We need stronger, self-reliant leadership in Africa – PAYOM Chairman
He called for stronger, self-reliant leadership on the continent, arguing that true emancipation cannot be achieved under the current dependency on international financial institutions.
The Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM), Wenawome Duuriyem Aborah, has described the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the “mother of modern slavery” for many African nations, including Ghana, citing its role in shaping policies that, according to him, often exacerbate economic hardship.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday, July 18, Aborah criticised African governments for what he termed over-reliance on external financial support.
He called for stronger, self-reliant leadership on the continent, arguing that true emancipation cannot be achieved under the current dependency on international financial institutions.
“The IMF, I will say, is the mother of slavery because they dictate what our leaders must do when they sign up for it,” he stated.
Aborah’s comments come ahead of the Panafest and Emancipation 2025 event scheduled to take place at the historic Pikworo Slave Camp on Saturday, July 19. The event is aimed at reflecting on the legacy of slavery and advocating for African unity, healing, and economic independence.
He emphasized that apologies from former colonial powers for the transatlantic slave trade, while welcome, are insufficient. More tangible actions, he noted, are needed to address the historical and ongoing injustices suffered by African people.
“Apology is not enough. Even if you talk about compensation, I don’t know how much and in what form would be enough for the harm slavery has caused us.” Aborah added.
Panafest and Emancipation Day celebrations have become an important cultural and historical platform in Ghana, fostering dialogue on Pan-Africanism, reparative justice, and the socio-economic liberation of the African continent.
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