The Gods May be Angry with Ghana
The Gods May be Angry with Ghana
News that celebration of the 57th anniversary of Ghana’s independence in Accra was rained off did not come as a surprise. The Gods must be angry with Ghana. 57 years after political independence, Ghanaians are yet to feel their sovereignty in their hearts and minds as all their expectations are dashed.
It is, however, farcical to claim that 57 years of independence has not done any good to Ghana. It has; and it has been a proud achievement of sorts. Ghana has achieved many firsts in Africa but like any person of 57, Ghana has also been subjected to the vicissitudes of life. As we write Ghana is considered primarily as a leading African democracy, and its economy is practically on the take-off given a little adjustment to the way government is presently handling things.
Ghana has been a reasonably peaceful country for most of its 57 years. The country has become the haven for asylum seekers and refugees from war ravaged neighbors. The past three decades have been stable and even as its citizens complain, the country has seen successful transitions in government from one political party to the other.
Ghanaians by and large have much to be thankful for, but a lot more has been ignored by its government over the years. For a country with its population and size and the wealth in mineral, agricultural and human resources, Ghana’s current economic situation leaves a lot to be desired. The country has no business being broke even as its economy sits on the launching pad ready for a take-off. The irony of Ghana’s current situation is lack of expertise and knowledge for a country that has produced experts for the United Nations, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to name a few. If available figures are to be believed, Ghana’s literacy rate has dropped from 75 percent 45 years ago to a mere 45 percent.
Ghana’s democratic credentials belie the electoral process. Elections since 1993 have never been credible and the latest contest of the 2012 election results by the opposition bared the truth for all to see. Not only that: the nation’s judiciary dented its reputation with its plausible verdict. Corruption in government and among government functionaries has reached dizzying heights while children study under trees. College graduates sell dog chains on the streets as draconian taxes are slapped on basic needs. Unemployment is at record high.
When oil was discovered in commercial quantities, Ghanaians breathed a sigh of relief only to be left in the lurch. The nation’s environment is being devastated with gold mining, legal and illegal and yet the people do not feel the wealth in their pockets. Only a few benefit from the nation’s resources. While Ghanaians are crying out for probity, accountability and good governance they are served propaganda. Donor countries and the World Bank must desist from shielding poor governance and corruption and accept that their efforts are being wasted. Ghana cannot continue to be a guinea pig for their unsuccessful experimentations.
Amandla wishes Ghanaians a belated independence day but we also believe that docility and passivity do not make a nation. It is only when the voice of the people is heard loud and clear that governments are stirred into action. What is happening in Ukraine should serve as a warning to non-performing governments.
Ghanaians have compromised their independence for far too long. Why shouldn’t the gods show their teeth for once?
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