SATURDAY, May 25, 2013 was the 50th anniversary of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now known as African Union (AU).

The AU Day has been overwhelmingly embraced by Africans across the entire continent. This display of continental solidarity amidst social, cultural and linguistic diversities is indicative of the long-standing dream and aspiration of African peoples to unite. Indeed, the time has come in which the AU must be turned into a continental government that is capable of shaping the will and destiny of Africans.

I want to use this medium to salute the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which is now the African Union (AU), the current leadership of the AU as well as the innumerable civil society organisations and institutions for their commitment and contribution towards the development of the continent.

Most distinctly, the memory of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, first President of the Republic of Ghana, whose articulation of the principles of African unification contributed immeasurably to the political emancipation of the continent in its struggle against the yoke of colonialism, will continue to be honoured.

In comparing Africa against the socio-economic development of other continents, we see that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is vindicated in advocating for a continental government to lead the peoples of Africa. Most African countries today are experiencing economic hardships which can only be mitigated through a centralised government. The proof of this is exemplified by the fact that virtually all governments on other continents today are exploring policies of integration to achieve their economic developmental objectives.

The approach of using sub-regional economic groupings across the continent is the wrong path for addressing the demands and challenges that confront African peoples on a daily basis at the social, economic, and political levels. The success of a single regional block would bring limited value to the peoples of this continent, as no sustainable merit can be found in achieving economic prosperity in one region while the rest of the continent is plagued with poverty, famine, ignorance, and war. For this reason, the call by Dr. Nkrumah for a continental government needs to be heeded. By integrating the vast resources and skills of the current sub-regional groupings into a singular economic bloc — the African economic bloc, in which member- countries collectively facilitate trade and commerce through a single currency, Africa can manifest itself as an economic powerhouse within the global community. We have what it takes. Today, we understand the potential of our natural resources but more importantly, amongst our citizens are those with an immense depth of understanding in the areas of science and technology, transport and communications, so that the continent can transform itself from being a mere commodities provider to a modern knowledge-based society.

We believe that the AU must take immediate steps to pull down all barriers, obstacles and hindrances towards the creation of an African continental government.

We need to foster a borderless alliance. Developing closer international trade cooperation within the continent is vital.

We believe that the continued division of the continent along old colonial influences such as language, i.e. French vs. English vs. Portuguese, is anachronistic to the spirit of African unification and the aspiration of African peoples. We call upon Africans both on the continent and in the Diaspora to advocate and impress upon their governments the urgency of African unification and the need for a continental government. We call upon all Africans to come together so that we can take our rightful place within the global village of humanity.

Africa has to energize and galvanize the peoples of the continent toward an African Renaissance. Domestication is the best Policy for the total economic emancipation of Africa.

Dr. HENRY LARTEY, chairman of Great Consolidated Popular Party, wrote from Ghana.