NEWS

FEE in Ghana: Kofi Akosah

NOVEMBER 23, 2011 by LAWRENCE W. REED

FEE’s friends come from dozens of countries around the world but among the more notable activists is 34-year-old Africanus “Kofi” Akosah of Accra, Ghana. We are proud of an association with Kofi that has resulted in hundreds of publications on liberty and free market economics being put to good use by Ghanaians and others in West Africa.

Since 2008, Kofi has managed the Africa Youth Peace Call (AYPC), an independent, non-profit, research and educational organization devoted to the principles of individual liberty, private property rights, free markets, the rule of law and limited government. Kofi’s Facebook page (which I invite you to visit) declares that AYPC “is dedicated to the study and advancement of classical liberalism in Africa.”  Much like FEE, AYPC seeks “to change ideas and opinions by research, seminars and publications.” Its goal is nothing less than “to become the leading libertarian organization in the freedom education of young people in Africa.”

Through its “Liberty and Entrepreneurship Camps,” AYPC seeks “to arm students with ideas to be self sufficient instead of looking to the state to employ them after graduation.” Kofi says that, “Giving these future leaders the right ideas will free them and many others from the lies and depravity of socialist ideals which are so pervasive in Africa, especially in our institutions of higher learning.”

FEE publications have been a regular feature at AYPC’s camps and other programs. A favorite is the classic essay, “I, Pencil” by our founder, Leonard Read. As you can see from the accompanying pictures, copies are in the hands now of promising young students who just might change the future of Africa in the right direction. In a note to me in early November, Kofi wrote:

“I‘m proud to say that your moral, spiritual and financial support to the camps are paying off. In his speech at the last camp, Chris Kuranchie affirmed that we can only win the battle against poverty and tyranny if we expose our future leaders to free market principles at a very tender age. He’s collaborating with AYPC and his teacher colleagues to set up more clubs in other schools and communities. After showing John Stossel’s video on Greed, the leadership and the 12-to-16-year-old attendees affirmed a new motto: Liberty: Do Harm to No One; Take From No One His Own; Gold is Coined Freedom.

A reading session featuring “I, Pencil” at AYPC’s camps involves the students reading and discussing the essay one paragraph at a time. Kofi says it’s “amazing” how it teaches the students an appreciation for the “spontaneous order” of free markets.

If friends of FEE wish to communicate and/or donate to AYPC, feel free to write directly to Kofi at kofi@aypcghana.org. The organization’s web site is http://www.aypcghana.org/.

Kofi’s next Liberty and Entrepreneurship Camp is scheduled for January and as of today, AYPC is about half-way toward its fundraising goal for it. With only a $5 donation toward his “chip-in fundraiser,” you can help him spread liberty in Africa via this link: http://aypc2011finalpush.chipin.com/african-peace-youth-call-ghana