Portrait of Kwame Nkrumah

Kwame Nkrumah

First president of Ghana

Modern influential 111 sayings

Sayings by Kwame Nkrumah

We have been too long subject to the machinations of the imperialists.

1958 — Speech at the First Conference of Independent African States
Wisdom Unverifiable

The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

Undated — Attributed, often linked to Sun Tzu but Nkrumah used it in his writings.
War & Conflict Unverifiable

The rich nations must give up their comforts to help the poor nations.

1960 — Speech at the United Nations General Assembly
Money & Business Unverifiable

The evil of capitalism is that it uses man as a means to an end, not an end in himself.

1964 — Consciencism: Philosophy and Ideology for Decolonisation
Political Unverifiable

Without the complete liberation and unification of Africa, the struggle for socialism cannot succeed.

1970 — Class Struggle in Africa
Wisdom Unverifiable

The African personality is a concept that must be given concrete expression.

1958 — Speech at the All-African People's Conference
Wisdom Unverifiable

The struggle for freedom is not over until Africa is free.

1957 — Speech on Ghana's Independence Day
Justice & Rights Unverifiable

Seek ye first the political kingdom, and all else shall be added unto you.

1949 — Speech, adapted from Matthew 6:33
Political Confirmed

The masses are the only true makers of history.

1964 — Consciencism: Philosophy and Ideology for Decolonisation
Educational Confirmed

We must unite now or perish.

1963 — Africa Must Unite
Wisdom Confirmed

The greatest weapon of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.

Undated — Attributed, similar to other quotes, specific source elusive.
Political Unverifiable

There is no such thing as a small independent state in Africa. We are either united or we are nothing.

Undated, likely 1960s — Speech, general theme of his speeches on unity.
Wisdom Unverifiable

The strength of a nation is not in its military might but in the unity of its people.

Undated — Attributed, consistent with his philosophy.
Inspirational Unverifiable

We have a choice: either to unite and survive, or to remain divided and be conquered.

1963 — Africa Must Unite
War & Conflict Unverifiable

The true liberation of Africa must be economic as well as political.

1965 — Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism
Political Unverifiable

It is only a united Africa that can provide the necessary framework for the full expression of the African personality.

1958 — Speech at the First Conference of Independent African States
Wisdom Unverifiable

We must create our own institutions, our own forms of government, our own culture.

1964 — Consciencism: Philosophy and Ideology for Decolonisation
Political Unverifiable

The greatest asset of Africa is its people.

1963 — Africa Must Unite
Wisdom Unverifiable

The development of Africa can only be achieved through socialism.

1970 — Class Struggle in Africa
Inspirational Unverifiable

The colonialists are not going to give us freedom on a silver platter.

1950s — Speech during the independence struggle
Justice & Rights Unverifiable
Your Cart

Your cart is empty