African nations have come a long way from their colonial histories, but a firmer unity between countries is necessary for the progress of the continent. That was the message delivered by John Dramani Mahama, the vice president of the Republic of Ghana, who gave a free lecture at the Speed Art Museum on the University of Louisville's campus on Thursday night. Mahama's lecture was sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences and its Pan-African Studies Department, which launched an African Studies minor this year. Following Ghana's transition to an independent country from British rule in 1957, Mahama said its first president, Kwame Nkrumah, emphasized unity among other African countries, but few leaders followed his lead, fearful of giving up their newfound independence. Today, access to trade and travel among African countries continues to choke progress in some regions, Mahama said. “What keeps Africa back in terms of integration is a lack of political will to achieve it,” Mahama said. “I don't see any real sincerity to achieve African union.” “There are all these self-imposed restrictions that keep our nations apart,” he said. Mahama said the restrictions make little sense to many Africans, especially since many borders were formed by former colonial rulers. The problems affect every country, but are most severe in former colonial countries that are “not viable” and cannot even feed their own people, Mahama said. Democracy also is key to progress, Mahama said. Some Africans in more troubled areas of the continent have grown disenfranchised with the promised benefits of democracy, but Mahama said many reasons Ghana is doing well — such as a strong constitution and a thriving independent media — wouldn't be possible without democracy. Mahama ended his presentation on a positive note, saying he has seen countries more willing to open up and work on continental projects. “There is a lot of hope for Africa,” he said. Story by Sean Rose Source: www.courier-journal.com