NKABOM
“Nkabom”, in my local Ghanaian dialect, simply means togetherness or unity.
As a young and vibrant African, buoyant in the hope of our success, I strongly believe and know that Africa’s progression must be unity. Over some decades now, we have had many great Pan-Africans like Thomas Sankara, Julius Nyerere, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Emperor Haile Selassie, Nelson Mandela, Ahmed Sékou Touré, Patrice Lumumba, amongst other greats (may they rest in perfect peace). They passionately stood firmly and fought for the peace, unity, and independence we enjoy today, yet most Africans I will say have not been grateful enough.
Throughout their fight and struggle, a good few organizations (like the Organization of African Unity and the African Union etc.) were established just to bring African leaders together to work towards a unified African state. Ideally, we Africans are to work together, have free movement between our countries, have one currency, freely trade together, have one passport, a properly restructured education system (Afrocentric to be precise), and promote, as well as embrace, our culture and not solely our religions.
The Neo-Colonialist gets frightened and cannot do any harm when we are strongly united. Let us not get too comfortable and keep in mind that fighting for “NKABOM” is possible. Yes, we can do it just like our ancestors did. Organizing ourselves and knowing what the solutions to our problems are is what we need now. We are considered the poorest continent yet still the Neo-Colonialists come here to exploit our people, our natural resources, our unique culture and manipulate some leaders, OH YES! Think about it, we will be exceedingly powerful when we work together. I do not necessarily mean we should attack our leaders, we ought to be leaders in our small spaces, for example, help a community, be the voice to the voiceless, and teach one another who we are, because we are literally Queens and Kings and not what others think.
WHAT MUST BE DONE IMMEDIATELY?
We should first know that, “prayɛ, sɛ woyi baako a na ebu nanso wokabomu a emmu”. This is a typical Akan(Twi) proverb every African must adhere to which simply means when you remove a strand from a broom, the rest can easily break or collapse but when you put them together, it never breaks. The efficacy of working together as one is immensely higher than working alone. A broom loses its benefits when the strands keep falling off. Again, let us have a self-conscious mindset of seeing our continent’s growth as very important. Gradually, we will make it happen. Rome was never built in a day. I see Pan-Africanism in each and every African.
EDUCATION
Today, not all Africans know their genesis and heritage. We’ve learned almost everything about the Western people but some Africans cannot tell who Mansa Musa, Nana Yaa Asantewaa (the late Queen mother of Ejisu), and Jomo Kenyatta were. They cannot tell who the Zulus are, the Old Ghana Empire, the Maasai tribe and many more. These are important dignitaries, tribes, and empires that existed which need to be focused on, at all elementary schools. Funny enough, some Africans think these great people are myth stories told by our grandparents. Our education system needs attention and restructuring. Moreover, let’s practice what we teach and be proud of our culture and our roots “Sankofa”. Knowing oneself makes it very hard for the oppressor to lure.
You don’t need to be in high position just to make an impact, look at MSINGI AFRIKA MAGAZINE, Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, Kobina Ackon (Wode Maya), Ibrahim Mahama (both the artist and the entrepreneur), Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Tayo Aina, Samia Nkrumah, Chaka Bars, amongst other great living beautiful Pan-Africanists, just like you and I, who are in their own spaces positively promoting Africa, developing and practicing what they preach. YOU CAN DO IT TOO. Little drops of water make a mighty ocean, let us organize to teach students and ourselves, build modernized infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and creative centers, good road connectivity, provision of water and light, and maintenance culture must be observed to improve the quality of our works.
Are you a Pan-African? Yes, you are! because you want to see a competent Africa. Take responsibility and own up to your mistakes as an African. We are the next generation, make Africa’s success your success and aim. Come together, be united, build a blissful Africa, and let us be hard and smart workers. We are too rich to be called poor, we are too strong to be weak or have weak leaders. As one of the greatest Pan-Africanist leaders Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah said, “We shall not rest until Africa is completely free and united”.
Never stop being an African, keep shining till eternity. AFRICA WILL SURELY BE GREAT AGAIN! “NKABOM” the end.
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