Finding Ghana

Some 68 years ago, motivated by a passion for self-fulfillment and a believe in the ability of black people everywhere to rise, we breathed the free air of independence. Buoyed by the incomprehensible notions of self-worth we lit a torch filled with flames from the continent and the diaspora. A torch which burnt bright not just with hope and wishes but with some of the most forward-thinking projects a new country could ask for. We were Ghana.

A country on the rise. The envy of many and the bane of all who refuted the ability of black people to manage our own affairs, as we had done for more than a millennia before the sails of Portugal fluttered along our coast. In those early years we had a sense of self. An identity that was forged from our centuries long struggles to reassert our independence. An identity that was tied with our belief that failure was not an option. We knew who we were. Yet somewhere since, we have lost Ghana.

In just over six decades, we have lost that which made us the black stars of Africa which shone forth as respite and hope for all. To be Ghanaian has lost its meaning to us. Let us not kid ourselves and pretend all is as it was. For then we act as ostriches. When our young people would rather face the possibility of death as they journey to Europe, to gain second class status, than stay in our country, we must know we have lost Ghana. When politicians and chiefs who have lost their ethical and moral compass would choose wealth over our lands and rivers and the human and animal life they support, we must know we have lost Ghana. When our education system continues to train students for non-existent clerical and civil service jobs, and not to face the challenges of the 21st century, how do we deny that we have lost Ghana? If we admit what we have done, then we owe it to those whose blood was shed to build our country and to those who will one day need the pride of calling themselves Ghanaians, to find Ghana.

One person cannot find ghana. Be it a politician, academic, business magnate or priest. Ghana cannot be found by a particular religion, faith or creed. Ghana cannot be found by working class, the middle income or affluent. Ghana cannot be found in one ethnic group or tongue. Ghana can only be found by all of us, for it did take a multiplicity to build Ghana. It is our various histories and triumphs and challenges that are woven in to the complex DNA of that Ghana which set the path for others to follow. A Ghana formed and defended by blood of all who believed in our black star and what it represented.

As we attempt to find this our lost Ghana, we must be armed with the tools of one who seeks rediscovery of a lost treasure. We must have a map, one devoid of partisan changes and personal desires. One that considers first and foremost the good of Ghana. A map that critically thinks of our current changes and sets a vision of the Ghana we all desire. A national plan that takes into consideration our strengths as a nation and the challenges we are sure to overcome. For if we do not know the path to follow, we will end up in the same cyclical trap we have remained in for decades. This map must cater for the future of health care in our country, it must direct where and how our transportation system will evolve. It must show our path to energy self-sufficiency; an education system that is geared towards our national aspirations; a target for true affordable housing and a revamped agricultural sector amongst others.

Finding Ghana requires sacrifice. Not the slaughtering of sheep or cattle. Sacrifice of myopic and selfish personal gains, at the expense of the national good. We must each sacrifice our greed that breeds corruption at the altar of national growth. It is not enough to ask the average citizenry to sacrifice hard earned wealth through taxes for national growth. The leaders of our search for Ghana must make even more enormous sacrifices. They must sacrifice their personal indulgences for Ghana. As long as we continue to smile and wink at corruption. As long as we continue to celebrate and eulogize with aromatic words those who profit out of the downfall of Ghana, our quest will be I’ll-fated.In plain sight we give such persons who have sacrificed nothing for the country the best seats and we treat with utter disdain the poor citizenry who we tax to the bone.

Finding Ghana is a calling that each of us, here on these golden shores, and in the far reaches of this known world are called to. A most solemn task with repercussions that will outlive each of us. We must find Ghana. For in losing our selves we have lost her, and in losing her we have doused a most inspiring flame of African ability and excellence. We were handed a legacy, entrusted with the care of Ghana for all the world. Let us not fail. We cannot afford to fail. For Ghana we must find so we can sing once more, with heads held high, God bless our homeland Ghana.

The author is the President of the Osu Stool Council