LET NOTHING STOP YOU FROM ACHIEVING YOUR DREAMS!- A REFLECTION OF A HOPEFUL GHANAIAN YOUTH

 

As a primary school student at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Sunyani, there was this marching song that we used to sing after morning Assembly to our class with the first line, “Life in this world is a great struggle for both the young and old”. Well, those words didn’t mean much to me then. Why would life be a struggle when I had my parents, siblings, aunts, and uncles who were present in my life and provided my needs? I think my only “struggle” then was how not to return from school with a dirty shoe which was almost impossible. There was this rule in my house that by 6 p.m., you should have taken your bath and be in the house if there were no catechism classes. That meant that, I had to return from playing soccer before 5 p.m. so as not to violate this rule. Well, these two things were probably my greatest struggle then.

Growing up, I have pondered over the first line of the marching song more soberly and have come to realize that, the words are far deeper and richer than I assumed as a primary school child.

Life offers as many reasons to be scared of taking a step. Life sometimes offers us many reasons to lose hope even in ourselves. Life can sometimes offer us a litany of reasons to give up. Life can offer us many reasons not to follow that path or dream we have always yearned for. Life offers us many reasons to stay away from people and be in our little corner. Life offers us many reasons to question the love and purpose of God for our lives. Life continues to offer us many reasons as to why we should not help others in life.

These and many other thoughts give meaning to the phrase in my primary school marching song, “Life in this world is a great struggle”. Every human has his or her own struggles or fears to deal with. For us Catholics, we say, everyone has his or her cross to bear. Jesus, our savior even had to carry his cross. However, at a point in time, Jesus, the Savior even needed help with his cross. When the struggles of life weigh you down, remember there is a “Simon of Cyrene” you need to help you navigate this journey. This “Simon of Cyrene” can be anyone, a priest, colleague, sibling, parent, sometimes even your child. I pray that, God helps us find our “Simon of Cyrene” at the right time.

These fears and struggles in life have led many people particularly the youth to abandon their dreams and goals.  As children, many had great ambitions, however, sometimes the struggles of life coil us back into our shelves and make us abandon our dreams. The most worrying aspect of this is what “society” says. Many have abandoned their careers, dreams, and love life because “society” frowns on them yet this same “society” comes back looking down and judging them for not living their fullest potential.

Everyone in this life, those you so desire and admire, those you wish to be like, and those you would love to meet in the world have their own struggles they are dealing with. They may appear as the best with their craft yet may be dealing with their own struggles.

One way of addressing this fear is to openly admit it. The more you continue to be in a state of denial, the greater the fear becomes. Admit it is a fear and now confront it with all the passion, energy, support, and love you can gather.

The nature of the industry I find myself is such that, public speaking, presentations and community engagements are cardinal to the work. A week does not pass where you wouldn’t have to make a presentation or attend a meeting of a sort. I have a very special interest in youth and gender related issues hence I enjoy facilitating trainings and seminars on career guidance, addressing gender biases, and other networking events. Many times, after my presentations, I get a few of the attendees approaching me and asking if I could guide or help them to become “good public speakers” or “sharpen their presentation skills”. In their eyes, I am probably one of the best presenters they have met and would wish they could deliver presentations like I do.  

What they don’t know is that, I have my own struggles and fears when it comes to public speaking and presentations. I come from a family where a good number of us stammer. Our “stammering” is in degrees in the family, but almost everyone has a bit of it, Well, thanks to my late maternal Grandpa. There are times, the words just don’t come out of your mouth, there are times, you struggle but eventually the words come and there are times, you speak for an hour without a slight indication of stammering However, this has never deterred me from accepting to make a presentation or facilitate a workshop. Indeed, I have recently accepted a role that would require lots of stakeholder engagement at various levels and I am still determined to do my best and excel.

To everyone out there, particularly the youth, do not let your “struggles” or “fears” stop you from living your dreams. If life gives you a million reasons to give up and let your “struggles” overshadow you, ponder soberly on Catholic hymn 259, “What a friend we have in Jesus” and talk to God in prayer.  Never forget that, Jesus knows our every weakness, talk to him in Prayer.

If God doesn’t show up physically for you, He will send your way a “Simon of Cyrene” to help with your cross.

Take that step today, constantly face your struggle and you will either overcome it or adapt to it. 

Always remember that, “God never abandons his people and He always takes care of his people”

Nyame B3hw3 y3….God will take care of us

The writer is a Development Practitioner with an interest in Local Government, Youth Development and addressing issues of gender biases in society.

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

Email: vincentntow12@gmail.com

Personal Blog; mirrorofafrica.blogspot.com

 

WOULD THIS MATTER IF I WERE A MAN? THE TALES OF A CAREER WOMAN

It was around 4:45 pm on a Thursday when I walked to her office to have a discussion with her. As the discussion went on, she went quiet for a while, and I went quiet too. When she realized I was also quiet and looking at her, she said, “Vincent, I am sorry, I was trying to figure out what I would cook for the family this evening”. We both smiled over it and I left her office. Well, I was thinking of getting home to get a good sleep since the day had been busy for us all at the office. Whiles, I was thinking of a good sleep, she was thinking of putting food on the table for the family.  I hope she was not going to prepare palm nut soup though. Interestingly, we both came to work the next day and maximum productivity was expected from us.  This got me thinking though. Aside from all the stress and pressure that comes with our work, career women have an added “task” of thinking of what their families eat and actually have to fix the food on a daily basis? Can I add this to my task should I make a family someday?  Probably “No” because I am a man and society does not expect that from me.

A year later, I had to travel to facilitate a workshop with a female colleague, as we were sharing ideas, working on our slides among others, she was also hoping to get an “Auntie” at the workshop who can help to babysit her son anytime she had to facilitate training. It seems female colleagues in the industry always have extra tasks to deliver simply because they are women/mothers.

We find ourselves in a world where competence, experience, availability, and capability is the order of the day. A field where work schedules and timelines must be met religiously. An organization where outputs and outcomes really matter. A community where results and performance are the benchmarks. The big questions are: Will these benchmarks be adjusted a bit to accommodate the extra role nature and society have imposed on women? Will a woman be pardoned for not meeting her timelines because she had to attend ante-natal or post-natal care? Will supervisors be lenient on women who are unable to complete tasks due to pregnancy or menstrual-related cramps?

I share an office with a female colleague. I noticed that, anytime other colleagues come in and leave without closing the door fully, she would always get up and close it properly. Occasionally, I will leave the office and not close the door very well and she will have to get up and close it well. After a while, I realized she always ensures the door is well closed to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from entering the office for the fear of her baby being bitten. Well, I am also learning to close the door very well these days. I am sure she may have to deal with this extra task of closing doors and windows properly even in the house and at other social gatherings. In spite of her busy schedule, facilitating training, virtual meetings, physical meetings, and working on reports, she still has to make time for the baby simply because she is a woman. We are all learning to be "responsible uncles” at the office for the baby, our office “Chairman”.

In this era of bill sharing unlike in the past where men were the sole providers, every young man seems to want to marry a woman doing well and a bit financially stable. For others, they want women who earn big money so that they can really live comfortable lives.  To the men out there, as you seek, yearn and desire the partnership of a career woman, are you also ready to share in the extra tasks society or nature has placed on them? Are you ready to make time to visit ante-natal and post-natal care with your wife? Are you ready to think of what the family will eat every day and release her of that burden? Are you ready to get up every five minutes to close doors and windows so that the baby is not infected? Are you ready to help her with some of her tasks from work? If you are not ready, then you are surely not ready to enjoy the benefits of a career woman.

Career women are on a daily basis confronted with either accepting or rejecting offers for the sake of the welfare of their families. A lot of women have lost opportunities simply because they were women. Some were denied roles because people assumed they can’t meet up to the task and pressure that comes with the roles.  I know mothers who had to decline to attend international conferences which would have given their career a good boost simply because they were women and had to attend to the extra role nature had given on them. When it comes to career advancement, society expects women to stay low so they can cater for the kids whiles the men are encouraged to further their education, take on more challenging roles among others. Men will usually not think twice on accepting new roles because the wife "should" be home and available to cater for the kids.

On events marked to change the narrative and empower women such as International Women’s Day and Elimination of violence against women, one major theme that has dominated in most organizations is “Balancing your career with motherhood”. I am yet to see or hear of a conference themed "Balancing your career with fatherhood". In as much as it is important for women to be educated on balancing their careers with motherhood, it is also imperative for such workshops and seminars to be organized for men. After all, it takes both men and women to keep and maintain a healthy home. Without the support of men, women will continue to be subjected to needless stress and pressure from both home and work.

In this era of high graduate unemployment, a colleague in the industry shared a very heartbreaking story of a female who was job hunting. This young lady had been unemployed for three years after graduation. This colleague managed to secure a paid internship offer with a reputable firm for the lady. She declined the offer because her prospective boyfriend felt that the job could threaten their relationship. The boy further threatened her with a breakup should she accept the offer. This may appear absurd but these are the realities facing some young ladies, especially from deprived communities who have been indoctrinated to believe that marriage is a “passport to heaven”.  In the world of this lady, her survival at work will greatly be dependent on the husband and not her output.

Dear Young men hoping to marry career women, the narrative must change!  You must be ready to be a supportive husband and not the "1823 husbands" of our mothers and grandmothers. If you can afford extra hands in the home, pay for it. If you can afford equipment such as a washing machine, blender, microwave etc. in the home, Get them o, get them! These equipment are no longer the preserve of the rich in the society. They have been made to make life easier and less stressful. The times when the worth of a woman was measured by her ability to combine work with domestic chores are far extinct. No individual was created with a manual on how to survive with household chores.

Dear male colleagues at work, be kind enough to support and assist your female colleagues especially nursing mothers and pregnant women. 

May we find the strength to speak truth to realities facing the society.

May we have the honor to contribute to building a fair world.

May we never be denied any opportunity due to societal construction.

I matter!

You matter!

Women Matter!

Humans Matter!

Career women matter!

The writer is a Development Practitioner with interest in  Local Government, Youth Development and addressing issues of gender biases in the society.

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

Email: vincentntow12@gmail.com

Personal Blog; mirrorofafrica.blogspot.com 

 

 

The known but untold story of the Ghanaian Graduate in search of Job.

When you ask a random young graduate job hunting what he/she would like to do, the likely answer you will get is “Any decent job that I can survive on”. Well, for many “senior citizens”, this answer may suggest as if the graduate has no knowledge of his or her worth or value in the job market or probably has no clear career path nor plan.  Sadly, these “senior citizens” probably have no idea the number of applications that have been written yet hardly secure a slot for interviews. They certainly have no clue about the number of interviews attended yet never hear from the employers. The number of hours spent on job portals trying to find job offers. They are probably not aware of the five to ten years of working experience being demanded of young graduates. They certainly have no idea about the number of job offers that young ladies have been denied for refusing sexual offers from prospective employers. Sadly, they do not know that to even secure internship offers as a graduate, someone may have to “hold your hands”. This is the sad story of the average Ghanaian graduate in search of a job.

If these graduates were asked of their career paths in basic schools some ten or twenty years ago, they would have given definite answers, such as dreams of becoming seasoned and accomplished journalists, politicians who will transform the fortunes of the country, academics who will grow and nurture the upcoming generation, health practitioners who will treat their patients with love and dignity, lawyers and judges who will ensure fairness and equity in the country,  development practitioners and social workers who will implement solution-oriented interventions to improve the livelihoods of the vulnerable, commercial farmers who will feed the country and beyond, clerics who will be responsible for moral and spiritual uprightness in the country. “When you dream, dream big! Big as the ocean for dreams come true”. These words probably informed the ambitions and dreams of many Ghanaians in their formative years. Growing up, the youth of Ghana had big and wild dreams. Dreams of changing the narrative in Ghana and the continent. Dreams of putting the country on the world map. Those days as kids, the youth didn’t need a “Joseph” to interpret these dreams for us. We were hopeful, optimistic and certain of an amazing and clear future. However, with the reality dawning on us, we probably need a “Joseph” to even determine if our dreams were actually valid dreams or hallucinations.  Growing up, we were told education is the key to success, now we keep on wondering if the padlock has been changed or we have been given the wrong keys.

The fundamental question that lingers on the mind of the average Ghanaian Youth is, should we even continue to dream of a better Ghana when the night is over and the day is staring at us in the faces? The dreams we had as children seem to have become a nightmare for many. The honest reality is that, we live in a country where securing a job after tertiary education is actually a miracle which calls for thanksgiving and sacrifices. We live in a country where the pressure on young female graduates to marry right after school appears to be exceedingly greater than the pressure on elected government functionaries to provide social and economic infrastructure. The reality of many graduates being underemployed and exploited by some employers due to the unavailability of jobs if luck shines on you with a job. These and many others are the realities facing the Ghanaian Youth.

Indeed, Most Ghanaian graduates seem to be at a crossroads and urgent steps must be taken to restore hope and confidence in them. If we are not fast about this, all the youth will seek asylum and greener pastures outside the country and we will have no abled men and women to lead us on the battlefield when the time is due.

It appears as though the world is crushing on the dreams of many youth. Rather interestingly, why will the dreams of these younger folks not become a nightmare when as a country we have not been able to collectively put up a “decent accommodation” where we can all sleep and dream peacefully? Have we for once thought of what binds us together as a country? What values are we proud of as a country in our quest to ensure a better Ghana? What unique trait identifies us as a people in our quest to put ourselves on the global map? What value does the average Ghanaian hold dear to his or her heart in nation-building? What legacy are we leaving for future generations? These and many other legitimate questions raise the fundamental issue if as a country, we have ever had a dream or vision for the youth.

Fellow Ghanaians, fellow countrymen and women, my brothers and sisters, It would have been ideal to have a national “dream”, what we can call the Ghanaian dream. A dream that can keep us awake to work our hearts out as a people. A dream that can bind us together irrespective of which part of the country one hails from. A dream that generations yet unborn will surely and gladly follow. Do we really need a Ghanaian dream when the dreams of many Ghanaian graduates appear to be shuttered? “How can the “passenger” (youth) arrive at his/her “destination” (dreams) when the “bus” (collectively as a country)  is not fit for the journey yet we keep on blaming and changing only the “drivers” (politicians) though they hold the steering wheel?”.

Admitting these realities facing the Ghanaian Youth, it is worth mentioning that, even though all is not rosy, all hope is not yet lost on the dreams of the Ghanaian Youth.  Over the past years, a lot of donor-funded Projects have specifically targeted youth employability and development aimed at offering employable and entrepreneurial skills to many. Governments on its side continue to initiate short-term and long-term interventions aimed at absorbing the youth and providing a platform for entrepreneurship. A number of successful adults continue to offer themselves to mentor the youth so as to help them make the right choices. A good number of the youth have defied all odds and progressing steadily in their career.   A number of influential men and women are working hard through their foundations to correct the ills of society and make the country a better place for us all particularly the youth.

Indeed we can dream of a better tomorrow as youth looking at these interventions and the zeal of our fellow compatriots.

How then can we make life bearable and help actualize the dream of the Ghanaian Youth?  In the past, successive governments have nurtured a dream of vision 2020, positive change, better Ghana and currently building a Ghana beyond Aid. These dreams have largely been associated with political parties and die when their tenure of office ends. Together let us work to build a country where anyone from anywhere can become somebody without having to necessarily know anybody. This must be the Ghanaian dream. This must be the call for action. And this will surely create a path of progress for the youth. This dream will surely offer opportunities to all without any fear or favour. It will urge the youth to strive harder and be assured of greatness.

To actualize this dream, we all need to come out of our shelves. The media must offer responsible, accurate and informed reportage. Academics must not only train students to pass exams but train the minds, conscience and imbibe a sense of nationalism in their students. Clerics must not hide under the cassock to seek their parochial interest. Bureaucrats must always be mindful of their call to public service and not private service. We need a high sense and spirit of patriotism.

And to the Political class, you have been vested with state power and resources to lead in the actualization of this dream. This is your duty to Mother Ghana. The charge is to create an enabling environment as you always say. Let this guide your conscience in every step you take.

Indeed, the youth of Ghana can dream. A dream backed by actions and not mere rhetoric. Let us soldier on.

Indeed, let us keep moving as young people, someday we will actualize this dream.

Surely, the heavens will smile at our efforts one day.

May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.

Vincent Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream

A Better Ghana

A Brighter Africa

 

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

Email: vincentntow12@gmail.com

Personal Blog; mirrorofafrica.blogspot.com 

The writer is a Development Practitioner and a Local Government Enthusiast. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School. He is an Alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI, RLC).

 

 

  

DEAR AFRICAN YOUTH, THE TIME IS NOW OR NEVER, LET'S MAKE THE MOVE

For the past few weeks, I have spent my mornings at work on a staircase leading to the office space. I see lots of children play around, read their books and explore the mangoes in the location. Looking at the energy these guys put in to get the mangoes and realizing I am not a lover of mango and  haven’t taken mango in the last 15 years, I only smile and say, this is the time for mangoes, let them enjoy. I have also used this time to critically ponder over my life and asked some very pertinent questions about my life, academics and career. The fundamental among all these thoughts are: Am I indeed making the best out of my career? Am I wasting lots of time on less important stuff? Am I progressing in my career? Am I making an impact in my line of work? Am I content with my career? Isn’t it time to make a move and take a bold decision? Looking at my ambitions, am I on the right path?

In the last two years, I have had friends, relatives and colleagues ask me some very fundamental questions as well. Even though I admit most are asked out of good faith, I know there are a few questions that are rhetorical and just for the fun but I continue to ponder over them peacefully. Let me share a few ones with you. “When are you starting your PhD? When are you joining main stream politics for those who know I am very interested in the politics and development of our country?  When will you join the “table of men” probably due to the fact I enjoy being the best man at weddings”. Colleagues and other mentors who are ardent readers of my writings and follow my blog continue to ask, “when are you publishing your first book?”, And for some mischievous reasons some friends, fellow disappointed seminarians, a few priests and some “mothers” and “uncles” from church,  always ask when I am going back to the seminary. Anytime, this question comes up, a dear colleague at work will smile and say, “these young Catholic men are never sure of their vocation and are always praying for discernment”…

Well, I probably haven’t been able to put a definite date to all these and not even sure if I can or even willing to pursue all these paths. Reflecting about them soberly, I continue to ask myself, if the time is right to make such a move. Admitting clearly, all the paths above are areas I have once desired or still desire. I sometimes think I need a little time to “grow” or probably achieve a height before making the move.

I am not sure my story is entirely different from many young Africans in their twenties and probably early thirties. We are confronted with lots of questions daily. Life continues to give us a reason to ask whether we are on the right path or not. For many of you, you may probably be thinking of when and how to get that academic degree you have always yearned for. Asking whether the time is right to marry or not? Thinking to offer yourself for that leadership position? Thinking of proposing or accepting that gent/ lady for a relationship? Asking whether it is time to switch your career? Asking whether your search for job offers are not enough. Asking when to do so many things. The obvious thing here is about the TIMING, is it the right time? Am I ready to take this bold decision now? What will happen if I try and fail? Will I get the support of family and colleagues to support me in this path?

Around the year, 2010 or 2011, my mother took myself and my siblings, I guess it was only my younger brother since my elder siblings were not around to visit our late maternal grandfather.  We had gone on weekends or vacations in Drobo where my Dad worked then. We went on a visit to my village, Atuna, a very sacred land, in the Jaman South Municipality, Bono Region of Ghana. The village is actually a walking distance to a border town to Ivory Coast. I have been told of how my parents, uncles and aunties sometimes walked to neighboring Ivorian communities for events. Probably, someday, we should go on an exploration to this holy city but let’s get the roads Minister and government to fix the road first.

Let’s get back to the main story, Well, I am not sure I had seen him prior to that visit in my adult life but I have heard lots of stories about him. I have been told how a disciplinarian he was, how tall he was, life at the barracks when he was in the army and then I was told how he seriously stammers but will always make his point even if it takes him an hour to construct a sentence. Of course, it’s obvious why stammering runs in the family. On getting to his house, my mum called him, “Paapa yaa- ba,” to wit, “Daddy, we are here” in a very typical bono language. Well, until that day, I didn’t know she could speak the very typical bono. It took the oldman about 15 seconds to respond clearly though I could hear him stammering and responding from the room. Finally the response came. And in about a minute, I saw a walking stick out of his room first and then an old, tall, fragile man came out.  What I noticed first was his broad smile and the moustache around his upper lip (Once a soldier, always a soldier).  

He sat down and had a chat with us. It was quite difficult hearing him due to his old age and probably because he seriously stammers and spoke the very typical bono not the adulterated ones we speak these days. Along the chat, he switched from my mother and focused on us (grandchildren). The first question he asked was, “mo nim me” to wit, “Do you know me?” we responded, “aane” meaning “yes, we know you”. He smiled and said, “monnim me na emom me din na mate” to wit, “you don’t really know me, you have only been told about me”. Well, the oldman was right, if I had met him somewhere alone, I probably may not have identified him as my grandfather. I guess this will be same with most of my cousins. He asked about school and he was delighted to know I was in the University then.

It was time for advice and I guess that was why he requested to see his grandchildren. He went back to his room and brought a picture of a tall young man in a uniform. He asked us to examine the picture critically and tell who that person was. After our fruitless guess, he told us that was him some 50 years ago in the army. I was awed and amazed. How can such a healthy looking soldier now look this old, fragile and even unable to walk properly unless with the aid of a walking stick. He noticed the surprise on our faces and with his broad smile, beautiful moustache and stammering uttered these words to us; “When I was your age, I was a very healthy soldier and could do anything I wished but look at me now, very old and unable to do so many things. Please make very good use of your youthful age. That is the stage to live your best and accomplish greatness”. He looked at us more closely and with his broad smile continued, “I have no cocoa farm that you can inherit from me but I was a disciplinarian and trained your mother well. I know you have been trained well too. I was very smart in school and know you will have a portion of my brain in your genes.  If you take your studies seriously, you will surely achieve greater heights. Never be interested in quick money, work hard and God himself will bless your efforts”… Wow, such wisdom!!!…. I am sure my cousins who might have visited him before his demise were told the same story. We left later in the day only to return to the holy city in August 2014 for his funeral (May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace). Sadly, I didn’t take a picture with him but I guess he had this message not just for his grandchildren but for all of us especially the Youth. My maternal grandfather, “Nana JC” as we affectionately called him has these words for us all, “Make the best out of your youthful years”.

Fellow Youth, this is the time to make the best out of our youthful years. The time to take that academic degree you have so wished for is now. The time to start that side business you have always thought of is now. This is surely the time to give that young man/ woman a chance to start a journey of love. This is surely the time to pursue that career you have always wished for. This is surely the time to dare to challenge the world. This is the time to start telling your story. This is the time to take up that leadership position you had always wanted. This is surely the time to switch career if you have had enough at work. And hey, this is surely the time to be conscious of your spiritual and moral uprightness. Surely the time to take your Christian journey seriously. This is surely the time to write that exams you have always postponed. This is surely the time to visit the friend, mentor or relative you haven’t seen in a while. This is the time to forgive others. This is surely the time to make peace with yourself. This is surely the time to forgive yourself of past mistakes.  This is surely the time to start your political adventure. This is surely the time to love. This is surely the time to apologize for your mistakes. This is the time to get your priorities right. This is the time to learn that skill, time to focus about your mental health, time to learn to respect divergent opinions, time to come out of your insecurities and explore... This is surely the time to live your dream. Well, this is the time to start sharing your thought in writing with the world. And this is surely the time to flee from that abusive relationship and live your best.

When you see pictures of 80 year olds celebrating 50 years in marriage, know that, they probably made a bold decision just when they were your age to marry so, you can also make the move. When you attend the silver jubilee of priests and religious, know that, they were either ordained or took their first vow around your age now. When you read about the works of seasoned academics, politicians, journalists, diplomats, medical practitioners, lawyers, traders, farmers, social workers etc. know that they started their career just at this time of your life….

For the politically minded persons who want to take charge in the political future of their country yet unsure due to age, remember President Kufour first appointment as deputy minister for foreign affairs was when he was 31 years in 1969. Note Chairman Rawlings took charge of the country at age 32 and quite recently, the likes of very amazing young politicians like Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa who became a deputy minister at age 28/29.  The vociferous Sammy Gyamfi who took over the communication bureau of the NDC when he was less than 30 years. Sammi Awuku, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Hon. Felix Kwakye Fosu among many others who have demonstrated competence in the political field at a relatively younger age. These personalities have paved the way….. Never allow yourself to be intimidated due to your age. Get in, shine and help us make Ghana and Africa better.

Start the journey and you will be amazed how beautiful it will turn out to be. And when the going gets tough, soberly reflect on this song, “It will be hard we know and the road will be muddy and rough yet we will get there, Heaven knows where we are going, we know we will”. Not sure I got the lyrics right though….

A former classmate and a very good friend of mine who is a catholic priest from the diocese of Techiman in my last recollection at the grotto shared with me a topic called SEASONS. He indicated that, there are four stages/ seasons in life i.e. Morning, afternoon, evening and resting stage. The second stage which is the afternoon stage is the execution stage which spans from 26 to 59years largely. That is the stage you need to give to the world, walk in the fullness of your purpose, implement your ideas and make an impact in your society and the lives of people you encounter. We will talk about the other stages some other time but know that, this is surely the time for EXECUTION fellow youth.

In conclusion, as you contemplate to make the bold decision, remember, you are never too old to live your dreams and Everyday provides a perfect opportunity to make things right. For us Christians who believe in the omnipotence of God, remember to align yourself with God’s plan and divinity as a good friend of mine will always say, “Heaven indeed has the perfect plan”.

Cheers to Greatness…

Let’s begin the journey to greatness with love

Let Passion, Hard work, Determination (PHD) be our guide.

And hey, 10 years from now, you would have made ten years of progress or will have 10 years of excuses of why you never made the move. The choice is yours…Let’s make the move.

Vincent Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream

A Better Ghana

A Brighter Africa

 

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

Email: vincentntow12@gmail.com

Personal Blog; mirrorofafrica.blogspot.com 

The writer is a Development Practitioner and a Local Government Enthusiast. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School. He is an Alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI, RLC).

 

GHANA AT 65- ENJOYING HER RETIREMENT OR STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET? The reflection of a Ghanaian Youth

Hurray!!! Ghana is 65, can we all joyfully sing a birthday song for Ghana? Five years after retiring if Ghana was a “Ghanaian”. Is Ghana proud of the successes chalked while in active service or is Ghana retiring home to the village to fight for a room in the family house and struggle over family properties? Big Brother Ghana at her age should be a great counselor and mentor to many young African countries after living “independently” for 65 solid years yet our dear country is now animal hunting with the young boys in the farm else there will be no food on the table….. What an accomplishment!!!

“We are a nation of sheep and someone else owns the grass”- George Carlin. This quote probably is the exact description of the current state we find ourselves as a country after gaining political independence. A “flock” probably without a “Good Shepherd”! Hungry and desperate “sheep” yet we have no “grass” and even with the little available, only a select, chosen and privileged few have access to it.  Politically liberated “sheep” from the “cage” yet we can’t seem to find “grass” to eat unless we go back to the “cage” for which we fought fearlessly to leave. A flock of “sheep” wandering around at the direction and mercy of the wind… Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana??

65 years and proud of ourselves I guess…..Proud of physical brutalities in our legislative house? Proud of political intolerance? Proud of industrial strikes? Proud of its many political and juicy campaign promises? Proud of only delivering economic sermons on how to manage the economy? Proud of losing lives and properties to flood every year? Proud of the cedi breaking jail even after the Vice President personally handed the key to the IGP? Proud of fuel prices breaking the “eight”? Proud of trying to impose the e-levy at all cost? Proud of rising youth unemployment? Proud of our NABCO trainees who haven’t been paid for months? Proud of our quest to digitalize yet we still have to queue and spend several hours to get our NIA cards? Proud of data harmonization yet after registering for our Ghana card, we still have to physically visit offices of telecommunication  and SSNIT to merge our data in the midst of covid?  Proud of our country where fraud (“sister nie oo London” among others) is becoming the means of survival?

Today as Ghana celebrates its 65^th independence, I share this piece as a young Ghanaian. I write this as a son of the country hoping to have been enjoying the fruits and labor of my dear mother Ghana by now. I write joining and asking my age mates and fellow youth if we can even afford a birthday party for our 65 year old mother Ghana.  I ask my fellow youth to go into the boxes and wardrobes of our dear mother Ghana and see her belongings if we are proud of them. I ask our leaders if this is the best they can offer.  I ask our forefathers if this is indeed the country they envisaged for us. I ask Ghanaian workers if they are content with the wage bill. I ask consumers of our utility if they are proud of the services being offered. I ask government communicators if they can continue to defend everything and anything the government introduces. I ask government functionaries if they are proud of their accomplishments. I ask opposition political parties what they would have done differently if they had the opportunity. I ask other politicians if they will continue to paint the government black at all times….. And then finally, I ask the Ghanaian voter if they have ever been proud of the ballot cast?

6^th March presents us with a golden opportunity to have a national discourse about the future of Ghana. A great opportunity to do a self-introspection of our journey as an independent country. But the sad reality is that, social media and the traditional media have always focused on trivial issues such as plagiarized speeches of Presidents, whether Presidents exchange warm handshake with former Presidents or not, the costume, facial make ups and fashion of our first and second ladies among others.

Today, I humbly appeal to us all as a nation to change the narrative and focus on our progress as a country. Let us have an honest discussion of our socio- economic and political status as a country. Let us talk about the future we are building for our youth. Let us talk about the quality of students we are producing. Let us talk about the role of academia and media in economic liberation. Let us talk about the abuse of power and office. Let us talk about our farm produce that get rotten in the farms due to poor roads. Let us talk about communities in Ghana with no access to education, electricity, potable water among others. Let us talk about our university students of whom, a good number have no clue on what the future holds for them. Let us talk about the labor force leaving the shores of the land to secure greener pastures. Let us indeed talk about the abuse some women are being subjected to due to culture and religion. And most importantly, let us talk about our identity and values as a people.

Fellow Ghanaians, My brothers and sisters, Fellow country men and women. Indeed Ghana as a country has come a long way. Let us not overlook our successes we have chalked as a country. However, let us not be in denial of the real and hard truth facing our country today. Ghana has enjoyed a relatively stable democracy, some good investments in infrastructure, some social interventions in education and health among others. These are gains we should be proud of but we should not be deceived that all is rosy and glamourous.  

For Policy and Development practitioners, what happened to vision 2020 by Chairman Rawlings? Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy I, Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy II by President Kuffour? Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda I and II by Prof. Mills and President Mahama and now what is happening to the famous Ghana beyond Aid by President Akuffo-Addo … I call on development practitioners, academics, politicians, bureaucrats, Civil Society Organizations, Media among others to critically review these policy frameworks/ visions, consolidate our findings and then charter a clearer path for our nation. Let this new path be the Ghana dream. Let us think and start developing a dream for mother Ghana. A dream that will inform policies and plans.  A dream that will not die with an Individual. A dream that will not exit with the ruling government.

Indeed, as I write this piece, I still have lots of hope in our potential as a country to change the narrative. This is indeed the time where research publications by academics should not be left to rot. This is indeed the time where political actors especially the Executive and Parliament must take the opportunity of a hung parliament given by Ghanaians to work together in the interest of mother Ghana. This is surely the time, to cut down on the luxury and extravagant lifestyle of the ruling class. This is surely the time to have a national discourse about a plan and vision for Ghana. This is indeed the time to celebrate success and not mediocrity. This is surely a time to forge ahead as a people irrespective of one’s political or cultural affiliation.

To the political and ruling class, this is indeed the time to think about the people for whom power, authority and resources have been entrusted in your care.

May God bless our dear country and make our nation great and strong.

 

Vincent Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream

A Better Ghana

A Brighter Africa

 

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

Email: vincentntow12@gmail.com

Personal Blog; mirrorofafrica.blogspot.com 

The writer is a Development Practitioner and a Local Government Enthusiast. He holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School. He is an Alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI, RLC).

 

 

ELECTION OF MMDCES IN GHANA! A REFLECTION OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTHUSIAST

The quest to deepen citizen participation in local level development has led to considerable reforms in the Local Governance and Decentralization structure particularly under the fourth republican constitution of Ghana. Considering the four arms of decentralization in Ghana, i.e. Administrative, Political, Decentralized Development Planning and Fiscal decentralization, a relatively significant improvement has been made in an effort to deepen decentralization in all these four arms. In spite of these reforms, there is still a myriad of bottlenecks facing the actual realization of the objectives of decentralization in Ghana. One significant reform that is being championed in reference to the political arm is to make the position of MMDCEs an elective one.  

Undoubtedly, the leadership of the two major political parties in Ghana seem to have agreed to charter a new path in our local governance system that is make the position of Chief Executives of the Local Assemblies an elective one. The point of divergence among the NDC and NPP is whether the election should be held on political partisan basis or not. Both political parties have advanced their arguments and stance on this subject. Having followed keenly submissions and reasons for the call to make the position of Chief Executives of Local Assemblies elective, three cardinal   points and arguments have been advanced by proponents and advocates of this school of thought. They are; A step to deepen social accountability and hold MMDCEs accountable by their electorates, an opportunity to increase citizen participation in community development and to give meaning to the popular phrase in Decentralization i.e. “Power to the people”.

As a student and enthusiast of local governance and decentralization in Ghana, the simplest form of definition I would give to the concept is to reiterate the famous words used by Jerry John Rawlings in the late 80s during the PNDC era, “POWER TO THE PEOPLE”. These words when soberly reflected on explains the letter and spirit of the concept of decentralization and local Governance.  For advocates of the election of MMDCES, making the position elective will further actualize the power of the people to vote for their preferred choice of candidates on who to lead and serve them as Chief Executive of the Local Assemblies and with same power, they can either maintain or change the person based on competence and performance in subsequent election.

In as much as I appreciate the views expressed on the above subject in making the position of MMDCES an elective one, I would want to advance my arguments on why in my humble opinion, I still hold the view that, the position of MMDCEs should still be by appointment based on the current political dynamics of the country. 

One dominant feature that has characterized elections in Ghana is needless personality attacks, family denigration of candidates, unsubstantiated allegation and insults. The sad reality is that, these are even common in internal party elections.  For this reason, many well- meaning Ghanaians have stayed off from offering themselves for an elective political office in order to keep their reputation and protect their families from these needless attacks. It is commonly said that, “if you want to know your family history and creditors of your grand-parents, attempt to contest an election in Ghana”.  Making the position of Chief Executives of Local Government elective will clearly result in a situation whereby persons who would want to keep their reputation and prevent their families from being denigrated due to the obvious characteristics of elections in Ghana shy away from active local level politics. The current practice provides an opportunity for such qualified and competent persons to be given the opportunity to be appointed and either confirmed or rejected by only Assembly Members without these brouhaha that characterizes elections in Ghana.  

Monetization is a key feature of elections in Ghana. Averagely, the cost of elections for an aspiring Member of Parliament was estimated at 85,000 dollars (approximately 500,000ghc) in the 2016 elections of Ghana (see, Asante and Kunnath, 2018). Making the position of MMDCEs elective will equally suggest that, individuals who are willing and capable to serve as MMDCEs without such an amount of money may not be able to have the opportunity due to increasing monetization in elections in Ghana. Undeniably, there are many well celebrated political actors who have risen through the political hierarchy by starting off with appointment as Chief Executives of Assemblies. The state probably would have lost these caliber of human resources if the position was elective. An elective position at the local level will lead to a phenomenon where popularity, the rich and majority group will take the center stage of local governance.

Political polarization has manifested in our democracy inferring from the 1992 elections up to date. Some regions have clearly demonstrated their undying love and support for certain political ideologies.  In spite of the fact that, individuals belonging to one political party have served as Members of Parliament since 1992, in some constituencies,  other citizens with varied political ideology have had the opportunity to serve as MMDCEs in such local Assemblies in contributing to local level development. Making the position of Chief Executive of the Assembly elective will lead to a situation whereby some communities will only have people who identify and ascribe to a certain political party serving as both MPs and Chief Executives largely whether elections are held on partisan basis or not.  This will deny others who ascribe to other political ideologies the opportunity to be key influencers of development at the local level. There may be a few exceptions though.

The simplest appreciation of political decentralization is to allow political heads at the local level the authority to implement policies and interventions that address local community needs. An important feature of this system is to ensure that, interventions at the local level are not in contravention with national policies and framework. In view of this, it is always important that, the political figure at the central government has a political representative that shares in the vision and aspiration of the central government. To further appreciate this, imagine the chaos that will characterize our educational system in a situation where elected local government officials (MMDCE) who do not share in the vision of the Free SHS policy of the central government   introduce or implement a contrary plan at their respective local levels.

On the issue of accountability, the current system provides for a deeper accountability since the appointed MMDCE is directly accountable to a President who has been elected by majority of Ghanaians to lead in the developmental agenda. A non-performing Chief Executive in this case can be easily fired by the President. Also, the Chief Executives are directly accountable to citizens through elected and appointed Assembly Members who are direct representatives of indigenes at the local Assembly. The law provides for Assembly Members to pass a vote of no confidence by two-thirds of Assembly Members when they are dissatisfied with an MMDCE.

Per our cultural dispensation, traditional leaders especially paramount chiefs who are the custodians of the land play a critical role in local level development. There have  been reports on certain appointed chief executives misconducting themselves and undermining the authority of chiefs in certain decisions which has resulted in severe conflicts and retarded development. In such instances, if the situation cannot be resolved, the chief Executive is asked to step aside for a different person who will be willing to work and not undermine the authority of traditional authorities. In the case of making the office of MMDCEs electable, development will surely come to a standstill should a major conflict arise between a revered traditional authority and an elected Chief Executive since none of them can be asked to step aside in the interest of unity and community development. In order to ensure that, political leaders at the local level do not try to undermine the authority of the traditional authorities and ensure effective stakeholder consultation and better collaboration among these local community actors, the current practice should be maintained.  

Lastly, the current structure provides an avenue to ensure increased citizen participation. Assembly members are by law to organize community engagements and solicit the opinions of citizens to be sent to the Assembly and communicate back to citizens after deliberations by the Assembly. Also, the preparation of the medium term development plan provides an avenue for inputs to be made by citizens’ usually through their zonal councils or Area/Town councils. If the Assembly is better resourced to ensure these practices are operational, then citizens’ participation will be realized. If the position of Chief Executives is made an elective one whiles the above structures remain dormant, then how does that increase citizen participation in local level development after elections?

In conclusion, before considering making the position of MMDCE an elective one, conscious effort must be made to demonetize politics in Ghana, address political polarization in Ghana, adequately resource and enhance effective IGF mobilization to ensure citizen participation, encourage decorous politics, provide a clear requirement based on qualification and competence on who to serve as Chief Executives and address other bottlenecks that hinder decentralization in Ghana. Let me state that, in principle, I am a strong advocate for any system that will promote social accountability, increase citizen participation and ensure development emanates from the local people. However, this should not let us undermine or overlook the current socio-cultural and political underpinnings that has characterized elections in Ghana since 1992 in our quest to reform local governance.

Political Neutrality may not exist in our current dispensation but political objectivity surely exists. May we find the strength to make our contributions to national and political discourse based on political objectivity and professional experiences and not hide under political neutrality to remain silence on critical national matters. Democracy is beautiful because it makes room for divergent opinions. God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.

 

Vincent Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream

A Better Ghana

A Brighter Africa

Email; vincentntow12@gmail.com

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

Personal Blog: mirrorofafrica.blogspot.com

The writer is a Development Practitioner and a Local Government Enthusiast. He holds a Master’s Degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School. He is also an Alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI, RLC).

MOTHERS!!! GOD’S SPECIAL GIFT TO HUMANITY

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” – Proverbs 31:25-28. These words from the Scripture is a true representation of Mothers.

In a typical African setting, growing up as a girl child is probably one of the toughest training one can ever experience. From being forced to learn how to “keep a home” so as to be a “ useful marriage material” i.e. cooking, sweeping, mopping, scrubbing etc. whiles the male kids usually wander around. The struggle of being discouraged to take up some courses and careers since they are seen to be male dominated fields. "The moral lessons" on being taught what to wear and even how to walk. 

From childhood, the next endeavor is a transition from adolescence to adulthood. This transition is perhaps one of the most difficult transitions in life. From men old enough to be your parents pestering your lives with love proposals coupled with “disturbances” from young men and more recently from other females. The struggles and pains associated with menstruation. The struggles of being denied job offers for refusing to be abused sexually by some unscrupulous employers.  Self-acclaimed Aunties, God Mothers and Neighbors who will pester your lives with their “when are you getting married chorus”? And when a lady finally marries, the chorus now moves to the most annoying question of when are you giving birth? Dealing with these questions is another trouble on its own as a female.

And  when the girl child finally becomes a mother. She is faced with the problem of combining her professional/ career progression with marital responsibilities. Sadly in some instances, some mothers have to reject or decline some professional opportunities in order to cater for their families. 

Mothers are the first point of call when there is no food in the home, when fees have to be paid, when clothes have to be washed among others. The honest truth is that, the mother is not only a mother to her children but doubles up as a mother to the husband.

With all these challenges, mothers discharge their duties with much joy, pride, happiness and a deep sense of fulfilment. Truly, the role of  Mothers  can be likened to teachers, doctors, accountants, economists, cleaners, security personnel, cooks and mentors all boxed up in one job description.  

When a mother lays a cane or finger on a child, she does it out of love and for the betterment of the child. When mothers argue and fight with their husbands, in most instances, it is for the well-being of the home. When mothers take up more challenging careers, they want to serve as mentors to their children especially their female kids. When mothers take a sigh of relief, then indeed, it is to thank God for his generosity on her family. When mothers are engaged in a quarrel with neighbors, the honest truth is to safeguard their families from predators.

Who else can do these if not mothers? Who else can offer their lives for their children and family if not mothers?

The most worrying and saddest part of being an African mother is being tagged as a witch when age catches up with you coupled with menopause. Would a witch have kept you in her womb for nine months? Would a witch had labored and toiled all her life in the name of fending for her family? Would a witch have denied herself of her needs to cater for the wants of her kids? 

Indeed Mothers are strong spirited women and the least we could for them at their old age is to crown them as living angels and not witches.

One day, in a conversation with my big sister, I asked her what her greatest source of joy was, she responded; “whenever I look at the three of you (her three younger brothers) and see how amazing you have grown, my heart is at peace”. I know her greatest hobby is to cook for her brothers as well. My Mum’s greatest happiness is to see smiles and happiness on the faces of her biological children and all children especially her students. I am sure this narrative will not be different from other mothers and sisters should they be asked this same question. Mothers are indeed a true blessing from God and all they strive and toil for in this world is to see smiles in their homes and surroundings.

On this day as the world honors Mothers, I particularly want to thank God for the gift of my mother and big sister. They have been my biggest source of inspiration. I appreciate my aunties, cousins, friends, teachers, and colleagues, supervisors and the many female friends who continue to inspire me and bring out the best in me. I remain highly grateful to all women who have played motherly roles in my life and the lives of others. I  pray for God’s blessings upon your lives.

To the few men who had to take up the role of mothers for their kids, You are indeed true heroes..

Happy Mother’s day to all women and May the Good Lord continue to use you just as she used Mother Mary as a vessel to bless humanity.

Kwame Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream

A better Ghana,

A brighter Africa. 

The writer  is a Development practitioner with interest in local government, youth development and addressing issues of gender biases.

Email;vincentntow12@gmail.com

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow