Pan-African Progressive Forces upbeat about 80th anniversary of Fifth Pan-African Congress
A Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Development Studies of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, Professor Akua Opokua Britwum, says the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress offers a symbolic moment to celebrate the legacy of Pan-African heroes such as Dr Kwame Nkrumah, George Padmore, and W.E.B. Du Bois, as well as a platform for African leaders to confront uncomfortable truths about the continent’s slow progress.
The two-day International Conference of Pan-African Progressive Forces Commemorating the 5th Pan-African Congress organised by Accra-based Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) will be crowned with the signing of the Accra Declaration, a document aimed at reaffirming Africa’s position on reparations for colonisation and slavery, and setting a new course for continental unity and justice.
The international conference is on theme, "From Historical Memory to Economic and Political Justice".
On October 21, 2025 all progressive Pan-African forces will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress held in Manchester in 1945.
The commemoration seeks to reflect on that legacy, assess Africa’s current leadership challenges and inspire a renewed commitment to the continent’s collective progress.
In an interview, the Research Fellow, who has spent many years studying labour movements and Pan-African activism, explained that the 1945 Manchester Congress marked a turning point in Africa’s liberation history.
“Unlike the earlier elitist gatherings, it brought together grassroots activists, trade unionists, farmers, and students from across the continent, setting the stage for the wave of independence movements that followed.
“The fifth Manchester Congress was the turning point because of the heavy representation from Africa itself. It was no longer just a diaspora conversation, it became an African movement,” she said.
She added that the spirit of that Congress anchored in solidarity, equality, and bold vision must inspire today’s leaders to confront the modern forms of domination Africa faces, from economic exploitation to political subservience.
Prof. Britwum seized the opportunity to call for an honest conversation about the continent’s leadership failures and the flaws in its governance systems.
“The standard liberal democracy has not yielded the desired results, at least in Africa,” she said.
“In 1945, they dared to demand independence and self-rule. Today, we must dare to demand honesty, accountability, and self-determination in our governance,” Prof. Britwum said.
According to her, the upcoming anniversary should not just be a nostalgic commemoration but a moment of reckoning for Africa to rethink its leadership and redefine Pan-Africanism beyond rhetoric.
“The question is no longer about who colonised us, but about how we are leading ourselves. If we are truly Pan-African, then we must lead with integrity and people-centered vision,” she emphasised.
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana will open the conference, with other Presidents and delegates from more than 50 African countries and the diaspora in attendance.
The 5th Pan-African Congress, held in Manchester, United Kingdom, on October 15 - 21 1945, marked the beginning of Africa's organized struggle for independence. Perhaps the International Conference of Panafrican Progressive forces will be the beginning of a new round of struggle for the prosperity of Africa.
