Book Review: A New Agenda for Ghana

A New Agenda for Ghana: Building bridges for positive change by Okyere Bonna

(Asomaning, February 28, 2007 UK). As a historical account of our past, at least post 1957, the book is a very credible and a brave attempt especially for the young to have some perspectives as to where we were and where we are now in 2007. The diagnosis of the ills of our government is second to none and I liked particularly the incisive observation of the ways of the establishment, while they are stealing and depositing abroad their loot, the Diaspora are eagerly liquidating and thinking of relocating to improve things in Ghana. That is class analysis. The case for a Diaspora president is excellently made, particularly the quote from Arthur Kennedy "the question is not whether I live in Ghana, but whether Ghana lives in me!" captures very well that position. This quote ought to be heard by every well meaning Ghanaian voter. The nonsense of the so called "Presidential Queue" is also dealt with thoroughly, and again Kennedy's quote captures this succinctly "waiting is not the same as preparation"

Martin Luther King on Ghana. Thanks for this history lesson Okyere. I didn’t realise this great man had a lot to say about Ghana and using our Independence struggle as a template for his own and Black struggles in America. What emerged clearly for me was that “arm chair” struggle is no struggle. One must get his/her hands dirty.

On Aid. Some of the sentiments expressed by Franklin are articulated, but with some compassion. Aid has been indeed used by our leaders for the wrong purposes. In a sense they have abdicated their roles as providers of basic human needs like water to NGO’s. What a shame and what a waste of political power!

Developing local talent. This moved me the greatest. Ghana, it seems has become the land of neglected dreams, our government, instead of initiating development programmes has rather become a propaganda machinery, but with Okyere's refreshing brand of politics akin to Abe Lincoln's "government of the people, for the people and by the people" - there is hope for the motherland.

Confronting leaders not coddling them: Okyere suggests a bold step for all. He argues that we must question authority and not just take whatever they say at face value – this is a culture / mindset issue in Ghana at the moment. Some critics do so well, others because of frustrations mess things up a bit, but it's all done with good intentions. However, whatever we do we must be bold in confronting inept leadership.

Political / Moral Philosophy: This is where the book really caught my imagination because I am personally very close if not identical to the author’s moral / political compass. What makes a true leader is discussed thoroughly, not just being educated or full of ideas, but whether one has the moral courage, conviction and ability to be self less rather than being self centred, to be concerned about the teeming suffering masses and using political power to transform real lives. Okyere's position is dynamic, challenging and very bold. Not many will be able to hack this but it surely is the only way I think, to deliver our teeming masses steeped in poverty and hopelessness. When the rubber hits the road - as they say, how many would ignore or reject $2m in cold cash and rather champion the cause of the poor? Please read John Perkin's book: The Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. Every third world leader would face this challenge; the question is how many would pass the test?

The next step: Every civil servant, university graduate and students (and even serious sixth formers), must read this book. It is indeed A New Agenda for Ghana. The question now is how do we make the books affordable in Ghana? I look forward to Dr. Kwaku Danso's book but again, how do we get these books to the people? Recent discussions lately have demonstrated the need to fill this information gap. Folks, let's get our brain cells working to make access of such Ghanaian authored books to our compatriots at home else others would fill the gap with unwholesome stuff.

A good book by Okyere, neither a typical history nor a political science textbook, not that the author is unable to do such but rather as the preface indicates it is, the beginning of a national conversation. He captures all that is good in the new Ghana, celebrating the good stuff, excellent ideas and positive visions and energies of Ghanaians across the social and political spectrum. The GNP gets a good review, besides the GLU forum is highly celebrated and many quotes from the distinguished forumers are captured in the book. As expected Arthur Kennedy is the author's preferred candidate and is a good PR book for Kennedy's candidature. It is a call for a new brave Ghana, a confident nation full of promise and IS ABLE to achieve greatness. A bold attempt by one of our own whose passion and love for the motherland is extraordinary and has managed the time to put his deep thoughts, hopes and dreams on paper. Not a small feat - because not many people, especially in contemporary Ghana has done such a thing. Many are afraid to speak or to write for numerous obvious or not so obvious reasons but not Okyere Bonna. He deserves our commendation.

Okyere, in addition to his many gifts is also a fine preacher, one of the best. He is my kind of preacher, invited to my pulpit any day, because passion and truth run through his soul. Well done bro.