Pan-African Progressive Front prepares for 80th Congress Anniversary in Ghana
The Pan-African Progressive Front, in collaboration with the Socialist Forum of Ghana, is ramping up preparations for a major historic commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress set to take place in Accra this October.
The original Congress, held in Manchester, England, in 1945, is widely recognised as the political catalyst that ignited widespread calls for independence across Africa and the Caribbean.
To lay the groundwork for the anniversary, a virtual conference was convened on Thursday, May 29, drawing more than sixty progressive Pan-Africanists from 32 countries, including representatives of the diasporas of the United States and Brazil, joined the online conference from Pan-African activists across the continent.
The session, moderated by renowned Pan-Africanist Alby Walls, provided a platform for reflection and forward-thinking discussion.
Central to the conference agenda were issues relating to the contemporary relevance of the Fifth Pan-African Congress, the crafting of a modern Pan-African agenda and strategic plans for the upcoming commemoration.
Speaking in a virtual session, Ghanaian journalist and Pan-Africanist Kwesi Pratt Jr., alongside Senegalese activist Roland Digne, delivered key addresses and stressed the urgent need to reclaim and reignite the continental unity movement.
Participants of the session agreed that the 80th anniversary should not only honour the past but also serve as a springboard for decisive action.
Among the proposals raised was the implementation of Pan-African unity projects with a call for reparations from Western powers emerging as a powerful example of a cause that could rally broad continental support.
The veteran journalist noted, “The time has come to move from rhetoric to real, united action. Our heroes didn’t gather in Manchester just to talk. They mobilised a movement.”
Mr Pratt Jr., also a member of the Pan-African Progressive Front’s organising committee, laid out a proposal to establish a dedicated committee to oversee preparations for the 80th anniversary event. He stressed the importance of referencing the original Congress's goals and measuring the progress made so far. He called for the formation of specialised commissions on trade union matters, women’s rights, youth engagement, and grassroots political mobilization.
He further highlighted growing concerns about foreign military interventions in Africa, particularly the NATO presence in the Sahel. Echoing the words of Kwame Nkrumah, he warned that Africa must be rebuilt “without bombs.”
"The Fifth Pan-African Congress of 1945 was a defining moment that brought together influential leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, W.E.B. Du Bois, George Padmore, Jomo Kenyatta, and Patrice Lumumba all of whom played crucial roles in shaping Africa’s post-colonial trajectory. Their bold stand against colonialism and vision for African self-determination continue to inspire generations.
Accra is a fitting venue, it reminds us of Nkrumah’s dream and Ghana’s pivotal role in African unity. Let this be more than a commemoration and let it be a call to continue the struggle.”
Alby Walls, a representative of the All-African People's Revolutionary Party and moderator of the event, underscored the exceptional importance of the Manchester Congress.
He described it as not only a foundational moment in the fight against imperialism and colonialism but also a model of ideological unity and strategic focus. He emphasised the need for today’s Pan-African movements to define clear steps towards unifying progressive African efforts across sectors.
The second speaker, Roland Diagne from Senegal's FERNET organisation, provided a historical overview of events following the 1945 Congress.
He noted the enduring relevance of its resolutions, particularly in confronting neocolonialism in regions like the Sahel.
“There is a resurgence of patriotism and a deep desire for sovereignty,” he said.
He added that ECOWAS must return to its original mandate of peace and self-determinationa task he hopes Ghana’s new government will champion.
The interactive session saw 18 participants actively engage in debate. Imani Na Umoja, representing the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), advocated for a fully-fledged congress, not just a celebration.
Ouzayrou Mamane, of the Pan-African Movement for Reparations, Justice and Restoration of Historical Memory, called for reparations to be central to Africa’s push for economic independence. “Reparations are a historical necessity,” he stated.
Amina Hamani of the Niger-based MORFEPAN women’s group stressed that Pan-Africanism must evolve from symbolic rhetoric into a tangible tool for securing independence and resisting foreign interference.
Saddam Alktif of the CODESA organisation spotlighted the issue of Western Sahara, insisting that true Pan-African goals cannot be achieved while parts of the continent remain under occupation.
Humphrey Quaye, representing the Pan-African Progressive Front, reiterated the movement’s commitment to fighting neocolonialism and invited like-minded organizations to join the campaign for a united and self-determined Africa.
