“United we stand, divided we fall”, has been an age-long adage applicable in all civilizations. Even animals are learning to be accommodating of their adversaries, as some social media pictures show. Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah had the unity of not only Ghana but Africa at heart.
His strategy was to achieve this with the YOUNG PIONEER MOVEMENT. For ‘One Ghana’ the teens joined the GHANA YOUNG PIONEERS, and for ‘One Africa’ the AFRICAN PERSONALITIES group was for the infants. This began in 1960 (three years after independence), along with the Ghana’s first fee-free education program.
Here is his speech at its third-anniversary:
[On the occasion of the Third Anniversary of the Young Pioneer Movement, I am happy to send to all of you in the Movement, my hearty congratulations.
I have followed with admiration, the progress of the Young Pioneer Movement and its efforts to inculcate in the youth of Ghana the virtues of courage, humility and service to the community.
Today, only six years after the Independence of Ghana, a solid foundation has been laid for the political unification of Africa. A great responsibility therefore rests on the youth of Ghana and Africa. Indeed, they should feel proud to be alive today and to be playing a worthy part in the historical revolution of Africa. The youth of Ghana should stand together in singleness of purpose in order to meet loyally and boldly, this supreme challenge of our time. We can no longer afford to see the energies of our youth dissipated, and their loyalties confused, as a result of protracted membership of a variety of organisations, the aims and policies of which, however worthy they may be, are not always in our national or cultural interest.
For this reason, the programmes and training schemes of all such Youth Organisations established in Ghana should be harmonised so that our young men and women can keep faith with African nationalism and grow up in comradeship, honesty, integrity and devoted service in keeping with our African traditions. In this way, we can be sure that they will uphold the dignity of Africa and the African personality, cultivate a proper spirit of service, love for work and adventure, and aspire to the highest standards of responsibility and discipline.
I have directed accordingly that it be made compulsory for all Youth Organisations throughout Ghana to participate fully in the Leadership Courses and other training schemes organised by the Young Pioneer Movement throughout the country. This, I am sure, will yield immense benefits to all concerned.
May the Young Pioneers and all the Youth Organisations in Ghana continue prosper with each succeeding year. ] (source: www.nkrumahinfobank.org )
Is ONE GHANA AND ONE LANGUAGE not in line with the founding father’s vision? May God/Allah/ Our conscience help us!