Kenyan lawyer and Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba has called on African heads of state and finance ministers to revisit the works of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as they seek solutions to the continent’s persistent economic challenges.
According to him, Nkrumah’s writings contain enduring ideas that could help African countries deepen their pursuit of economic independence and overcome challenges that continue to hinder the continent’s development.
“There are times when I say to myself, African heads of state, most of whom I respect, and ministers for finance, should be put in a room for one week to read all the books of Kwame Nkrumah, that they may understand what he understood,” he said.
Prof. Lumumba made the call at Nkroful on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as part of activities marking the 117th anniversary of the birth of Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
He noted that Nkrumah had identified the connection between political unity and economic independence decades ago, adding that several of the challenges he cautioned against remain realities for many African countries.
He pointed to Nkrumah’s advocacy for African unity, industrialisation, economic self-reliance and stronger continental cooperation as principles that continue to have relevance for Africa’s development.
Prof. Lumumba further encouraged African leaders to study Nkrumah’s writings from his period in Guinea-Conakry, saying they provide important insights into the strategic choices confronting the continent.
He stressed that Africa must return to the principles of self-reliance and economic independence if it is to chart and control its own development path.
