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

THE EMPOWERED WOMAN IS A PARTNER AND NOT A THREAT TO MEN!!!- THE THOUGHT OF AN AFRICAN YOUTH.

THE EMPOWERED WOMAN IS A PARTNER AND NOT A THREAT TO MEN!!!- THE THOUGHT OF AN AFRICAN YOUTH.

There are a hundred reasons on the need to empower women across the world. A thousand reasons can be given as to why it is very critical to empower women in Africa.  A million reasons exist as to why women-related issues must be given prominence specifically in Ghana. These reasons cut across cultural issues, biological differences between men and women and religious beliefs.  It is for these reasons that empowering women has come to stay until the world becomes a better place for us all without any discrimination.

Our cultural settings and upbringing give justifiable reasons as to why women need to be empowered. In a typical African home, women have often been the subject of abuse and attack for childless marriages. The infidelity of some men have often been blamed on the part of women as having failed to perform their marital responsibilities religiously. What a "fair" world we live in!!!

Sadly, marriage has been the yardstick to measure the success or otherwise of the African woman.

Get a doctorate degree or be adjudged as the best in your field of endeavor as a woman and the next question that follows is, “when are you getting married?”  It is sad that, when couples are blessed with female children, there is unnecessary pressure on them to get a male child as if male children hold the key to the prosperity in the family. The most worrying aspect is that, some elite or educated people still ascribe to this mindset. With this cultural setting, why should we not empower women to be vociferous and overcome this form of abuse?

Religion has also been used as a tool to hinder the potential of the African lady. In some religious circles, women by their religious doctrines cannot make final decisions when a man is present. I just wonder if the male has a super brain compared to the woman. I have had the opportunity to engage with several ladies and I dare say, the male brain is not superior to the female brain. Common sense is indeed common for everyone irrespective of gender.  Like I always say, the continent continues to be faced with several unresolved problems because the beautiful brain of the African lady has been confined and conditioned for the kitchen and bedroom for far too long. It is time for all these beautiful brains to be given a fair representation and opportunity to excel.

Society has prescribed code of ethics for our women. Funny enough, this code of ethics include what ladies should wear, what they can eat and even how they should walk and talk. Strangely this code has also assigned roles based on gender. Men are to be decision makers and have the final say whiles the woman is assigned to cook, clean, wash and sweep.

 During my Senior High days as the compound Overseer, I was responsible for assigning roles to students in keeping the compound tidy. One day after “evening prep”,  a “junior” in school approached me and told me  “senior, I can’t scrub  so please don’t assign me to the bathhouse or toilet.” i got curious and asked him what he really meant since scrubbing didn't require any special skill. I just looked at him and asked rhetorically, “Do you bath and attend to nature’s call? If you do, then please be ready for whatever role I assign you. However if you don’t, then we can have a chat on it. No person comes from the womb with a placard written on the basic chores assigned to the fellow. 

Why should society assign women to scrubbing when men bath too? Why should women be assigned to cooking when men eat too?  Can’t we have a society where we both engage in this basic household chores to keep the house clean? I have encountered very educated and respected persons in the society who help in cooking, take their kids to school and take care of their kids so their wives can focus on other critical issues. The “authority” of men is assumed to be undermined when men take part in household chores. Strangely, this “authority” is never undermined when the wife supports the home financially. 

The intensity and seriousness of this needles gender roles in the world has caused so much pain to people.  Heart-breaking stories (see https://nypost.com/2014/05/21/man-charged-with-killing-wife-after-she-made-him-the-wrong-dinner/) shows the need for us to speak out boldly and save our daughters, wives, sisters and mothers from such cruel relationships. How can a man beat his wife for failing to prepare dinner in this era?  A study conducted suggests that, cultural reasons remain the dominant reason for forced marriages in Africa( see https://www.minderoo.com.au/walk-free/news/forced-and-child-marriage-in-africa-as-a-manifestation-of-gender-based-violence-and-inequality/).  How can ladies be forced into marriage in this era due to some cultural reasons? Women empowerment must and should be a concern for all well - meaning sons and daughters of the continent and the world. The only way to brighten the future of women is "women empowerment".

Isn’t it sad, some justify rape and defilement based on the dressing of women? In as much as we encourage ourselves to dress decently, this cannot be a basis for abusing women. We can’t be blaming unscrupulous behavior on what we see. Has robbery ever been justified by not properly safeguarding properties in the world before?

With all these worrying phenomena which has permeated our lives for several decades and years, women are tired of this abuse and have to speak up boldly and confidently to right some of these wrongs in the society. This has led to the springing up of many women advocacy groups aimed at curing this ill in the society. The common ones are “pepperdem” or "sugardem” ministries. I am sure we will soon have the “honeydem” and “gingerdem” groups springing up.

In my relatively younger life, one of the most powerful quotes I have ever come across towards women empowerment is that of Dr. Aggrey.

“If you educate a man, you educate an individual but if you educate a woman, you educate an entire nation”.

This quote given by a man indicates clearly that, the quest for women empowerment should not be seen as a fight with men. Women empowerment should be seen as an opportunity for men and women to have fair playing grounds to partner in every sphere of life. Women empowerment should be approached as addressing the “superior- inferior” relationship society has ascribed among men and women. It should be seen as an opportunity for balanced growth and development.

In conclusion, "anyone who feels threatened by an empowered woman surely needs psychological deliverance". To my brothers out there who are not comfortable with empowered women around them, Chimamanda Ngozi has this for you

“I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of men who will feel intimidated by me are exactly the type I am not interested in”.

The empowered woman is indeed a partner and not a threat to men. Let us see the quest for women empowerment as an opportunity to progress and not attack each other. I believe in Africa.

Kwame Ohene -Ntow

YALI DREAM

A BETTER GHANA

A BRIGHTER AFRICA.

The writer is a graduate student of Development Policy and Planning at KNUST and an Alumnus of Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI).

Facebook : Kwame Ohene- Ntow

Email: vincentntow12@gmail.com

A UNITED AFRICA! THE THOUGHT OF AN AFRICAN YOUTH

A UNITED AFRICA! THE THOUGHT OF AN AFRICAN YOUTH

 Many years ago, the call for a united Africa was championed by some great and illustrious sons of Africa like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Haile Selassie. Their main focus was to ensure a “United Africa”, an agenda many other African leaders and citizens kicked against and still oppose.

I have read lots of literature on the debate as to whether the AU is still relevant or not but I would want us to have a re-think of the United Africa the proponents and advocates of the union championed.

For me, it is important we redefine the United Africa Dr. Nkrumah and the others advocated for. 
Probably, in this age, we may not need an Africa with one president where countries will have to give in their sovereignty. 
Probably, we may not need a common currency where one central bank will have to regulate our financial sector.
Probably, we may not need a common official language where there will be a disagreement as to whether to adopt French, English or any of our local languages.

In redefining a United Africa, I am of the view that, Africa should be united in VISION to address its socio-economic challenges and carve a path of progress for posterity.

We may not need a common language to ensure effective trading but we can easily enhance trading among ourselves by reducing the many barriers that hinder regional trading among us. Sadly an African business man into the manufacturing of cement cannot trade his cement in Benin. Benin imports cement from China even though Dangote’s cement factory is only 28km away from Benin. https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/I-can-t-enter-Benin-Republic-with-my-cement-Dangote-reveals-736561. Have we thought of the job opportunities and benefits Africans in Benin stand to gain if trading is allowed with Dangote in this regard?  

We may not need a common president but we can have leaders with a common vision of ensuring the progress of Africa and not see leadership as an opportunity to amass wealth and enrich their families.

We need an African dream, a dream of economic and social liberation on the continent. It may seem not achievable but when our forefathers set up a dream to fight for political independence and colonialism, they were able to achieve it in spite of the many difficulties. If political freedom has been achieved, why can’t economic and social liberation be achieved too? The task is for you and I as Africans to believe in the African dream, to be united in vision to address our socio-economic growth and development challenges and develop an attitude of patriotism.

To our political leaders, this is what Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has for you today, “our people supported us in our fight for independence because they believed the African governments could cure the ills of the past in a way which could never be. If we allow these conditions to exist, then all resentments which overthrew colonialism will be mobilized against us”
This is a call to our political leaders not to betray our trust and worsen our problems as a continent but to use the platform of AU to brainstorm and share ideas to ensure the progress of Africa else citizens may one day fight our leaders just as how we fought the colonial rulers.

In conclusion, let me remind us all as Africans on another quote from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,
“If we do not approach the problems in Africa with a common front and a common purpose, we shall be haggling and wrangling among ourselves until we are colonized again.”
Africa is a great land with great people. A land blessed with many natural resources. A land of hope and opportunities. I believe in Africa.

Kwame Ohene-Ntow,
YALI dream,
A better Ghana,
A Brighter Africa.

The writer is a graduate student of Development Policy and Planning at KNUST and an alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI).

EMAIL:vincentntow12@gmail.com

“THE AFRICAN MINDSET”! A REAL CHALLENGE TO AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT: THE THOUGHT OF AN AFRICAN YOUTH.

“THE AFRICAN MINDSET”! A REAL CHALLENGE TO AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT: THE THOUGHT OF AN AFRICAN YOUTH.

“Africa can be transformed when the mindset of Africans is first transformed and put into concrete actions”. These words of President Paul Kagame appears to be a true reflection of the path Africa needs to carve in ensuring development. A total liberation and change from the “typical African mindset” is key in our quest to develop.

It is saddening and disheartening that, in this age and era, the “typical African” still holds on to several “mindset” that has either consciously or unconsciously affected our thoughts and actions.

In the “typical mindset of the African”, ladies and women work hard in order to “catch the eye of a man”. Ladies are groomed and nurtured to become “marriage materials”. What happens to the potentials, dreams and aspirations of the African lady? Ladies are often victimized and given all sort of names when they decide to pursue higher education and career instead of settling down to be “marriage materials”.  As to the number of yards required to be a marriage material, Its not been determined yet!! The basic questions that linger: Is marriage the key to heaven for our African ladies? Can’t a lady pursue her career and still be married? How can we develop as a continent when these beautiful brains and potentials of the African lady is kept in  the kitchen and bedroom?

Sadly, within the “typical African mindset” religion has become synonymous to development and prosperity. We spend several hours in church expecting bread to fall from heaven. We have abandoned common sense in the name of religion. Our aged parents who have worked tirelessly to see us through life are abandoned and ill-treated because some men of God through whatever means accuse them as witches. Instead of us to devote office hours to work, we resort to prayer centers and convention with the hope of a breakthrough. We sometimes forget that, it is written clearly that, “Heaven helps those who help themselves”.

In the beautiful continent of Africa, the “typical African mindset” believes that, any product coming from foreigners is far superior and better than African products. Students with foreign certificates are perceived smarter and capable than students trained in the continent. Commodities from Europe, Asia and America are perceived to be of higher quality than local products. This trend has resulted in several instances where quality commodities made by Africans and from resources in Africa are branded as foreign goods. How do we progress with this mindset?

One other devastating and sad issue with the “African mindset” is in respect to time. GMT is often translated to mean ‘Ghana Man Time’ which is synonymous to lateness. In every function, guests are always notified an hour earlier else the program might start with no or just a few guests. Time has been described as an important resource in development yet that is not the case in the “mindset of the typical African”. How then do we confront our challenges when we don’t value time?

In the beautiful African continent, governments have often relied on aids, grants and foreign assistance hoping that is the easiest means of ensuring socio-economic development. In opposition, political actors give wonderful sermons on effective ways of mobilizing revenue. Sadly, upon assumption of office, they resort to the “typical African mindset of governance” which is surviving on aids, grants and loans with several conditions which draws us slowly into "slavery" which our forefathers fought against. 

The “typical African mindset” in relation to public or government work can best be described as a tragedy. Public service workers often use public goods without any maintenance. They use state facilities for their private work. They report to work late and leave earlier. In some public institutions, the weekend holidays start on Fridays. What baffles me is the fact that, these same persons are more effective and efficient within the private sector. The sad and annoying answer given for this mindset to public service is “their parents are not the owners of government institutions and facilities”.

My fellow brothers and sisters, Africa undeniably remains the most blessed continent in terms of natural resources. It is high time we make away with this “African mindset”. It is time to project our girl child. The African lady must be given all the resources required to achieve her dreams and not confined to the kitchen. It is time to apply common sense to religion. The time has come for Africans to see time as a resource. It is time to develop positive attitude to public goods and services.

Let us change the African narrative to a positive path by doing away with the “typical African mindset”. With this change, we can charter a path of progress and development.

By:

Kwame Ohene-Ntow

YALI DREAM

A BETTER GHANA

A BRIGHTER AFRICA.

The writer is a graduate student of Development Policy and Planning at KNUST and an Alumnus of Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI).

Email: vincentntow12@gmail.com

THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN AFRICA! A POLITICAL RHETORIC? THE THOUGHT OF AN AFRICAN YOUTH

THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN AFRICA! A POLITICAL RHETORIC? THE THOUGHT OF AN AFRICAN YOUTH.

One of the major campaign tools that political actors have often relied on to win the trust and mandate of citizens is the very “juicy” policies and promises aimed at fighting corruption on the continent. However, these policies can best be described as a   “Pack of toothless bulldogs”. They appear scary but cannot bite. They only shield their own, scare their political opponents and appear to be protecting the citizens from danger.

Corruption among some political leaders in Africa can be likened to a baby and the mother’s breast. It serves as their source of power, energy, strength, wealth, happiness and survival. This makes the fight against corruption in our political circles a serious one since the survival of the “most powerful people” on the continent is linked to it.

Undeniably, corruption in Africa is dominant in the political circles. For many non-political actors in Africa, once they earn a decent livelihood and are able to meet their needs, the fight and “noise” against corruption in the political circles on the continent has nothing to do with them. They seem to have washed their hands completely in the same basin Pontius Pilate washed his hands off the crucifixion of Jesus though they are aware of the damning effects of corruption on the society.

 It must however be pointed out  without mincing words, the fight for a corrupt-free Africa can only be achieved when we all join the chorus and shout “ Crucify Corruption!!! Crucify Corruption!!! 

For the many Africans who think the fight against a corrupt-free society has nothing to do with them. For the many Africans who think they are better-off not joining the fight against a corrupt-free Africa. For the many Africans who think the fight against corruption is the job of the media, civil society organizations and state institutions only; Soberly reflect on the effects of corruption on innocent sons and daughters of Africa whose only “crime” was to be born Africans.

Consider the number of lives that have been lost due to poorly constructed roads and buildings. The many desperate youth searching for jobs after spending so many years in school when resources earmarked for job-creation are being embezzled on a daily basis by some public officials. The many Africans who have been unjustly imprisoned due to influences in the judicial system. Consider the number of students who have been denied admission to read their dream courses due to corruption. Consider the number of young ladies who have been abused sexually yet their abusers walk about freely due to corruption in the system. Think of the number of luxury cars and mansions a public officer is acquiring with your taxes. Think of the number of marriages, a public official is contracting with your hard-earned money paid as taxes. Just think of the number of young and energetic youth of Africa who are dying trying to cross the Mediterranean sea and the desert in search for greener pasture in Europe.

 Have a rethink about the fight against corruption and appreciate that, it must be a collective fight.

Who pays the highest price for all these acts of corruption in the System?  Who suffers the most from the negative effects of corruption? Who are the worst victims of this canker?

The Pontiff and Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis answers it for us. “Corruption is paid by the poor and [vulnerable] in the society”.  The poor and vulnerable in the society suffer the most from these acts of corruption. The same poor and vulnerable persons who work day and night to feed their families. The same poor and vulnerable persons who queue under the scorching sun to elect our leaders. The same poor and vulnerable persons who we promise to make life better pay the highest price for the corrupt deeds of our leaders. The pathetic story of the poor and vulnerable in the African society!

Sadly, these same “corrupt state officials” are often celebrated, hailed and carried in Palanquins when they give “fat donation” at social gatherings, given front seat during church harvest. They are often our first point of call when we need financial assistance. Are we really serious about the fight against political corruption in Africa?

How do we fight against corruption knowing the power and forces behind this dangerous canker? The fight against corruption requires a united voice, front and action as a people. When we all unite as media, academics, public servants, private business owners, clergy, traditional leaders, students, civil society groups, traders, farmers among others and yell passionately Enough is Enough!! , no power or force can break or stop us in the fight against corruption. Let us take inspiration from the adage that, “a broom cannot be broken when tied together but each broom stick can be broken when taken out of the bundle.”

Our collective effort and duty in the fight against corruption will be to discuss it passionately, expose, mount pressure on government to prosecute, and punish offenders without fear or favor, devoid of ethnic, political colorization and cultural sentiments.

Let us all as Africans with one voice join the chorus and shout Crucify Corruption!!!Crucify Corruption!!! Crucify Corruption!!! This journey may not be easy but it took the collective effort of all Africans to fight the Apartheid system. Today by the collective effort and determination of Africans, these inhumane practice has been defeated and crucified. Just like how the Apartheid system has no roots in our continent so must we all fight to ensure the crucifixion and total decay of corruption in Africa.

And on the day that corruption will decay completely from the land of Africa, “the angels, choirs of heaven, saints and ancestors will rejoice and sing praises for Africa, for it will mark the end of our woes”. Let us all as Africans join the fight against a corrupt-free Africa.

By:

Kwame Ohene-Ntow.

A better Ghana,

A brighter Africa.

The writer is a graduate student of Development Policy and Planning at KNUST and an alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI).

EMAIL:vincentntow12@gmail.com

 May, 2019 

THE REALITY FACING THE 21ST CENTURY YOUTH IN AFRICA- THE THOUGHT OF A GHANAIAN YOUTH.

THE REALITY FACING THE 21^ST CENTURY YOUTH IN AFRICA- THE THOUGHT OF A GHANAIAN YOUTH.

The phrase “The youth are the future leaders of Africa” is one of the most common phrases every youth who have had the opportunity to listen to a development lecture or a seminar by a renowned person or youth coach in Africa has ever heard.

 This phrase seems to suggest that, the survival of the African continent largely depends on the actions and inactions of the youth. This phrase seems to give so much hope to young Africans as the youth is made to believe to be the heirs of the continent.  However, in spite of this soul satisfying words, the African youth is confronted with lots of realities.

It is indeed true that, the 21^st century African youth has to face this realities of life.

The reality of having to spend over 25 years in school only to graduate to join a long queue of unemployed graduates.

The reality of surviving based on “who knows you”.

The reality that politics seem to be the easiest way to make it in life.

The reality of being told as a youth to be creative and innovative when the systems and structures suggest otherwise.

The reality of having to undertake internships and volunteering opportunities in order to survive but hardly get employed.

Just as it is done in most schools, the lecturer on the first day seeks to engage the students, know their background and how to effectively meet the expectations of students. In one of my post-graduate lessons, the lecturer got in and after the class introduced ourselves, almost 75% of the class aside national service have never been gainfully employed before. The lecturer on a lighter note said. “Eiiiiiii, this is strange, so you all came back for your master’s degree because you couldn’t find jobs? However seeking knowledge is better than engaging in this political vigilantism and unnecessary social vices”.  These words have always comforted my heart as I ponder over what to do with my life after my post graduate program with this reality facing the African youth.

As young persons, some of the favorite motivational quotes we were told include.

“Education is surely the key to success”

“Seek first the kingdom of education and all others shall be added up unto you”

Most African youth ask themselves if education is no longer the key to success or whether the padlock to success has been changed. This is due to the reality that, some graduates with PhDs and master’s degrees are struggling to survive.

The youth have been promised heaven in political party manifestoes. We would have settled for “Garden of Eden” or even considered “earth” but the sad reality is that, it seems hell is what is being delivered.

With all these realities staring at our faces, surviving seem to be difficult but can we give up?

Do we want the next generation after our generation to face these  woes?

It took the efforts of the youthful intelligence of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandella among others to lead the struggle for independence. It took the charisma and bravery of Jerry John Rawlings and Thomas Sankara among others to restore hope and confidence in their countries. The youth have done it in the past and surely we can do it again.

This is the time for us as African youth to eschew and abandon unnecessary acts that destroy and decay the future of our continent. Say no to political vigilantism, drug abuse, illicit trading, internet fraud and other social vices.

What gives me hope as an African youth is the fact that;

There are many of the youth who are studying seriously to acquire knowledge to address the problems confronting our continent.

There are a thousand of youth working effortlessly to earn a decent living

There are so many youth out there, thinking and making efforts to kick start their own businesses and enterprises to address the high rate of unemployment.

There are many elderly who have devoted themselves to train, equip and impact positively on the youth on how best to make it in life.

There are several donor funded projects and interventions equipping the youth to develop feasible solutions to our problems.

As African youth, we should be willing and ready to make and learn from our own mistakes rather than being in our little corner hoping for bread to fall from heaven.

To my fellow Ghanaian youth and all other youth across the continent, as we ponder and resolve to take up roles and innovative ideas as youth to change the fortunes of this continent, let us always keep in mind a very common marching song during our basic school days.

“Arise Ghana youth for your country; the nation demands your devotion; Let us all unite to uphold and make our nation great and strong. We are all involved.”

Kwame Ohene-Ntow

YALI DREAM,

A BETTER GHANA,

A BRIGHTER AFRICA.

The writer is a graduate student of Development Policy and Planning at KNUST and an alumnus of Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI).

Email: vincentntow12@gmail.com

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

May, 2019