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Opinions of Sunday, 9 June 2019

Columnist: Mubarik Yusif

Let's hear, interpret, consult before criticizing or praising

President Akufo-Addo with UN President Akufo-Addo with UN

Recently, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana got a lot of criticisms from the "Gender Activists' community in Ghana over his comments about women at the Women Deliver Conference in Canada.

What did He actually say?

“We are not seeing enough dynamism and activism on the part of those who are seeking. I am talking about dynamism where it matters…electing people to Parliament, controlling political parties because they are the instruments by which our societies make decisions".

“We are talking about decisions, not wishes and hopes, we are talking about decisions that are going to make the difference,”

Explanation!

Dynamism is defined as:

"The quality of being characterized by vigorous activity and progress".

While activism is:

"The policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change".

What that statement actually meant:

"We are not being challenged enough by those seeking equality... I am talking about challenging where it matters. Electing yourselves into Parliament, controlling Political Parties because they are the instruments by which our societies make decisions".

"We are talking about being part of the decision making body to make decisions that will give us the change we desire, not sitting at home wishing and hoping that those decisions are made on our behalf".

What's wrong or misplaced in the statements above?

Sometimes we need to put Politics aside analyze situations critically, that fact that one is a Politician or holds a Political position, doesn't mean all their activities, actions and statements are meant for their Political rivals or competitors.

Written By:
Mubarik Yusif
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barik@askbarik.tech