The State of the nation in 24 hours

Astrologers may put it to certain configurations in the heavens, but last Thursday, the 15th of June, was a day of interesting happenings. Where the stars come in is the coincidental portents of the happenings.

Firstly, early in the morning, GBC television viewers were given a CNN version of how well we are doing in Ghana.

Secondly, at midday, i.e. during the one o'clock news, GBC piped to Ghanaians a message that, owing to our economic problems, Ghana could not host the ECOWAS meeting scheduled for Accra this year.

And thirdly, in the evening, the Alliance For Change held its maiden symposium to discuss the state of the nation.

THE CNN PROGRAMME

Not very surprising in itself as it is common knowledge that a kind of pact exists between the network and the (P)NDC through the GBC for a reprehensible symbiotic relationship. The otherwise respectable CNN is leading the pack of Western media that have become specialists in portraying Ghana as an economic miracle when the majority of Ghanaians themselves are being crushed under the yoke of unworkable economic programmes. Programmes that for over a decade have nothing to show but huge indebtedness to the West, with a totally dependent economy.

What the documentary didn't show was our collapsed industries, our failed educational system, our inability to feed ourselves, the junk on our markets from the scrap yards of the West, our dilapidated hospitals and above all, the views of ordinary Ghanaians - the millions of people whose verdict - the Kume Preko marches, they tried to down-play at the end of the presentation. Ironically, the economy that was touted by the CNN as doing so well would, in a matter of hours, embarrassingly contradict the CNN's optimism with a simple admission.

THE ECOWAS MEETING

IN a rather curious move, the (P)NDC announced that "the country cannot afford the projected expenditure on the conference which runs into millions of dollars".

Following hot on the heels of the glowing CNN report barely five hours earlier, this was most baffling. Ghana is not doing well, after all, because if 30 years ago, we were able to host the much grader O.A.U. conference, what are we saying, that after a decade of an Economic Recovery Programme that is being praised to high heavens, dollars will continue to be a problem? And amidst much fanfare, in 1991, we spent those same millions to host the dying Non- Aligned Movement.

At that time we were made to believe that the mother of all conferences was being held in Ghana, after which the infrastructure would be so up to date that Accra would become an international conference centre. Certainly, cash cannot be the problem, for a country that is so "credit worthy" according to ex-Flt Rawlings. And, surely, Ghana could have asked for other members states to chip in.

Or is there a hidden fear? Perhaps the Alliance for Change and its mass support? That they will prove to the visitors that all is not well in Ghana?

THE SYMPOSIUM

Five hours or so after the Ghanaian retreat, the AFC did precisely that and offered some hints into the way forward at its State of the Nation Symposium.

Elsewhere in this paper are details of what was said at the symposium. The speakers identified the three major areas that need serious reform and imaginative thinking to untangle the strangulating knots created by over a decade of an unaccountable, corrupt and vindictive regime. They were naturally, the economy, labour and national security. Amidst genuine and patriotic concerns, speakers and audience were agreed on one thing: THE STATE OF THE NATION IS A VERY PRECARIOUS ONE, INDEED.

A situation even the apostles of "Continuity" confirmed with their inability to host the ECOWAS meeting. NO auguries are necessary here. This is the time for change!