Opinions of Sunday, 6 September 2009

Columnist: The Royal Enoch

The Day That Ghana Died

There was a time when the people of Ghana stood for something, if anything. They had hopes, dreams and aspirations to be great. Both their imaginations and fantasies were wild and free. They believed that mortals, albeit created less than the angels of heaven, had the potential to make their Maker proud. Ghana, the land of the Black-stars, also felt the first rays of the rising sun of independence. Ghanaians were proud, and made other Black nations proud to be part of the African continent. Ghana and her children saw things which were, and asked themselves why? But also they saw things which weren't, and said why not?

The times have changed, and of course with it the people. The dream of greatness, which once characterized many has been traded for a life of mediocrity. The once proud and fearless people of Ghana, have been reduced to petty thieves, cowards, illiterates, prostitutes and cut-throats. Ghana, which once stood for all things possible has gradually succumbed to the impossible. The nation, which once stood for hope is now tainted with despair. The former gold coast is now Ghana, the land of beggars. And one begs to ask, where did it all go wrong? What became of our dreams, goals and ambition? Just when did God turn his back and walk away? Better yet, what became of us, each and everyone of us? Simply put, when did Ghana die without us ever knowing?

To know oneself is just as important as knowing exactly what to expect, and what not expect from oneself.In other words, knowing thyself, is also the knowledge of knowing who to choose to represent you, and who not to represent you in the form of leadership. In essence, a true leader is a representative of the people, who accounts to people, and is also held accountable by the people. Therefore, it should be emphasized that, the people's representative/leader cannot do anything without the people's consent. Moreover, the people's representative speaks and acts on behalf of the people. If anything, he/she is the personification of the people's will. However, there could be instances whereby a leader could become corrupt. Especially, instances whereby transparency, responsibility and accountability to the people are given up for sale. And when this happens, true leadership gives way to puppet leadership.

Now, whereas true leadership is always of the people, puppet leadership on the other hand, is remotely controlled by outside forces. Whose intentions are hell-bent on controlling the wealth of a nation, at the expense of its people.

See, the interests of the people have to come first and foremost. But in other for that to happen, a good representative would have to be in order. However, since time is known to dictate agenda, a good representative must know what to do, and what not do at the right time. Ghana goes to the polls every four years to elect her leader. Yet nothing gets done, and nothing changes for the better. It's always the same old talks, coupled to the same old walks. Therefore, one begs to ask, who kind of people are we electing to lead us? Are they really being chosen by ourselves, or are they being chosen by others to lead us with us thinking, that we are the ones doing the choosing ourselves?