Africa’s problems need African solutions – President Akufo-Addo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has eulogised one of Africa’s eminent philosophers, Emeritus Professor Kwame Gyekye, saying his advocacy for “African solutions to Africa’s problems” ought to be upheld.
The thoughts and works of the late philosopher, immersed in the African cultural values, resonated well with the aspirations of the people, he noted.
“His legacy serves as a beacon of hope for realising a much brighter future for Africa,” the President stated while delivering a speech at the “First Kwame Gyekye Memorial Lecture”, hosted by the University of Ghana, Legon, in Accra.
The inaugural lecture was on the theme: “The Forgetfulness of Citizenship”.
It was in memory of the Emeritus Prof who passed on some five years ago.
Born in 1939, he forged a trailblazing path in African philosophy, inspiring and mentoring many scholars on the continent and the African diaspora.
His academic career and teaching stressed the importance of critical examination for a meaningful life.
This was embodied in two of his favourite dicta: “The unexamined life is not worth living”, borrowed from Socrates, and “A return to the past must be guided by critical examination.
President Nana Akufo-Addo reminded the people that the “Forgetfulness of Citizenship” was a subject that went beyond the realm of politics – encompassing a broad ethical and social dimension.
“It reminds us that citizenship is not just a legal status. It is also a moral ethical imperative that requires us to uphold the principles of justice, equality and solidarity in all our interactions.
“As we reflect on Prof Gyekye’s work, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of active citizenship and civic responsibility,” he advised.
The President noted that in an increasingly interconnected world, with varied global challenges such as climate change, inequality and human rights abuses, there was a need for collective action and solidarity.
The society should not succumb to narrow self-interest that fails to recognise “our shared humanity and responsibility towards the goal of our people”.