Speakers at a roundtable discussion have unanimously stated that Africa will not benefit from the wind of ultra nationalism blowing across Europe and North America. The roundtable discussion was organised under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts, College of Humanities and Legal Studies. The theme for the discussions was 鈥淭he Rise of Ultra Nationalism in Europe and North America- Opportunities for African Political Unity and Economic Integration鈥�. Speaking on the sub-theme 鈥楢 historical framework for nationalism and ultra-nationalism, and the challenges and opportunities for African political and economic development鈥� Dr. K. B. Maison of the Department of History stated that until Africans retuned their minds, they could not unite. 鈥淲e need to get real, without a change of our mindset, we cannot be ourselves and unite. Unity lies with us, we embrace others but not our own鈥�. Other Speakers were Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College and and a Research Fellow at the Institute for Development Studies, Dr. K. A. Tuffour. Dr. Maison who did not mince words said Africa defined itself from the side of Europe. This, he said has not helped the continent because it was not part of reality, since the Europeans forced their ideals on the continent, describing them as meaningless. He said Africans were suffering from 鈥淧sychological control鈥� since they learn from someone else鈥檚 worldview. 鈥� The narrative of Africa is controlled from Europe鈥� 鈥淭ill we realize that this is Africa and no whiteman comes to Africa for Africa鈥檚 interest, we will remain where we are鈥�, he stressed. The History lecturer called on Africans to get real and have a change of mindset without which they could not be themselves and unite. 鈥淭he one who divided you is benefitting from your division鈥�. Citing an example from the Japanese, Dr. Maison said they took the bold decision to become who they are and now have common purpose. Similarly, he indicated that the Germans decided to speak German instead of French to take their destiny in their own hands and now have their identity intact. He noted that there was intellectual failure in Africa since people in the continent were always imitating the Europeans. 鈥淟et鈥檚 get real, we need to go to originality and not copy Europe hook, line and sinker鈥�, he stated. Dilating on the sub-theme 鈥淣ew Opportunities for Economic Integration in Africa in the Era of Rise of Ultra-Nationalist Movements in Europe and North America鈥�, Dr. Antwi-Danso explained for integration to possible in Africa, it has to be brewed in 鈥榓n African Pot鈥�. Dr. Antwi-Danso wondered how Africa could integrate while he could not for example drive from Ghana to Senegal, again, there was only 14% of trade among Africans and 86% with Europe. 鈥淪o if Europe implodes which kind of benefits could inure to Africa?鈥�, he asked. He stated that the only trade opportunity available to Africans was for us to create the infrastructure and trade among ourselves. 鈥淚f Europe implodes how do we succeed, where will we get the 70% of AU鈥檚 budget from?鈥� he asked. Dr. Antwi-Danso stated that there would be no opportunities, until African leaders understood integration in the African sense鈥�, he said. He predicted that by the year 2030, most positions in Europe and America would have been taken over by foreigners such as African and Latinos. He indicated that as the reason why there was a sharp rise in ultra nationalism in those places. Taking his turn, Dr. K. A. Tuffour mentioned it was as a result of economic reasons that was why currently in Europe and America, some people believe that attacks must be on all fronts for those who did not have their colour to leave their domain. He added that ultra-nationalism has created hatred for foreigners. 鈥淚f you do not belong to their culture or district you need to be sent away. This is even evident on election posters鈥�. Giving examples, he mentioned that 200 Guatemalans have been sent away from America since President Donald Trump declared that 鈥淎merica should be for Americans鈥�. He indicated that the Rwandan experience has created an awareness that Africans should always look for African solutions to their problems. It has also brought Africans together to the extent most people were prepared to fight authoritarian regimes. Dr. Tuffour however, deplored the way safe havens were being paved for despots to go and enjoy the loot from their prolonged stay in power, citing the recent African Union (AU) decision to get former Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh a safe haven in an African country. 鈥淓ven though recent history points to some form of change, recent events seem to negate the gains made鈥�, he averred. Prof. Akua Britwum of IDS chaired the function and said the so-called change we all clamour for must start with the youth.
