The Association of Africans in the Diaspora (AAD) on Friday called on African governments to remove bottle-necks that hinder African-Americans from coming to stay on the continent.
Ms Maisie Meggon Howell, AAD Representative said most times, when Africa- Americans arrive on the continent they are given a huge welcome and told they can come and stay, but the reality comes when they have to renew their visas or to extend their stay.
She therefore challenged the government to lead the way in offering Africans in the Diaspora a right of abode.
Ms Howell made the call when she openeda high level forum to discuss “Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance- The Unfinished Agenda,” which was held as part of this year’s PANAFEST/Emancipation Day celebration.
The ceremony was attended by personalities in the creative arts industry and people from other African countries as well as chiefs and queen mothers.
Mr Victor Moffat, Convener of Think Africa Forum kick-started the deliberations with an African Union touch.
Ms Pavelyn Tendai Musaka, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador, who spoke on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps noted that the real dream of the African Union (AU) is yet to be achieved and advised fellow Africans not to look outside for solutions to Africa’sproblems.
She explained that looking at other continents for solutions to Africa’s problem is a major stumbling block hindering an effective AU.
Mr Rashid Pelpou, Minister of State Responsible for Public-Private Partnership,said the celebration of PANAFEST/ Emancipation Day should be a rallying point to deliberate on things that plague the African family, which has become an impediment for attaining social and economic advancement and total freedom.
Mr Pelpou who represented President John Dramani Mahama said: “The occasionshould ignite some passion in us to examine efforts being made at different levels in our respective countries, cities and communities to bring development tothe doorsteps of the citizenry.”
He noted that re-discovering the African heritage is a foundation for building the African future and emphasised that the people of Africa ought to be able to achieve dignity of managing their own affairs.
Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who chaired the forum, urged the delegates to give meaning to what the AU is doing for Africans.
Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, expressed her determination to facilitate abrand of tourism, which would enrich the experience of people of African descent and inspire them to work together for thebetterment of Africans.
Professor Atukwei Okai, Secretary General of the Pan-African Writers Association (PANA) also gave a wake-up call on the need for the creation of a United States of Africa, stressing that the time is now.
He said: “Let us stop being dependent on the outside world because everything is within, the days when we allowed the world to overwhelm us is over.”
Mr Richard Owusu, President of the Pan African Youth Clubs appealed to government to help his organisation to form youth clubs in all secondary schools in Ghana.
He expressed the hope that the future of Africa lies in the hands of the youth.

would America reciprocate the gesture by giving Africans same?

Desola: would America reciprocate the gesture by giving Africans same?

LOL...but they can come for visits and tourism, especially in a place like Lagos and the SW after order has been restored and our cultural vibrancy on the go again! Educated AAs who are professors, research scientists, etc (like moi) will do anything to for example have a chance to teach in Nigeria for 5 years or 2 years on 2 years back, etc! They will be enamored with our organized culture, a decent hard working people, with pristine vegetations and tourism spots! With living quarters for professors and top academics teaching in the SW deliberately cited at the scenic Eko Atlantic, all kinds of food just downstairs, it is only a matter of time before they begin to personally invite their peers (even white, Asian, etc) to take up a research or teaching position in Ife, Unilag, UI, LASU, Covenant, etc even it is just for 2 years, impact some knowledge, make some money, spend less, pay some back as taxes, and keep coming back again and again! Before you know it, our part of current Nigeria will be visa free to the US, UK, you know!

[quote author=Desola]would America reciprocate the gesture by giving Africans same?

This is not about gaining ground in America but a case of a lost brothers and sisters... These people need a sense of belonging. I thinks they are tied of playing the second fiddle...( second citizens )