Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called for the creation of a pan-African media powerhouse to unite the continent and reshape global perceptions of Africa. Speaking at the Broadcasting at the Crossroads forum, hosted by the Africa Media Bureau in Accra on Friday, September 26, he emphasised the need for Africans to tell their own stories, highlighting the continent’s identity, challenges, and potential.
Kufuor proposed using Accra as a hub for the media house, which would connect Africans across linguistic and regional divides, fostering cultural exchange, continental integration, and collaboration.
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“If the professional media people will find a way to establish a powerful media agency, say here in Accra, very African, to tell African stories, not just political, it could be economic, social, entertainment, trade, or industry. I tell you, before you know it, the African in Nigeria, Nairobi, or South Africa, we would do better,” he said.
He pointed out that Africa is still largely defined by external media, leading to distorted narratives and slowed progress. “Poor Africa so far has tended to be defined from outside. We are seeking our identity,” Kufuor remarked.
The former President also highlighted the role of digitalisation and technology, noting that while technological access has reached even remote villages, African ownership and control of digital platforms remain minimal.
Kufuor further addressed lingering colonial-era divisions, including language barriers, which continue to hinder continental unity. “We still are locked into the blinkers of colonialism. We are Anglophone, my cousin in Côte d’Ivoire is Francophone, the next person is Lusophone, we do not know ourselves,” he said.
He stressed that establishing a strong, Africa-led media entity could bridge these divides, empower Africans to tell their own stories, and project a more authentic image of the continent to the world.
