Borderless Africa UniMAC club officially launched to push for a unified, resilient and self-sustaining Africa

A Borderless Africa club has been officially launched at Ghana's University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMAC).

As the first of its kind in the country, the Borderless Africa UniMAC chapter aims to serve as a key platform for mobilising students to shape the continent's future.

According to Mr. Hardi Yakubu, the Movement Coordinator for Africans Rising, the Continental Movement and mother body of Borderless Africa, the student club at UniMAC is one of several being established across African universities.

He noted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to galvanise young Africans into becoming active participants in the quest for a united and prosperous Africa.

Speaking at the launch of the UniMAC chapter on Monday, November 11, Mr. Yakubu remarked, “We are establishing this club because young people in Africa are what Africa needs to unite and to prosper. We need such clubs across the continent for young people to take ownership of Africa's destiny. Enough of the older generation showing the way and misgoverning—it’s time for the youth to take over.”

He further questioned why a continent endowed with abundant natural resources still faces widespread poverty, saying, “A united Africa is the fastest way to encourage trade among Africans, which will, in turn, create jobs for the youth. It makes sense to advocate for a borderless Africa because it is the only way millions of jobs can be created for young people after they complete their studies.”

He concluded by emphasising the significance of the movement, arguing that the launch of the Borderless Africa UniMAC Club will go down in history as the moment that started the creation of a new reality for a united continent.

In her address, the President of the Borderless Africa UniMAC Club, Clarissa Bandoh, echoed the call for unity, stating, “Borderless Africa is not just a club or an organisation; it’s a movement grounded in the dream of a unified, resilient, and self-sustaining Africa.”

She said the club’s mission is to lay the groundwork for a future where every African can travel freely within the continent without needing a visa.

She said the club envisages a time when students can study, work, and collaborate across borders without restrictions.

“We want to see the African Union’s protocol on free movement fully ratified, making the African passport a reality for all of us,” Clarissa Bandoh noted.

She further noted that the Borderless Africa UniMAC Club will work towards reconnecting Africans with one another and with a shared heritage.

“We aim to bridge the gap between Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora. We believe that the African identity transcends borders and that we are stronger together,” Clarissa Bandoh said.

She stressed that the club is committed to building grassroots support and working hand in hand with policymakers, the African Union, and leaders across the continent to achieve their goals.

Leader of the Economic Fighters League, Ernesto Yeboah, also spoke at the event, emphasising the importance of mindset in achieving a borderless Africa.

“I believe the change we seek starts in the mind. We need to break down the mental barriers that hold us back. Students have the power to lead this transformation. If united, there is nothing you cannot achieve,” he asserted.

Ernesto Yeboah expressed optimism about the role of students, particularly those at UniMAC, saying, “The idea of a borderless Africa is something students have the chance to lead and shape. You have the energy and the passion to drive this change, and I am excited that UniMAC is taking the lead in this movement.”

During a penal discussion, Zuta Kweijaki, a student and leading member of the Nkrumahist Circle, advocated for the appropriate use of the media and other digital tools to transform Africa while stressing that there should be libertarianism and collectivism.

“We should start seeing Africa as one people and shun from the perceived division,” Zuta Kweijaki said.

As part of its immediate activities, the Executives of Borderless Africa UniMAC has decided to embark on community engagement and education, as well as a peace campaign ahead of Ghana’s 2024 General Election.

The launch of the Borderless Africa UniMAC Chapter marks a significant step in the broader push for African unity, signalling a commitment by the youth to take charge of the continent’s future and break down the barriers that have long hindered progress.