By David Hammond
Africa won political independence, yet the harder question is whether we have achieved the freedom, justice and self-determination our forefathers envisioned.
On 6 March 1957, Ghana became independent from British colonial rule. For those who gathered to witness that historic moment, independence was far more than the changing of the flag. It was a declaration that Africans could govern themselves, determine their own future and reclaim their dignity. Ghana’s independence became a powerful symbol across a continent still largely under colonial rule.
Independence was about more than who occupied government offices. The struggle for political independence was about freedom, dignity, self-determination, and the right of African people to shape their own destiny. Yet almost seven decades later, an uncomfortable question remains: did political independence complete the work of freedom, or did it merely begin it?
The truth is that independence was a beginning. It gave African nations sovereignty, but sovereignty and freedom are not necessarily the same thing. A nation can have its own flag, national anthem, president, parliament and constitution, and still struggle to provide its citizens with justice, economic dignity, security, opportunity and accountable governance.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 itself recognises that Africa’s journey cannot end with political independence. Its vision calls for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens. The agenda speaks of self-determination, freedom, democratic governance, human rights, justice, the rule of law, capable institutions and transformative leadership (African Union). In other words, the Africa we aspire to build requires more than political sovereignty.
As mentioned, Ghana’s independence in 1957 was an extraordinary historical achievement. But independence did not automatically eliminate poverty, inequality, corruption, unemployment, weak institutions or the struggles that ordinary citizens face. This is not an indictment of Ghana alone.
Consider South Africa. The end of apartheid represented one of the most remarkable political transformations of the modern era. Millions gained political rights that had previously been denied to them. Yet political liberation did not instantly eliminate the economic and social inequalities created over generations.
Nigeria possesses enormous natural and human resources, yet resource wealth alone has not guaranteed prosperity for its citizens. The World Bank’s current assessment estimates that 63 percent of Nigerians were living below the national poverty line in 2025, despite improvements in some areas of the economy (World Bank).
These examples are reminders that independence cannot, by itself, build a nation. Though the circumstances are different, they point toward an important issue: what happens when political freedom is not matched by economic and institutional freedom?
We cannot blame everything on colonialism. There is no honest discussion about Africa’s present without acknowledging the destructive legacy of colonialism. Colonial rule reshaped political boundaries, economic systems and institutions across the continent. Its consequences did not simply disappear when African flags replaced colonial ones.
But there is another truth we must have the courage to confront: we cannot blame every contemporary African failure on colonialism. At some point, responsibility cannot forever be placed at the feet of a colonial administration that left decades ago.
Africa must power its own rise. If a leader abuses public office, we must be willing to hold that leader accountable. If institutions become instruments of political interests rather than servants of citizens, we must confront that reality. And if citizens participate in corruption when it benefits them personally, we must examine ourselves as well.
We cannot demand honest leadership while celebrating dishonesty when it serves our interests. We cannot condemn corruption in government while offering a bribe to accelerate our own affairs. We cannot demand justice when we are unwilling to practise fairness in our homes, businesses and communities. Africa’s liberation must therefore include the liberation of our conscience.
One of the most important things is that Africa has already articulated a vision for the future through the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It calls for capable institutions and transformative leadership. It also envisions an Africa whose development is people-driven and relies on the potential of its people, particularly its youth and women.
These are not foreign ideals imposed upon Africa; they are part of Africa’s own stated vision. The challenge, therefore, is not simply knowing what kind of continent we want, but becoming the kind of people required to build it.
Freedom without responsibility can become another form of bondage. A nation cannot be free when justice depends on influence. A young person cannot experience meaningful freedom when opportunity remains inaccessible. A business cannot thrive where corruption determines who succeeds. A society cannot experience lasting peace when truth is continually sacrificed for political loyalty, tribal allegiance, religious interest or personal gain.
Leadership cannot transform a continent when leaders are more concerned with preserving power than serving people. Responsibility, however, does not belong only to presidents and ministers. It belongs to teachers, journalists, judges, entrepreneurs, religious leaders, parents, students, professionals and ordinary citizens.
A vision gives direction, but only action advances freedom. The freedom of a nation is ultimately reflected in the character of the people who inhabit it.
Africa now needs to think beyond the first liberation. We need a second liberation.
The first liberation was largely about removing foreign political control. The next liberation must be about removing the internal conditions that prevent Africans from fully flourishing: corruption, political tribalism, fear, ignorance and economic hopelessness. It must also address institutions that exist for themselves rather than for the people, as well as the mentality that Africa’s future must always be designed by someone else.
This does not mean neglecting the world. Africa must trade with, learn from and partner with the world. The goal should be self-determined participation.
Moreover, Africa should not merely export raw materials and import finished products. It should increasingly create, manufacture, innovate, add value and build industries capable of creating dignity and opportunity for its people. The African Union’s own development framework recognises this need, emphasising transformed economies, industrialisation, value addition, economic diversification, jobs and skills (African Union).
Now, the question for our generation is what we will do with the freedom we inherited.
The generation that fought for independence asked a historic question: can Africa govern itself? And they answered with courage.
Our generation faces another challenge: can Africa transform itself?
That answer cannot come from government alone. It must also come from citizens and from Africans in the diaspora who contribute knowledge, investment, innovation and relationships to the continent. The African Union’s vision is ultimately of an Africa driven by its own citizens. This matters because no continent can be transformed by leaders alone.
The work of liberation, therefore, is not finished. We won independence. Now we must build freedom.
The next liberation will not be fought with guns, but with truth, accountable leadership, strong institutions, education, innovation, economic dignity, justice, responsible citizenship and the courage to tell ourselves the truth.
Africa does not need another generation that only celebrates the freedom of yesterday. It needs a generation courageous enough to build the freedom of tomorrow. Our forefathers began the journey. Now it is time to carry it forward.
So, are we independent, but still struggling to become truly free?
The answer is not simply yes or no. Freedom is not a condition we inherit simply because a flag has been raised. True freedom is a responsibility: one generation receives it, another must advance it, and another must complete the work.
Our forefathers won the right to govern Africa. Now, our generation must have the courage to build an Africa worthy of that freedom.