Africa-Press – Ghana. The 40th-year anniversary of the “USA for Africa” was marked in Accra, Ghana, with the screening of a documentary depicting Ethiopia’s 1985 famine.
Between 1983 and 1985, Ethiopia experienced drought and famine, mainly in the country’s northern areas, resulting in 400,000 to one million deaths.
This prompted the recording of the “We Are The World” song, which was spearheaded by producer Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and over 40 other artistes.
The record motivated individuals to use their power to make the world a better place while also serving as a call to action for the millions affected by the famine.
The short documentary screened in Accra showed how Kenyan photojournalist Mohamed Amin chronicled the 1984 Ethiopian famine with striking photographs amidst political instability.
It demonstrated how BBC journalist Michael Buerk was able to enter Northern Ethiopia and produce a groundbreaking video report about the famine that prompted others to donate humanitarian supplies.
Beyond events in Ethiopia, the documentary showed how the “USA for Africa” project is helping with various projects across the African continent in areas of education, arts and women empowerment.
Speaking at the screening in Accra, Madam Marcia Thomas, Executive Director for “USA for Africa”, said the documentary seeks to recall events that transpired in 1985 and the positive strides that have been made thereafter.
She said the “USA for Africa” project was still making an impact today to make the world a better place, especially on the African continent.
Madam Thomas also encouraged young people who watched the documentary to help make the world a better place, and as young people, their talents could make a difference to others.
“The idea of this documentary is to tell young people that they can contribute to making the world a better place. I want to encourage them to use their talents to impact and inspire others.
“Use your talent to give back to society and bring others along with your success; that is the only way we can make the world a better place,” she said.
She also announced that the next stop of the screening will be in South Africa, with other African countries also expressing interest to host a screening event.
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