African presidents are not gods – Casely Hayford

Financial analyst and social commentator, Sydney Casely Hayford, has expressed disappointment in the 'deification' of Presidents by Africans.

According to Mr. Hayford, Africans are in the habit of portraying their Presidents as “gods” who are indomitable and immortal and whose ailments cannot be spoken of or discussed in the public light.

"In Africa, we are not told what is wrong with our people until they die. Whether he has got cancer or he is suffering from cold, we do not discuss it. He is too much of a god for us to see that he is vulnerable and will die", he asserted.

He cited Nigeria’s President Buhari who has been in the news lately over his ill health. He also made reference to the late Professor Mills, who died after sudden illness despite claims that he was fit.

"Our president, Professor Mills died from cancer. As we were told, we have not got an autopsy yet. But he died. Before he died, he was very well. He was even jogging on the tarmac at the Kotoka international airport", Mr. Hayford said.

Mr. Casely Hayford was Guest Speaker at a seminar themed; "The Economic and Political Rise of Africa”. Several students from various tertiary institutions and corporate workers were present at the event.

The seminar, organized by the Governance and Security Group of Africa (CSG Africa) came off on Saturday July 8 at the African Regent Hotel in Accra.