Bois, Jomo Kenyatta, and Hastings Banda—whose advocacy and activism helped ignite a wave of independence movements across the continent.
“This year’s commemoration is not just about remembering the past,” Dr Don-Arthur said. “It is about rekindling the fire of freedom and working toward total unification, economic emancipation, and rapid development. The October event will be a rallying point for all progressive voices in Africa and the diaspora.”
Dr Abu Sakara, a former Ghanaian presidential aspirant, urged African leaders and citizens alike to renew their commitment to a united and self-reliant continent. He emphasised that true liberation would only be achieved when Africans fully take ownership of their natural wealth and chart their own course.
“We are committed to working hard to realise this dream. Our focus is on social justice, cultural pride, and building a stronger, more prosperous Africa. We want a continent where every individual can thrive by harnessing our vast resources for the benefit of our people. Pan-Africanism remains at the heart of our collective fight for liberation and self-determination.”
In another solidarity message, former Minister for Information Fritz Baffour noted that the struggles of many African migrants attempting perilous journeys across deserts and seas should serve as a wake-up call. He said such desperation is a tragic symbol of lost hope, contrasting sharply with the optimism of the early post-independence era.
The concise ceremony was masterfully compered by veteran journalist, Pan-African activist, and PPF Planning Committee member, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. The event featured cultural interludes, including a powerful performance by Oswald OkanTEY, who used his artistry to re-echo the call for Africans to rise and fight for their rights.
The PPF exists to promote the Pan-African agenda set forth by the Fifth Pan-African Congress in Manchester in 1945. It also aims to unite anti-imperialist forces—including political parties, organised labour, youth and student groups, women’s movements, cultural organisations, and environmental groups across the African continent.
As part of efforts to unify Africa, the PPF convened an online forum on June 17, 2025, bringing together key Pan-African organisations. Participants resolved to petition the African Union (AU) to demand genuine compensation from Western countries for historical injustices.
