Kwame Nkrumah and the Quest for African Unity: Why he Became a Threat to Anglo-Saxon Imperialists' Agenda That had to be Eliminated

Introduction:

The MI5 files released in 2019 on Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana, indeed shed light on his revolutionary ideas and his perceived threat to colonial powers. 

While the files are incomplete and end in 1952, they highlight Nkrumah's association with the Pan-African Congress (PAC) and the West African National Secretariat (WANS), both of which advocated for the decolonization and unity of Africa. 

This article delves into Nkrumah's aspirations and explores the reasons why he was labeled a communist, revealing the deep-seated fears and strategies of colonial powers during that era.

Nkrumah's Dream of African Unity:

During his studies in the United States, Nkrumah shared his vision of a united West Africa under African leadership. This dream of African hegemony resonated with his fellow students, and together, they organized the African Students Association to promote this goal. 

Nkrumah's involvement in the PAC in Manchester in 1945 further solidified his commitment to decolonization and the pursuit of complete independence for Africa.

Formation of the West African National Secretariat (WANS):

Following the PAC, West African activists and students met in Paris and London to discuss the formation of an organization that would work towards African unity. This resulted in the establishment of WANS, with Nkrumah serving as the general-secretary. 

The aim of WANS was to foster unity among West African territories and stand against imperialism, advocating for a united West African front for independence.

Challenges and Opposition:

WANS faced numerous challenges in its mission. The United Nations, to which WANS appealed for support in liquidating the colonial system, ignored their requests. 

The UK government seemingly suppressed WANS' efforts, preventing the distribution of their pamphlets and restricting the reach of their newsletter, the New African.

Furthermore, there were plans for a conference in Lagos in 1948 to advance WANS' objectives, but it faced obstacles and opposition.

The Communist Label and Perceived Threat:

Both UK and US files on Nkrumah brand him as a communist, but this designation requires further scrutiny. While Nkrumah had associations with communist parties and attended a course on Marxism, it does not automatically make him a communist. 

It becomes evident that Nkrumah's pursuit of real independence and collaboration with Francophone activists posed a significant threat to Britain and other colonial powers. 

The fear of communism and the need for support from the United States fueled the labeling of independence movements as communist, prompting a united effort to suppress their goals.

Colonial Powers and the Desire for Resources:

After World War II, colonial powers sought to rebuild their shattered economies and repay their debts to the United States. The raw materials obtained from colonies were crucial for their recovery. 

However, the United States desired direct access to these resources, bypassing European-owned companies. 

To garner support from the United States, colonial powers capitalized on the widespread fear of communism, presenting any independence movements as communist threats. 

This strategy aimed to unite all forces against the achievement of genuine independence.

Read the original version by Marika Sherwood here.

Marika Sherwood is the author of Kwame Nkrumah and the Dawn of the Cold War—The West African National Secretariat 1945-48 (Pluto Press & Sub-Saharan Publishers, 2019).