In an unexpected turn of events, the highly anticipated "Igniting the Voices of Africa" convention, featuring prominent leaders Dr Arikana Chihombora-quao, Patrick Loch Otieno Lulumba, Julius Malema, and Peter Obi, faced an abrupt cancellation, leaving attendees stranded and perplexed at Independence Square in Accra.

0

The Independence Square, once buzzing with excitement, saw groups of disappointed individuals blocked at the entrance by military and police personnel, citing the sudden cancellation of the event. Organizers were notably absent, and behind the security detail, the previously prepared stage was being disassembled, adding to the confusion among the gathered crowd extending from the Independence Arch to the Accra Sports Stadium.

1

Expressing his frustration, Ansumariam Dukuly, adorned in a red beret bearing the inscription "EEF," voiced his disappointment at the unforeseen turn of events. He had travelled with high expectations to hear his leader, Julius Malema, and other esteemed panellists speak. Dukuly expressed his disappointment, not just in the cancellation, but also directed criticism towards the Ghanaian government.

2

In his own words, Dukuly stated, "I am disappointed, downhearted. I don't mind what I paid to come here. I consider this place my home. Cancelling this programme, honestly, I won't beat around; I am disappointed in the leadership, in the government of our Ghana. They should not do this."

went on to suggest a conspiracy, asserting, "They are trying to satisfy outsiders or our oppressors by stopping our

3

leaders from coming here to speak to us. No other reason. They just want to satisfy their masters."Dukuly questioned the motive behind the cancellation, pointing out the visibly prepared stage. He believed that if there were legitimate reasons, the organizers would have communicated them to the attendees.

4

Convinced that external influences were at play, he declared, "I am convinced if this programme is cancelled, the stopping of this programme was undermined by the imperialists and their friends."The conversation took a political turn as Dukuly criticized the government's alignment with IMF and World Bank policies, accusing them of selling the country.

5

He called for the exclusion of these institutions, stating, "IMF and the World Bank were put together to build France and Germany. After that, nothing."

challenged the government's dependence on these institutions, emphasizing, "The leadership now is showing the ineptitude of how to run this country without the IMF and the World Bank, and we know other countries that have been prospering without

6

these institutions. So how come with the natural resources and the population, the educated population of this country, how come they cannot do it without these institutions? I don't see it."As attendees dispersed with disappointment etched on their faces, the sudden cancellation of the convention raises questions about the motivations behind such a decision and the impact on the voices eager to be ignited at this significant

7

event.

8