Let’s celebrate our diversity
The most enviable legacy that Kwame Nkrumah left as Ghana’s leader is his ability to galvanize a multi-ethnic nation. He was able to utilize the historical relationships shared among the various ethnic groups emphasizing the supremacy of nationalism over narrow ethnic interests. His Ghana Education Trust spread schools all over the country affording Ghanaian youths the opportunity to attend school anywhere.
Unfortunately, the Ghana that most people knew and loved is gradually being torn apart with ethnic strife. In part, military adventurism in the country’s politics and the exploitation of ethnicity for political advantage must be blamed for the state of affairs. As we speak there are glaring imbalances in ethnic representation in the public and security services. It is unfortunate that such ugly phenomenon is appearing in a nation born out of unity.
Fortunately, all is not lost, for there are some Ghanaians with real heads upon their shoulders. One such person is Dr. Kwaku Ohene Frimpong of the Childrens’ Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At a recent dinner dance held by Akyem Association of New Jersey, the good doctor challenged Ghanaians to eschew tribalism and bigotry in the interest of the nation. He said that cultural traits notwithstanding, Ghanaians must identify more with the nation. He cited a $14 million grant from Brazil for sickle cell treatment in Ghana and added that the money was given to the nation and not to any particular part or people in the country.
We in Amandla agree with Dr. Ohene Frimpong and advocate that Ghana envisioned by Kwame Nkrumah; a country whose people take pride in their collective nationality and not their individual ethnicity. It used to be the case a few years ago proving that ethnic galvanization in Ghana is possible and doable.
Surely some politicians would rather capitalize on the cracks that exist among the various ethnic groups in the country, but they should be crushed before the country is disintegrated.
We advocate that Ghanaians take advantage of the existing bonds rather than kotow to the whims and caprices of a few divisive and naïve politicians. Let us recognize our individuality and celebrate our diversity!
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