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

 

JOURNEYING WITH THE AFRICAN MALE CHILD; THE UNSPOKEN REALITY

In the past two decades, issues of affirmative action, gender equality, feminism, patriarchy, social inclusion and cohesion has informed many policy direction and continues to gain much more attention in our quest to ensure holistic development. In Africa, development practitioners have largely focused on addressing the inadequacies/gaps in society that have negative effects on the wellbeing of the African Child particularly the girl child.

A lot of donor agencies, organized groups and individuals have rolled out projects and interventions in this regard. These interventions are largely aimed at addressing gender-related issues. Some of these intervention are in the area of early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation, girl child education, menstrual hygiene, cruel widowhood rites among others. International conventions and days of commemoration such as international Day of Women in Science and Technology, World Menstrual Hygiene Day, International Day On Social Justice are largely providing platforms and opportunities to address problems facing the African Girl Child.

Admitting clearly that, cultural issues, biological differences, religious inclinations and societal constructs have affected and hindered the potential of the African Girl Child in the past and continues to be of great concern in the 21^st century, it is worth noting that, the 21^ST century African male child has his own struggles which should not be swept under the carpet. If indeed we seek to ensure holistic development, then particular attention must and should be paid to these “known, yet hidden and unspoken realities” facing the 21^st century African Male.

Let us embark on a short exploratory journey in the life of a typical African man who grows up in a typical African setting so we can appreciate these realities considering culture, academic, home-training, societal perception, marital expectations, family commitments, career among a host of others.

Culturally, society has in a way taken away the right of the African man to show emotion and express grief when life gets tough. These are explicitly captured in many of our Akan adages such as “Barima Nsu”, to wit “a man doesn’t cry”, “Barima na   )nom aduro a 3nyono”, to wit “it is the man who takes the bitter pill”. In a continent where surviving as an African child isn’t an easy adventure, the African male child is expected to swallow so many bitter pills. This is really eating some young men up and has a potential to result in depression. I know many young men, who shed tears in their pillow in their journey to secure a livelihood but can’t openly shed these tears and frustrations because society says it is haram for a “man to cry”.

Growing up, I was denied an award because I had the same score with a lady in my class. The lady was given the award simply because she is a girl. Isn’t it worrying why teachers even expected the male breed to be academically smarter than the female at that time? If that isn’t the case, why was I denied the award? I know many young men can relate to this story growing up in primary and Junior High Schools. In my young mind, the lesson I learnt as a boy was that, I must and at all times be smarter than a girl so as to get my award peacefully. The honest truth is that, I have encountered many smarter females than myself in my academic and professional pursuit. In my case, I have had a re-orientation that I cannot be smarter than every lady.  I know so many men walk in the world thinking they must  at all times be smarter and more knowledgeable than ladies due to some of these unspoken realities.

During my days as a national service person, I struck into a conversation with a female teacher concerning these unspoken realities facing the male child. She mentioned to me that, during her days in the teacher training college about twenty years ago, trainees were given equal allowances yet the ladies expected the young men to provide for them financially. I quickly told her that trend hasn’t changed much based on my experiences. When I was in the university, it was “the norm” for the boy or young man to foot all bills at a hangout with a lady and sometimes the friends of the ladies. Birthday parties of ladies were a major responsibility for a university guy in love. Valentine’s Day and occasional surprises was such a big deal and sometimes led to breakup in relationships. These days, I understand “bill sharing” has been introduced (on paper awaiting implementation). This is indeed an interesting development.  The crust of this issue is that, the young African men are faced with needless financial pressure that sometimes pushes them to do the unthinkable.

I happened to have listened to a conversation between some young university students in love. The relationship was on the verge of collapsing hence the need for dialogue. The young lady in her opinion has been an amazing girlfriend simply because she doesn’t put financial pressure on the young guy as her girlfriends do.  The sad reality is that, this is considered extremely normal. Two university students who are both economically dependent on their parents yet one (the man) is expected to bear the financial responsibility in a relationship. The woes of the young boy in love…

In conclusion, I must admit in all honesty and humility that, per our cultural orientation, social construct, biological and religious inclination as Africans, the African girl has been disadvantaged in many ways. However, this must and should not stop us from discussing and addressing issues that affect our boys as well. Together we can make the continent a better place for us all.

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

Facebook; Kwame Ohene-Ntow

 

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