The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is optimistic that Africa, as it celebrates its annual African Union (AU) Day, still has the opportunity to remedy its wrongs and place the continent back on track.

The Commission in a press statement Tuesday, said a united front remains an imperative tool to the development of Africa as a whole.

“The importance and place of Africa’s Unity is still of relevance to every African, that is why the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) joins Africans at home and abroad to commemorate this important occasion.

"Reflecting on our efforts in this drive since the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25th May 1963 in Addis Ababa and its successor Africa Union (AU) in 2001 is crucial to our development,” the NCCE stated.

For the NCCE, more work needs to be done despite acknowledging that African countries have come far in breaking away from the yoke of colonialism and its quest to strengthen regional integration and peaceful co-existence.

Instead of excessive reliance on foreign bodies to survive, the Commission suggested that “we need to internalise the values of our African identity and sharpen our civic mindsets and skills as well as nurture the can-do spirit among the youth to explore our arts and common heritage to enhance our development.”

“With more Africans irking a living from the Arts industry and cultural works, a lot of efforts ought to be made to leverage on Africa’s vast art industry and her untapped rich cultural heritage for our development. That effort coupled with good leadership is vital springboards needed to propel the growth of Africa’s economy to meet AU’s Agenda 2063,” it added.

These interventions, the NCCE said, will help solve pertinent issues, including the novel Coronavirus pandemic, poverty, ensure economic liberation and independence, improve quality education delivery and effectively mediate the civil wars and conflicts in some parts of Africa.

Also, “the ecological issues in the context of climate change and its implication on food security, hunger as well as ensure energy sufficiency and emergency preparedness.”

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Civic Education has commended the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opening in Accra.

It described the initiative as a key milestone that should propel and enhance intra-African trade to deepen integration.