Ghana’s Ras Mubarak is calling on young Africans to draw inspiration from Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré and stop waiting for permission to lead.
At a spirited AU Day lecture in Istanbul, the former MP praised Traoré as a bold alternative to Africa’s ruling elite, who he says have failed to deliver true independence despite regular elections and democracy “in name only.”
“Democracy must deliver dignity, political and economic independence – not just regular elections,” Mubarak said to thunderous applause.
Highlighting Traoré’s rise, he argued that what Africa needs now is not just change of leaders, but a change in leadership mindset—one that dares to break with colonial-era models and rewrite the rules of governance.
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of now. If you don’t lead, others will keep misleading.”
Ras Mubarak urged African students abroad to channel the spirit of leaders like Traoré, who despite his youth and controversial rise to power, is standing firm against foreign exploitation and elite complicity.
NKONKONSA.com
