EX- GRATIA! THE BEST WAY TO HONOUR EX- PRESIDENTS? THE THOUGHT OF A GHANAIAN YOUTH.

It is indeed said that, a nation that does not honour its heroes is certainly not worth dying for.  But as to whether  giving them huge ex- gratia is an honour or not needs to be considered. After every four years, discussions on the retirement benefits of Article 71 holders become heated and topical in Ghana.

Many Ghanaians continue to wonder, why the nation has to pay huge sums of money for political actors as their ex-gratia when a vast majority of the workforce who retire after over 25 years in public service do not earn even 10 percent of what politicians take every four years. This is indeed worrying. As a country, there is the need to a have a better look at end of service benefits for all the labour force and by extension make plans for those within the informal sector.

 It is indeed an honour and a privilege to get over 50percent of the voting class endorsing one to serve as President of land. In our fourth Republican era, Ghana has had five heads of state with two joining their ancestors. These five gentlemen   have contributed significantly and immensely towards the growth and development agenda of Ghana. It may not be out of place for the country to cater for all their needs after they have exited the highest office of the land.

One thing that surprises me the most about the end of service benefits of our former heads of state is the controversies that have always surrounded their accommodation component of their ex- gratia.

From President Rawlings’ Ridge residence, to the rejection of an accommodation by President Kufuor and the brouhaha over President Mahama's residence.

Just as I already indicated, it makes sense to cater for our former Presidents, it is indeed an honour but as to whether this mode is a befitting honour or not needs careful consideration.

For an individual to rise to occupy the highest office of the land means such a person has excelled in a chosen field and is largely capable of providing for his or her basic needs including accommodation.

As a country, it is time we reconsider our way of honouring our former presidents.

We need to think of a way of preserving their legacies rather than spending so much on ex- gratia and giving them houses which they can comfortably afford.

Posterity needs to remember Chairman Rawlings for his charismatic style of leadership, his open outburst against corruption, his infrastructural drive, his extension of electricity to the rural villages and many others.

Posterity must always have a means of remembering the legacies of the gentle and soft spoken President Kufuor, his social intervention programs, economic transformation initiatives among others.

Generations yet unborn must appreciate that, there was once a humble president who always addressed Ghanaians as his brothers and sisters, a president who contributed significantly to improve wages and salaries of public sector workers, a leader who contributed significantly to our economic transformation. Posterity needs to know President Mills for his total advocacy for peace.

We need to realize that, we once had a leader who invested hugely in infrastructure and believed that, the best way for private sector growth was to ensure that, there was an enabling environment in terms of good roads, access to education by all, access to health care among others. Posterity must remember President Mahama. 

Posterity must have a means of learning and remembering the ideals, philosophies and interventions of President Akuffo-Addo. Posterity must appreciate the social interventions such as Planting For food and jobs, Free Senior High School among others.

Instead of paying (fat) ex- gratia as a way of honouring them. We may as well consider putting up lasting monuments in their honour. 

For me, the best way to honour our Leaders is to keep their legacies and memories with a Presidential Library or hub.

A presidential library or hub in the home regions of former Presidents will be a good step to honour and keep their legacies. These libraries should be stocked with all speeches, budgets, manifestoes, writings, philosophies, interventions, images, videos, biographies and initiatives of Presidents.

How many of the younger generation can confidently narrate the contributions of Dr. Busia, Kutu Acheampong, Afrifa, General Akuffo, Dr, Liman among others to national and global development? Probably a few can but if the country had built Presidential Hubs in their honour, younger generations could easily access the contributions, philosophies and ideals of these sons of the Land.

The libraries or hubs could as well serve as a training centre for the youth to nurture their entrepreneurial ideas. These hubs can be run in such a way that it will be self-sustaining and even provide scholarships and many other social interventions for the communities. This indeed could encourage tourist attraction in the humble villages of our Former Presidents and attract investments and donor support. Most importantly, these libraries or hubs will give hope and a reason for rural folks to dream high and believe in their aspirations and convictions if one of their own was able to rise to occupy such a high office.

Let us honour our leaders by keeping their memories and legacies with a Presidential Library or hub.

God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great.

 Kwame Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream,

A better Ghana,

A brighter Africa.

The writer holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST,  a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, A YALI fellow and  team member of the SOS-Children’s Villages  “No Business as Usual Project” which is promoting local socio-economic development and training youth with employable and entrepreneurial skills in Kumasi

 

YOUR VOTE!!! YOUR POWER? - THE THOUGHT OF A GHANAIAN YOUTH

“Free election of masters does not abolish the masters or the slaves”
― Herbert Marcuse

As Ghana and some other African countries prepare to go to the polls to elect political leaders for the next term, one very common slogan that runs through our media waves is “Your Vote, Your power”. This slogan is mostly championed by Civil Society Organizations, Think tanks, the Media and Political Parties as a means of encouraging citizens to cast their ballot.

The slogan “your vote, your power” seems to suggest citizens are vested with enormous power and authority in determining how and who governs or takes charge of the country in the ensuing years. The power vested in citizens to determine who governs is clearly captured in  the slogan but as to whether citizens have the power on how the country is administered after election still remains highly questionable in my humble opinion.

The Ghanaian voter is referred to as “King-Makers” in the lead up to elections. Interestingly, the Ghanaian voter is reminded of this accolade only when elections are due. Quite strangely, these same voters who are referred to as “King –Makers” prior to elections are referred to as “ordinary Ghanaians” in the “political language” right after elections. Isn’t it ironical that, “King makers” seem to lose all their power right after elections and become “ordinary Ghanaians?”

As we continue to be reminded on our media handles on a daily basis “your vote is your power” in the lead up to the general presidential and parliamentary elections, let us soberly reflect if indeed the Ghanaian voter is powerful or not.

Is the voter only powerful prior to elections?

Who really wields power in a democracy; citizens or politicians?

How can the voter exercise this power judiciously to address his/ her needs?

Is elections a formality of transferring power from one political actor to the other?

Very characteristic of partisan politics in Ghana, political parties both the incumbent and opposition parties resort to various campaign strategies prior to elections. Dominant among these strategies is the launching of the manifestoes. The manifesto in political terms is described as a social contract that binds electorates and the political parties. The manifesto as a document outlines the vision, aspirations, policies, programs and plans earmarked for the country. This document should guide voters in their choice of candidates but as to whether people vote based on manifesto promises or not can best be answered in our hearts and minds.

Voters in Ghana largely vote based on several reasons of which some appear strange.

The real die hearted supporters vote probably without any justifiable basis. They vote because they want their political party to either stay in government or assume office irrespective of their plans.

Some vote based on ethnic, tribal and family inclinations

Some people vote based on purely hatred for a political party.

Others vote for a political party because it is a “family ritual”.

A good number of people vote because it is their constitutional right and must be exercised.

Undoubtedly, the Ghanaian voter is becoming more and more discerning and majority vote based on competence, personality and integrity and that must be demonstrated in the impending elections.

Prior to elections, some political actors practically beg voters, some even end up pounding fufu, engaging in all sorts of funny strategies just to win the trust and mandates of the voters. Sadly right after elections, the tables suddenly turn, citizens have to virtually beg, cry, and organize demonstrations in order to get the attention or their needs addressed by some political actors. One funny but sad account on why people vote against some parliamentarians is due to the fact that, some members of parliament become “invisible” and inaccessible right after getting the mandate.

With the induction of the 4^th Republican Constitution, Ghana has had seven “successful” and peaceful elections. Ghana prides itself as the beacon of hope and democracy on the African continent. The impending elections in Ghana is rather interesting, a contest between an incumbent president and a former president among others. This election presents the Ghanaian voter an opportunity to decide based on proven records, credibility, honesty and competence. It as well affords the Ghanaian voter, the mandate to decipher political liars and empty rhetoric based on what they accused each other whiles in opposition and what they actually delivered with their mandate. This is a clear case of comparing “apples to apples”.

In governance, the ultimate aim is to improve upon the living standards of citizens. This can be done by providing equal socio-economic opportunities for all and sundry irrespective of their political, ethnic, academic inclination. Occupying political office should not be a platform for political actors to strategically position their friends, relations and cronies to progress to the detriment of the masses.

As King makers, December 7^th 2020, presents us an opportunity to exercise our Kingly power by selecting candidates who prioritize the interest of the masses instead of their friends and cronies.  This is the time to select candidates who have demonstrated sincerity, honesty and dedication in alleviating the plights of the ordinary Ghanaian. This is indeed to prove to political actors that, the Ghanaian voter is really discerning.

Let no one intimidate you

Let no one induce you with “gifts’

Let no one buy your conscience

Let no one belittle you due to your stance and conviction.

Cast your ballot, vote for peace and stability

Vote for progress

Vote for honesty

Vote for credibility and integrity

Vote for the future of Ghana.

Above all, let us remember we have one lovely and beautiful Ghana.

Let me take this opportunity to remind ourselves as a people on the need to promote peace in the electioneering period. The ultimate aim of elections is to charter a path of progress. There cannot be any development without peace. If we really need development, then let us be guided in our utterances, actions and inactions. To my fellow youth, let us not allow ourselves to be used as agents of political violence. Let us note we are King Makers and must behave as royals.

As Abraham Lincoln defines democracy “Government of the people, by the people and for the people. Let us vote for candidates who will govern with us and ensure our collective interest is prioritized. A vote on December 7^th must be a vote for development.

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

Kwame Ohene- Ntow

YALI Dream

A Better Ghana

A Brighter Africa

The writer holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, A YALI fellow and  team member of the SOS-CV “No Business as Usual Project” which is promoting local socio-economic development and training youth in employable and entrepreneurial skills in Kumasi.

Email: Vincentntow12@gmail.com

 

THE BATTLE OF SURVIVAL FOR THE AFRICAN YOUTH!!!- THE THOUGHT OF A GHANAIAN YOUTH

“Older men declare war, but it is the youth that must fight and die”- Herbert Hoover.

As I soberly reflect on these words, I ask myself the kind of wars that are being declared for the African youth to fight and die.

A battle of promoting political thuggery and violence?

A battle of “normalizing” politics of insults?

A battle of rationalizing and defending immoral and corrupt deeds?

A battle of nepotism and ethnocentrism?

A battle of silence when the truth is known?

A battle of brutality against civilians in their own land? 

A battle of seemingly silence when Africans are suffering in the hands of their own governments?

A battle of being the first to solidarize with happenings in other parts of the world when youth are being brutalized and assaulted  in their own countries like the recent happenings in Nigeria?

A battle of being used as slaves to enrich their families and descendants?

I wonder if after our death in such battles, we will be given a befitting burial as African youth…

Why must the African youth stoop so low to be engaged in such battles whiles the older folks enjoy their peace and wealth?

Can we as African youth be united in hearts and mind that if wars on thuggery, political violence are declared by older men, their spouses and children will lead the army on the battle field?

Sadly, the African youth is already confronted with several battles aimed at securing a path of progress and changing the African narrative to a one we all can be proud of.

We live in a country [continent] where our young ladies who have recently attained the age of puberty cannot afford sanitary pads, but our men and women in public offices have ipads which they do not even know how to use. ― PLO Lumumba.

These words of PLO Lumumba resonate with many young Africans who are going through “hell” to deal with their God-given duty of child bearing in their puberty stages

Ask the unemployed African youth the kind of job offer he/she is looking out for and the most likely answer is “any decent job that can put food on the table”.  These are the real wars the African youth is battling with….

The African female youth in her mid-twenties and early thirties is battling with unnecessary and needless pressure from friends and families on marriage?

The African “boyfriend” hoping to settle down soon is battling with undue and unnecessary financial pressure from his “slay queen” of a girlfriend.

The industrious and determined “African girlfriend” is battling with that exploitative and abusive boyfriend of hers.

The African youth is battling with the war of securing a permanent and sustainable job offer after several volunteering and contract job offers.

The young African entrepreneur is battling with breaking through the markets and developing a good and sustainable business.

The young African career lady is battling with corporate job-stress, marital and parental duties….

 With all these battles facing the African youth, must we allow some unscrupulous older folks to declare wars for us to go and fight and lose our self-image, lives, career and conscience?

My dear African Youth, it is time to declare our own battle for progress. The time has come for us to fight the battle of self-liberation and mental slavery. It is time to deal with issues of inequalities and vulnerabilities. This is the time for us to take our destiny into our hands. A time to charter a path of progress.

This is indeed the surest time to declare wars where we will fight and live happily forever.

“We need to build a continent where anyone from anywhere can become somebody without knowing anybody”….

This must the dream of the 21^st century African youth!!!

This is what the youth expect from the older folks at the helm of affairs.

This is the dream and vision of the poorest African Child living in the remotest part of the continent.

This dream can only be realized when as African Youth we light our candles in our little corner and see how bright the continent will be.

To my fellow African youth, let us not give up in our quest to ensure a brighter Africa. let us stay united and focused in our battle for socio-economic and political freedom. anytime the journey gets tough, let us be mindful of the beautiful words of the great African leader and soldier,   "The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart."  Dr. Kwame Nkrumah

African Youth!!! Arise and Shine!!!

Kwame Ohene-Ntow,

YALI Dream,

A better Ghana,

A brighter Africa.

The writer holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School, A YALI fellow and  team member of the SOS-CV “No Business as Usual Project” which is promoting local socio-economic development and training youth in employable and entrepreneurial skills in Kumasi.

Email: Vincentntow12@gmail.com

 

 

POLITICS OF INSULTS!!! - A DISINCENTIVE FOR LEVEL-HEADED PARTICIPATION IN NATION BUILDING

“If you want to know where your grandfather was buried- Enter into mainstream politics”.

“If you want to know all the debtors of your great grand-parents, join the political landscape”.

These two expressions are a reflection of the nature and manner in which politics is being practised in Ghana and other parts of the continent. People who have toiled so much in public service or private life are tainted once they get into mainstream politics.

Ordinarily, persons we may not even have the opportunity of serving at their feet are insulted, abused verbally just because they have accepted a call to serve their country in politics.

“Political objectivity” seems not to exist in our modern-day politics. Individuals, religious leaders, Civil Society Organizations, traditional leaders and academics hardly express their opinions on very pertinent and crucial issues of national interest. This is to avoid the political tag, insults and abuse that are often unleashed on them by political actors when a dissenting view is expressed.

If our traditional rulers, religious leaders and other well-meaning Ghanaians cannot step in to calm political tension, then our country is gradually entering into an abyss.  As a relatively younger person, I have always known that, when issues get out of hand, we rely on the “elderly” to calm tension. Sadly, majority of our “elders”,   have been silent on national issues in order to protect their “dignity”. The few ones who speak have either endorsed one political party or the other, shown extreme bias and losing their credibility day by day. Let me hasten to add that, there still exist a few of these statesmen who have distinguished themselves above partisan politics and demonstrated national interest in all their discourse.

There is nothing more insulting and offensive when people suggest by virtue of your academic qualification, professional competence, religious or ethnic inclination, you should and cannot ascribe to a certain class of political ideology of your choice.

One Wednesday morning as a graduate student in a policy class just before our professor stepped in, the class was engaged in a discussion on a crucial national issue in Ghana which appeared to be a norm with my mates every day. After my submissions, two of my “very good friends” and mates jovially and rhetorically asked me, ‘How can a fine gentleman like you belong or associate with this political ideology”? How on earth will a graduate student be associated with this party?” Even though, I took it lightly, but that shows the extent to which our politics is being practiced.  I said to myself later that evening that “so fine gentlemen and graduate students cannot associate  themselves with  a political ideology of their choice to share ideas on nation building again?

This trend undoubtedly is a recipe for underdevelopment. This trend has kept many level-headed persons out of the political landscape. How do we expect to develop when we keep on pushing people away from politics with our “loud-mouth”? How do we expect to develop when “fine brains” with proven record of competence and integrity are kicked away from public policy formulation and implementation due to the verbal abuse that have characterized our politics? How can we progress when we cannot accept constructive criticism or alternate ideas but “push them into the drain”?

The most worrying aspect of the insults in politics is the abuse women and ladies suffer when they accept to serve their nation in government.  Some women are branded as “prostitutes” or “sex-slaves” after earning a position in government. Sadly, once a lady is appointed to serve, sexual connections are mysteriously made with the appointing authority or a close ally of the appointing authority. Anytime I hear of such, my heart bleeds for my dear country Ghana…  

In my relatively younger life, I have been politically conscious and mindful of national issues for at least the past decade. I have spent time watching documentaries and reading about earlier political actors, their vision and dream for Africa. Notable among them are Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Prof. K. A. Busia, Thomas Sankara, Haile Selassie, and Julius Nyerere. I know they may be extremely disappointed with us with the impunity and moral decadence which has engulfed a rather “sacred and noble” duty due to insults and political thuggery. Probably, they should have aborted the idea of political independence and allowed us to enjoy our “political slavery” with moral uprightness instead of political independence full of bitterness, insults and total disregard for each other as  we are experiencing.

“We shouldn’t get to the level where we think that to be a politician you must insult people. I don’t think so. When the fabrics of society get weak, none of the policies will help you. Our parents didn’t raise us to go insulting people”- These beautiful words of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang sets a tone for a good discussion on the impunity and moral decadence that has engulfed ‘modern day politics” in Ghana and the world and the need to take  a rather quick turn from politics of insults and embrace politics of ideas.

As a student of Public Administration and Development Policy and Planning, I have encountered earlier scholars in politics and public policies in my studies and profession such as Wilson Woodrow, Frank Goodnow, Thomas Dye, and James Anderson among others.

One interesting model by these scholars in Politics and Public policy is the “Politics- Administration Dichotomy model. Three school of thoughts have expressed varied opinions on this model. With the first school of thought advocating for a strict separation between politics and administration. Woodrow in his book “The Study of Administration” in 1887 argued that, politicians should solely focus on policy formulation whiles its implementation should be solely handled by public administrators (bureaucrats and technocrats). In affirming his argument, he suggested that “administrative questions are not political questions, public administration must be removed from the hurry and strife of politics”. The second school of thought also argued that, bureaucrats or technocrats should be engaged in policy formulation due to their technical competence together with politicians whiles the implementation of policies should be handled by only the technocrats without any political interference. The third school of thought often referred to as the complementarity model argues that, both politicians and public administrators should join forces in the formulation and implementation of public policies.

For me, this should be the way to go in politics if we want to develop. We should be engaging in academic, thought provoking and needful arguments such as the politics –administration dichotomy that will shape policy formulation and implementation instead of celebrating political actors with the “sharpest tongue and loudest mouth”.

Instead of spending time on social media, radio and television denigrating our politics with insults, we should spend time thinking, researching and promoting ideas and models that will shape our political discourse just as what earlier scholars like Frank Goodnow and Wilson Woodrow did.

As we prepare ourselves for elections, let us be civilized in our discourse, let us engage in politics of ideas and not insults. Let us respect the political opinions of others. I pray for a peaceful election and campaign devoid of insults and political thuggery. God bless our homeland and make our nation great and strong.

 

Kwame Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream,

A better Ghana,

A brighter Africa.

The writer holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Ghana Business School and an alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative.

Email: Vincentntow12@gmail.com

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

LinkedIn- Vincent Ohene-Ntow

IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME- ALL SHALL SURELY PASS

There have probably been times in our lives we have cried and worried about so many issues but they are the least of our worries now.

There have probably been times we have been so excited and amused about some successes we chalked but do not consider them relevant now.

There have been times we may have had sleepless nights   but the thought of it now even makes us sleep the more.

Things that mattered most sometime past are probably the least of our worries now.

Things that were never our priorities are now our biggest fear and nightmare.

There have been times, people we hated or disliked most are now our best of friends.

Probably, our greatest foes some time ago are now our most trusted pals and cheer leaders.

As we embark on this journey of life, let us all bear in mind that, we are at liberty to make choices but we are certainly not free from the consequences of our choices.

We are at liberty to worry about some issues we may be going through but will worrying solve them? Worrying will only weaken our soul and dampen our spirit.

Remember, the source of your worry now is probably a consequence of a choice you made earlier.

Instead of worrying, seek guidance and counsel, take actions and accept your fate.

Get out of your “worrying zone” and start doing the “needful”…

Just know that, all shall surely pass away one day. Live life to the best of your abilities.

Never give up, see these worries as an opportunity to redefine and make the best out of your life…

One thing is certain- IT SHALL SURELY END IN PRAISE

One thing is definite- HE MAKES ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL IN HIS OWN TIME.

Kwame Ohene- Ntow,
Yali Dream,
A better Ghana,
A brighter Africa.

EMAIL; vincentntow12@gmail.com

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC!!! EXPOSING THE TRUE IDENTITY OF THE GHANAIAN; THE THOUGHT OF A HOPEFUL GHANAIAN YOUTH. PART 1.

“It is indeed getting scary and more serious! Advanced countries like China and USA are even struggling in managing this pandemic, how much more Ghana?! Considering the gravity of issues, it is only God that can save Ghana from this pandemic! The world is surely coming to an end, this pandemic is indeed an indication of the end time!” These and many more continue to be sentiments that are being shared by most Ghanaians on a daily basis as we fight Covid-19.

In spite of the seemingly fear that has engulfed the minds of a good number of Ghanaians in this pandemic, one issue remains very significant. Almost all social media and forms of communications have sought to calm the nerves of many people down with captions such as "Stay Home and save your life ; Spread calm and not fear; wash your hands regularly; observe social distancing” among others.

The president of Ghana has been at the fore front in the fight against this pandemic. I have sought to find out from Aunty Becky in my open letter I wrote two weeks ago to the first lady if he has had a good sleep since Ghana recorded her first positive case. The president has demonstrated a father figure by calming the nerves of Ghanaians with encouraging words, assurances and timely interventions such as  free food for the vulnerable and absorbing watercharges temporary (https://www.modernghana.com/news/993856/covid-19-lockdown-govt-announces-free-food-for.html, https://citinewsroom.com/2020/04/akufo-addo-announces-free-water-for-ghanaians-as-government-intensifies-covid-19-fight/ ). His style of communication and encouraging words in spite of the increasing number of positive cases continues to provide a good sense of relief to many Ghanaians.

As we continue to fight this pandemic, these past weeks have also revealed and continue to expose the real nature of a good number of Ghanaians of which I would want to share with  all. A critical look at these characteristics exhibited remains key in our quest to defeat this pandemic and our future endeavors.

Firstly, COVID-19 has revealed that, in spite of our religious differences and inclinations,  we must seek the face of God at all times. We have affirmed our faith as a country in the omnipotence and mercies of God. The warm reception by Ghanaians when the President declared a day of fasting and prayers to fight this pandemic is a clear indication of our belief in God. The three-day fasting and prayers led by the former President equally received the same support and attention from Ghanaians. The key lesson for us as a people in this fight is in Proverbs 21; 31. “Horses and chariots are prepared for battle but victory comes from the Lord”. Indeed this pandemic has demonstrated to us all, there is no science greater than the power of God.  He will indeed crown our efforts with  victory over this pandemic in no time.

Secondly, this pandemic has reassured us all of the fact that, Ghanaians can be united in hearts and minds without any political colorization in fighting every “enemy” that comes our way. Leaders and supporters of all the various political parties have demonstrated and shown patriotism with various interventions and initiatives. 

This show of leadership by political leaders  such as https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Nduom-donates-7-ambulances-to-fight-coronavirus-914581)among others has cushioned the efforts of the government in managing this pandemic. Let me commend His Excellency, Former President Mahama for his genuine effort, recommendations and interventions in this pandemic such as https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/mahama-donates-ppe-worth-ghcent390000-to-korle-bu-and-tamale-teaching-hospital/8lc7wcn and https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/mahama-outdoors-ndcs-coronavirus-team/wk3t4jz . As the arch political rival of the ruling government, he has openly supported in his own way as a statesman through the number of initiatives such as holding a prayer session , supplying PPEs and making a team of experts available to the government to offer credible alternatives to the government. Indeed these acts by our political leaders affirm the popular adage, "United we stand, divided we fall". Let us be united as a people and eschew all partisan political interest in the fight against this pandemic.

Thirdly, this pandemic has shown the beautiful patriotic nature of our security and health service officials. In spite of the various risks they may be exposed to, these gallant men and women have chosen the love of their country above all. Ayekoo to our health and security officials for their dedication to Ghana in these trying times. The media has been phenomenal in educating, and disseminating information during this pandemic. As Oliver Twist always asks for more, the many Ghanaians in the country are still relying and trusting in your high sense of dedication, professionalism and patriotism to bring an end to this pandemic.

Sadly, this pandemic has been an eye opener to how greedy and corrupt some Ghanaian traders can be. The hikes in the price of hand sanitizers and other equipment exposed how greedy some Ghanaians are. Stories such as https://www.pulse.com.gh/bi/strategy/coronavirus-in-ghana-how-hand-sanitizer-traders-are-ripping-off-ghanaians/6engmlq makes me bleed for mother Ghana. The excessive pricing of goods and services in our various markets some days to the commencement of the lockdown attest to this. Undeniably, these traders who took advantage of this pandemic to make super-normal profit are inherently greedy, inhumane and insensitive and must be ashamed of themselves. These acts show that, some ordinary Ghanaians are more corrupt than people in power, the only difference is the lack of power and authority to exhibit their true nature.

As we continue to fight this pandemic, let us be mindful of our actions and in actions. Let us  adhere to the directives from the W.H.O. and government religiously. To those Ghanaians who have taken advantage of the situation to cheat people, bow down your heads in shame and pray for God's forgiveness.

Let me reiterate the heartwarming words of the President in the fight against this pandemic “We are not in ordinary times, this too shall pass”. I understand some of the interventions rolled by government have made life uncomfortable for many of us. However, let us appreciate the various social interventions by government and do our best to end the spread by staying at home. God bless our homeland Ghana and heal the world from this pandemic.

STAY HOME!!! SPREAD CALM NOT FEAR!!! WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY!!!

Kwame Ohene-Ntow

YALI Dream

A better Ghana

A brighter Africa.

The writer holds a Master’s Degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST, an Alumnus of the University Of Ghana Business School, A YALI fellow and a team member of the "No  Business as Usual  Project" based in Kumasi which is ensuring local socio-economic development and training 500 youth in employable and entrepreneurial skills in Asokore Mampong Municipality.

EMAIL; vincentntow12@gmail.com 

GHANA'S 63RD INDEPENDENCE: THE THOUGHT OF A HOPEFUL GHANAIAN YOUTH.

GHANA'S 63RD INDEPENDENCE: THE THOUGHT OF A HOPEFUL GHANAIAN YOUTH.

As a child growing up, I eagerly looked forward to the 6^th of March every year. I clearly recall all the excitements and fun-filled moments that characterised our Independence Day celebration. The training of selected students by some cadet officers or security services in my school, the independence parade and of course the holidays often associated with it. Growing up, I never paid particular attention to the many and long speeches delivered by government functionaries at the celebration. The best moment of the celebration was the announcement of best deserving schools who marched very well to be awarded. I would look up and pray silently hoping my school is mentioned among the best three which was always the case. No wonder,,  the motto of my school was "only the best". The “bragging right” as the best school in Sunyani municipality was more than enough for me as a child to have a memorable Independence Day celebration.

But today, the celebration of our independence comes to me with several thoughts.

Ghana is 63 years old today and should probably be enjoying her retirement benefits if Ghana was a "Ghanaian".  Ghana would have attained and passed the mandatory age of retirement by now.  Considering the age of Ghana, it should obviously be playing the role of a counsellor and role model to other “younger countries” within the sub-region and world at large.

Undeniably, Ghana has chalked so many successes in life but still has a lot more to do. Ghana prides itself as the beacon of hope and democracy on the African continent. The most hospitable people in the sub-region, good investments in social services, a stable democracy, respect for rule of law among others. As a Ghanaian, I pride myself with the success story of my dearly beloved country.

In spite of these positive heights, it is important to remind ourselves that, our dear country which should be “relaxing and counselling” other younger countries in terms of addressing their developmental issues is still challenged with lots of issues. As a retiree, mother Ghana still faces challenges with sanitation https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-loses-GH-1-440bn-annually-to-poor-sanitation-World-Bank-709123 and housing https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Ghana-s-housing-deficit-hits-two-million-Housing-Minister-739235. Heart breaking stories on the state of our health care such as https://citinewsroom.com/2018/06/man-70-dies-after-7-hospitals-rejected-him-over-lack-of-beds/  makes me cry for my country. The worst of it all is our negative attitude to public goods and services. The least said about maintenance culture, the better.

Quite often, discussions and commentary on our independence day has been characterised with trivial issues ranging from: A speech either read well or not by the President, plagiarised or not, grammatical errors on brochures, Whether President Rawlings exchanged a warm hand shake and smile with President Kufuor and President Mahama or not, the appearance and make-up of our first and second ladies among others. I have always wondered how these discussions have contributed or can contribute to addressing our needs as a people.

As we celebrate our 63rd independence as a people, I would want us to soberly reflect over some sections of the speech delivered by Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on the occasion of our independence on 6th March, 1957, draw inspirations from them and then make a conscious effort to address our challenges.

"At long last, the battle has ended! And thus, Ghana your beloved country is free forever".

What battle have you been fighting for mother Ghana? Battle of socio-economic liberation or battle of personal interest and selfishness?  Has the battle of poverty ended? Has the battle of the application of “common sense” been won? Has the battle of ethnocentrism and tribalism been achieved? Are we mentally free from “alien” indoctrination? Is the Ghanaian youth free from graduate unemployment? is the Ghanaian tax payer free from worries of abuse of taxes? To what extent have we as a country achieved this freedom? 

Is Ghana your beloved country? How do you treat Ghana your "beloved"?  How are you contributing to the growth and development of the country you claim to love? Patriotism! Patriotism!  Should be our charge to the country we love.

Are we expressing love to our country by acts of negligence at work? Is littering the compound and having no respect for rule of law our way of expressing love to Ghana? If this is surely our way of expressing love, then it is not surprising some say  “love indeed corrupts the brain”.

"We know, we are going to have difficult beginnings but again, I am relying on your support, I am relying on your handwork". These beautiful words of Kwame Nkrumah should reignite us to come out of our comfort zone for the sake of mother Ghana. It should guide our leaders to set a good pace for citizens to support. This should be a wake- up call for all and sundry who desire to have a better Ghana.

Indeed nothing good comes easy and that is why we need to tighten our belts. Ghana is relying on our hard work and not our hard-talks. This is the time to work harder irrespective of our profession and political affiliations and not to talk louder. This is the time to show real love to our dearly beloved country. This is the time to water and nurture the seeds planted by our fore fathers. This is surely the time to secure a brighter future for generations yet unborn.

In conclusion, I will still refer you to a part of Dr. Nkrumah's speech on the eve of the independence of Ghana. “But today, may I call upon all that, on this great day, let us remember that, nothing can be achieved unless it has the support of God". In our quest to progress, let us not forget the God factor in our actions and inactions. May the Good Lord grant us the zeal, power and strength to be patriotic, hardworking and demonstrate that, "when Africa is given the chance, he can show the world that, he is somebody"

Kwame Ohene-Ntow,

YALI Dream,
A better Ghana,
A brighter Africa.

The writer holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy and Planning from KNUST,  a  YALI Fellow and a team member of the “No Business as Usual Project” based in Kumasi which is providing training on employability and entrepreneurial skills and promoting local economic development in Asokore Mampong Municipality.

EMAIL: vincentntow12@gmail.com