Accra, Ghana – Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma delivered a powerful address at the African Unity Summit in Accra on Tuesday, declaring that African unity is far from a distant dream but a deliberate decision that the continent must make to secure its future.
Speaking in the historic cradle of Pan-Africanism, Koroma urged African leaders and citizens to shift from mere discussions to decisive action, highlighting the heavy price of continued division.
“Africa is already viewed by the global community as a single entity,” Koroma stated. “Our greatest shortcoming lies in approaching negotiations as fragmented nations rather than a unified force.”
He praised the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose headquarters is located in Accra, as tangible evidence that continental integration is achievable and already underway.
Koroma emphasized that deeper economic ties, interconnected infrastructure, digital alignment, and collective governance are not luxuries but necessities for progress.
The former president pointed to Africa’s abundant assets, a youthful population, vast scale, rich diversity, natural resources, and immense potential, noting that without solidarity, these strengths have too often translated into widespread poverty despite plenty.
Koroma issued a direct appeal for immediate steps forward:
– Accelerate the full rollout of the AfCFTA
– Prioritize investments in cross-border transportation and digital networks
– Bolster joint institutions and continental security mechanisms
– Equip the next generation of Africans with skills and opportunities suited to a unified continent
“The real question facing Africa today is not if we can bear the cost of uniting, but if we can survive without it,” he warned.
From the summit venue in Ghana’s capital, Koroma challenged the continent to opt for boldness over timidity, collaboration over separation, and bold leadership over indecision.
He concluded by stressing the urgency of turning long-held Pan-African aspirations into concrete realities.
The African Unity Summit continues to draw prominent figures focused on advancing continental integration.
