Media personality Johnnie Hughes has reignited conversations on the continent’s long-standing ambitions for unity, calling out African leaders for their sluggish pace in achieving true continental integration.
Speaking on Johnnie’s Bite on 3FM on Monday, May 26, monitored by MyNewsGh, he said Africa’s enormous natural and human resources continue to be underutilized because of disunity and poor leadership.
“We keep talking about a single currency, yet we’re introducing new denominations. I remember when we first mentioned the ‘Eco’ – a proposed single currency – it was a big deal. Today, we’ve got 200 Ghana cedi notes. Are we really serious?” he asked.
He lamented Africa’s failure to draw inspiration from the European Union, which has successfully implemented a single currency – the Euro – across member states.
“You go to Europe, they have the Schengen visa, they have the Euro. We admire them, talk about it boldly, but what have we done?” he said.
Hughes emphasized that Africa’s development lies in unity, not just on paper, but in economic and infrastructural terms.
“United we are rock. Divided, we are sand,” he stated.
Reflecting on Africa Day, which fell on May 25, he said while the ideals of the African Union sound noble, the time for action is long overdue.
“We must rally around a singular objective of unity, development, and progress. That’s the essence of Africa Day, but what have we really gained since the OAU transformed into the AU?” he queried.
