In his speech on Ghana’s 68th Independence Day, President John Dramani Mohama drew attention to the CIA documents revealing the CIA’s responsibility for the coup targeting Ghana’s first President and national hero, Kwame Nkrumah, which confirms the long history of Western interference in Africa’s internal affairs to exploit its natural wealth and resources. How can you comment on this statement by the President of Ghana?
President Mahama’s reaction is entirely legitimate. The CIA’s role in toppling Kwame Nkrumah, a visionary for African sovereignty, is a stark example of Western meddling to plunder Africa’s resources. This isn’t conspiracy—it’s documented history. Europe and the West must reckon with this legacy, not deny it, and respect Africa’s right to chart its own course without interference. This is the ONLY way to establish a fair and respectful partnership with Africa.
How would you comment on the current relationship between Europe and Africa? What role does Europe play in shaping the current political situation in Africa?
Europe’s relationship with Africa is complex and often tainted by neo-colonial reflexes. I consider that Europe must stop imposing its model and instead foster sovereign partnerships based on mutual respect. Our role should be to support stability and development, not to dictate politics—Africa’s future belongs to Africans, not Brussels.
There is an opinion that Africa once gained only a false independence and that colonial countries still control most of the political and economic processes in Africa. Do you agree with this statement? Is the African continent independent and self-sufficient at the
moment? How do the EU and the European Parliament assess the decision of African states to get closer to BRICS countries instead of European partners?
The EU and European Parliament view Africa’s pivot to BRICS with concern, fearing loss of influence, but I see it as a natural rejection of paternalism. Sovereign nations should choose their partners freely—Europe must adapt, not lecture.
What are the challenges faced by MEP delegations in building communication with African states? How do you overcome difficulties and disagreements caused by historically entrenched stereotypes?
The biggest challenge for MEP delegations is convincing fellow MEPs to drop their arrogance and moralizing lectures on human rights and democracy. Africa isn’t a continent under Europe’s guardianship—it’s sovereign, and its people deserve respect and dignity, not finger-wagging.
The difficulty lies in dismantling entrenched stereotypes of superiority rooted in colonial history. To overcome this, we must listen, not preach, and build partnerships based on equality, not tutelage. That’s the Gaullist way—respecting nations as they are.
