In a conversation with a colleague, a lady exclaimed, “God forbid that I should mall-y marr-eii marry Ewe man. My family would even disown me.”

Overhearing this, a Frafra remarked, “Ashantis are too proud and condescending. They behave as though Ghana belongs to them. Despite their arrogance, they struggle with pronouncing ‘R’ and ‘L.’ Come on, is ‘marry’ such a difficult word to say?”

Throughout history, Africans have courageously confronted discrimination and campaigned for parity in the struggle against racism. Although considerable headway has been achieved against racism, another destructive form of bias endures: Tribalism.

What makes this especially concerning is that it isn’t perpetuated by outsiders but instead by Africans against themselves.

Africa is home to approximately 3,000 diverse tribes, each contributing to the continent’s rich tapestry of cultural heritage, languages, and practices. This immense diversity is a source of pride and identity for many, offering a deep sense of belonging and community. However, we can no longer turn a blind eye to the  division, inter-tribal conflicts, discrimination, and even violence our excessive loyalty to our individual tribes have caused.

I dare say there is nothing wrong with taking pride in your cultural heritage. Besides, the one who speaks Hausa to the “waakye” seller might earn himself an extra scoop. The problem lies in the belief that one tribe is superior and inherently better than the other, resulting in discrimination and the perpetuation of negative stereotypes.

The tragic Rwandan genocide of 1994, where the Tutsi and Hutu populations were embroiled in horrific violence, serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of tribal conflicts. Over the course of just 100 days, an estimated 800,000 people were brutally killed.

Many well-meaning and competent individuals who had the vision and ability to give us the progress we seek have been sidelined. Promising unions have been unjustly condemned. If people are denied votes simply because they are not from our hometowns, or if we deem them unfit to rule our nation because of their tribal marks, how can we be certain that we are not worse than our colonizers who, through subjugation and segregation, stripped us of our basic human rights and freedoms?

“If it is okay to say it is not okay to marry someone just because he is a “Kalabari” and that every tribe should have its own. Are we not practicing apartheid? …You stand there and fight for equality
But come back and start to use ethnicity

I don’t get the logic of thinking it’s different
To be tribalistic and then to be racist
If you are happy to judge him just by hearing his name
Whatever you call it my friend it’s the same”

(Dike Chukwumerije – The Wall and the Bridge)

Whatever ensued between you and that person was likely an individual character flaw and not an ethnic problem. Therefore, would be unfair if you generalize. Moreover don’t we all deserve the right to justify our inclusion or otherwise?

One would think that higher education would solve the problem of tribalism. But it would surprise you to know that some of the worst offenders are the elites – well-educated business executives, corporate CEOs, and hiring managers who cannot see past facial marks or language accents when considering job applicants, regardless of their qualifications.

Many politicians do not address tribalism; instead, they exploit it to rally support by inciting the populace against their opponents to secure votes. Colonizers were notorious for using the divide-and-rule tactic to incite ethnic groups against one another to gain political dominance. It is shameful to say that years after independence, we find our own countrymen using this tactic against us. Kenyan politics is a stark testament to this.

The tragedy between the Tutsis and Hutus highlights how deep-rooted ethnic tensions, exacerbated by political manipulation and historical grievances, can lead to unimaginable devastation and suffering. It is crucial that we strive to prevent such conflicts from arising again, rather than fanning these tensions into flames.

I am an Ashanti/Fante, a Ghanaian, and an African. But above all, I am a human being. After careful consideration, I firmly believe that tribalistic views are inhumane, detrimental to progress, and not worth embracing.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

-Written by fellow Benedicta Adwoa Hayford

“I live in Africa. Seeing that Russia fits into Africa twice, I am baffled as to how big the continent IS” –YouTuber.

Many of us have likely pondered this question, influenced by Russia’s development and Africa’s challenges. Who would have thought that Africa had a larger land area? Africa, the second-largest continent in the world, boasts a population of approximately 1.5 billion people, accounting for 17.89% of the global population. But do these statistics truly reflect the real size and significance of Africa?

Have you ever stopped to consider the true scale of Africa? Frequently masked by the distortions of the Mercator projection, Africa’s immense size is compressed and distorted, giving the misleading impression of a small and easily manageable land. This was not merely an accidental cartographic mistake; many believe it was a calculated political strategy aimed at making Africa seem less imposing and more susceptible to colonization.

But here’s the reality: Africa is a colossal, dynamic land overflowing with untapped resources and immense potential. It’s disheartening to witness these valuable assets being fruitless, left unexplored, and underused, primarily because leadership has not fully acknowledged or exploited them. Just imagine if every African country leveraged its resources effectively, creating wealth and opportunities. Africa would rightfully take its place on the global stage as a formidable force, not to be underestimated.

Despite the prevalent misconceptions and distortions, Africa remains impossible to ignore. Our vast, fertile landscapes hold the potential to nourish not only our continent but the entire world, with plenty of space left over. Consider this: Africa is larger than the combined landmasses of the United States, China, India, and most of Europe! This remarkable scale is essential for global strategy, climate conservation, military strength, economic development, and cultural impact.

Consider the Congo Basin, the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest. This magnificent expanse is more than just a forest; it’s a lifeline, a sanctuary for countless species of plants and animals. The Congo Basin stands as proof of Africa’s significance in global climate and military strategies. Its rich biodiversity is a treasure we must protect; thus, its preservation is not just important, it’s vital.

Then, there’s the Great Rift Valley, a breathtaking geological wonder stretching from the Red Sea to Mozambique. This incredible valley showcases Africa’s dynamic earth processes, and its deep cultural significance tracing the migrations of ancient civilizations. It’s not just a physical landmark; it’s a narrative of our past and a beacon for our future.

With its 54 nations, Africa is a rich mosaic of languages and cultural traditions, each country adding its distinctive elements. This rich diversity is a powerful strength, presenting a stunning array of histories, cultures, and customs that contribute to the global tapestry. Acknowledging Africa’s true size helps us recognize its vast potential, nurturing optimism and excitement for the future ahead.

Miriam Makeba once said, “Africa has her mysteries, and even a wise man cannot understand them. But a wise man respects them.” Africa is not just a continent; it is a world within a world, brimming with untapped potential, often underestimated due to map alterations and misconceptions. But as we peel back these layers of misunderstanding, we uncover a land of infinite possibilities and boundless promise.

Let’s celebrate Africa, not as it is often portrayed, but as it truly is, a titan, a land of endless opportunities. Embrace its true size, and its real potential, and let’s be hopeful about a future where Africa stands tall, recognized for all it has to offer.
–Written by fellow Akua Kakra Agyepong