From collectives to campaigns, the Socialist Movement of Ghana strides forward

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By Kate Janse Van Rensburg

The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) convened its Second National Congress from 19-21 September at the Amilcar Cabral School. The event brought together over 300 delegates from 30 collectives across Ghana. With the theme “Imperialism in Crisis: Pan-African Solidarity and Socialist Transformation,” the congress served as a platform to review past achievements, renew mandates, and outline the path forward for the next four years.

The opening ceremony was a vibrant display of revolutionary celebrations, marking the beginning. The room, decorated in vibrant red cloth, opened the Congress. Ambassadors and embassy representatives from Cuba, Palestine, Algeria, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, China, Iran and more were in attendance. Fraternal organisations, such as Ghana’s Trade Union Congress, the West African Peoples Organisation, and Pan Africanism Today, among others, attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the SMG’s unwavering commitment to internationalism and solidarity.

The opening ceremony included a report by Kwesi Pratt Jnr, General Secretary of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, which emphasised the organisation’s significant strides forward. Since its 2021 congress in Winneba, the SMG has experienced significant growth. Pratt highlighted how the movement has doubled its membership, from 2,000 to over 4,000 people, and established 30 collectives in 15 of Ghana’s 16 administrative regions. These collectives are the heartbeat of the movement and are active in various programs, from mass mobilisation to political education on topics like health, the economy, and anti-imperialism.

Several key achievements and initiatives are worth emphasising. Recognising the importance of young people in building the organisation, the SMG has successfully established a Youth Wing in all 30 of its collectives. Additionally, the Women’s Wing, initiated in 29 collectives, gained national prominence by leading the “Don’t Tax My Period” campaign. This effort, in collaboration with other organisations, resulted in the successful removal of taxes on sanitary pads. The women’s wing is now focusing on addressing fibroids as a public health issue.

Understanding the gravity of organised labour and linking the shopfloor with community struggles, the SMG has built strong relationships with all 22 national unions affiliated with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana. “This collaboration has been key to successful campaigns, including the opposition to the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana,” said Kwesi Pratt Jnr in his address.

Additionally, the SMG’s Ho Collective launched the first Pan-African Youth Club at Mawuli Senior High School. The movement now has approval from the Ghana Education Service to expand these clubs, which introduce young people to African history and Pan-Africanism, to all senior high schools in the Volta Region. With branches having been established in four schools, the plan is to initiate these clubs in schools throughout Ghana. “The main purpose of the clubs is to introduce young people to true African history and principles of Pan Africanism,” said Kwesi Pratt Jnr.

Despite not contesting, the SMG, for the first time, released a manifesto for Ghana’s 2024 national elections, which focused on women’s rights, youth empowerment, and environmental protection. “The sole purpose was to create a platform for mass mobilisation against the neo-liberal order and to demonstrate that there is a viable alternative,” said Kwesi Pratt Jnr. Two SMG members from the Ho and Sunyani collectives were authorised to run on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket, and both won their parliamentary seats.

Delegates break out into commissions for focused discussions on several key topics, 20 September. Image: Pan Africanism Today

The congress included commission sessions where delegates discussed important aspects of the organisation, such as the national and international situation, the SMG constitution, gender and more. Tomorrow, the final day is expected to include the presentation of commission reports, the election of new officers, and the announcement of a final resolution, followed by a celebration in honour of Kwame Nkrumah.

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Kate Janse Van Rensburg is a member of the Pan Africanism Today Secretariat.