Marcus Garvey's son urges Africa to pursue federal union

The son of Pan-Africanist leader Marcus Garvey has called for deeper political and economic integration across Africa, arguing that the continent's division into 55 sovereign states is hindering the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at a Juneteenth commemorative event in Accra, Julius Garvey said African countries should work towards a federated system of governance to strengthen regional cooperation and unlock the benefits of continental trade.

The event, held at Christiansborg Castle, was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, traditional leaders, diplomats and guests from Africa and the Caribbean.

Dr Garvey, a surgeon who said he was representing civil society organisations in the United States, argued that stronger integration was necessary for the AfCFTA to achieve its objectives.

"For the free trade agreement to work, we have to move towards a federated government," he said.

He suggested that, at a minimum, African countries should establish common economic, monetary and financial systems to facilitate the movement of goods and services, as well as improve transport and energy connectivity across the continent.

Dr Garvey also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Africa and its global diaspora, saying the continent's future development would depend on collaboration between Africans and people of African descent around the world.

Referring to demographic trends, he said Africa's youthful population represented a significant opportunity for future growth, although some of the figures cited during his address could not be independently verified.

Drawing on the legacy of his father, Marcus Garvey, Dr Garvey described the gathering as a continuation of a movement for African unity that began more than a century ago.

He also noted the influence of Marcus Garvey's ideas on Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, and praised Ghana for maintaining its commitment to Pan-Africanism.

Dr Garvey further expressed hope for stronger economic and transport links between Africa and the Caribbean, including expanded air and maritime connections, to support trade, investment and cultural exchange.

He described Ghana as a key gateway for members of the African diaspora seeking to reconnect with the continent and contribute to its development.

Concluding his remarks, Dr Garvey called for a more inclusive global order shaped by African values and greater cooperation among nations of African heritage.