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Opinions of Monday, 1 March 2010

Columnist: Badu, K.

Ghana today, any hope tomorrow?

We have come a long way since the attainment of independence from the British colonial rule, but we are yet to get there. Scrambling for power has been the order of the day by our politicians, not to mention the countless coups which have culminated in economic upheaval and resentments in the country. Our leaders’ lacklustre approaches to their duties have been nothing but shambles; there have been appalling decisions by these politicians which have only made things more complicated for Ghanaians.

The layer of the foundations (Osagyefo Dr. Nkrumah) work was brought to an abrupt halt by “architects” who thought at the time they could build the house better than what he was trying to put in place. The foundations were fantastic but the “builders” or should I say “cowboys”, have for some time now not been able to put in place any meaningful structure; their works have been nothing but mediocrity. At times, I begin to ponder and ask myself whether if these “builders” or “cowboys” have any clues at all in carry out their duties or they are just being careless. If we were lucky enough and got more competent “builders”, the structure would have been nearing completion by now. The current “architects” are also struggling to help put any meaningful structures in place.

This is the country where an individual bamboozled onto the scene under the pretext of acting as peripheral Panacea to wipe out the sleaze and corruption in the country. This individual went ahead with the help of gullible and selfish individuals and murdered people he suspected as nation wreckers. It is worth noting that some of the alleged crimes would not even warrant a “caution” in a true democracy. The despotic revolutionary Rawlings challenged the good people of Ghana to “shoot” him if he fails to get rid of corruption. Isn’t that risible proclivity?

Needless to say, he did not even get rid of corruption in his own erratic government, let alone the entire nation. He preaches probity and accountability but fails to account to good people of Ghana how he managed to fund his NDC party; how he managed to fund his children education abroad, and all the properties he acquired surreptitiously. What leaves discerning Ghanaians with puzzlement is, with all his malfeasances and ultra-vile attitude; he has the audacity to point accusing fingers. It is also worth pointing out that with all his Machiavellianism during his autocratic rule, he managed to cover his misdeeds with the repugnant indemnity clause. Candidly, the Doyen of NDC is a phantom patriot.

Someone ought to poignantly remind prank Rawlings and all the “mountebank” politicians that, they are all guilty of taking Ghanaians for a ride

Oh! Hmmmm! Who shall we rely on to build this structure for us? I think we should all join forces together and help put this structure together for our own comfort and the next generation. We have to put a stop to our over reliance on the government and take responsibilities as well. The wide spread corruption and sleaze are not only prevalent within the constitutional government but rather, the nationwide issue which needs to be addressed by all and sundry. It is a tall order, however if we stick together and have our nation at heart, we would get there eventually. Honestly, I’m cognisant of the fact that the vast majority of Ghanaians do not want to envisage the apocalypse of the nation sinking deeper and deeper into the mire!

God bless our homeland Ghana, And make our nation great and strong, Bold to defend forever The cause of Freedom and of Right. Fill our hearts with true humility Make us cherish fearless honesty, And help us to resist oppressors' rule With all our will and might evermore.

Hail to thy name, O Ghana To thee we make our solemn vow; Steadfast to build together A nation strong in Unity; With our gifts of mind and strength of arm, Whether night or day, in the midst of storm, In every need whatever the call may be, To serve thee, Ghana, now and evermore.

K.BADU