The dignity of humankind, calls for a deeper reflection to be able to have a better way of engaging with our humanity. My aim is not to dwell on complex analysis of human dignity and draw categorical distinctions in related abstract concepts with implications - I will leave this domain for philosophers and theologians. All I seek as an advocate of human dignity, is to grasp readers attention to this important moral reasoning and may be take a critical look, however subtle, on how we “create” the human person or recognise the dignity of the individual in our Ghanaian society .
In recent times, the stories that have hit the banner headlines of our media, makes me want to examine the individual and our collective sense of esteem for one another. A 72 year old Grandmother is burnt in cold blood by a mob, after being accused of witchcraft. Johnson Kombian, the jail breaker is alleged abused by the police. In our prison, we have 104 people on death row living in a cell meant for 24 people.
The major religions in Ghana, Christianity and Islam, affirm the inherent and inalienable dignity of the human person. Their anthropological perspective of the human person is very profound. They believe humankind is the crown of God’s creation. Their teachings emphasize that human existence should not be measured based on, age, income, health, education, capacities, location or properties.
Also, our constitution guarantees the rights of the individual, which resonates with the concept of human dignity. However, human dignity cannot be equal to human right. The distinctions in these concepts are not mere rhetoric. Human dignity is an overarching principle that appeals to the need to respect humanity, even the unborn who apparently have no “human rights”. The framework of human dignity is broader than human rights in our law books. The constitution can only attempt to explicitly define guidelines to achieve human dignity.
Unfortunately, despite our deep expression of religious faith and budding democracy, safeguard by our constitution, we hear and see the scourge of human indignity in many forms in the country. In Some instances, even considered as “normal”; especially, when it lacks enough bases to be spelt out as human right abuse. These problems are rooted in our sense of value for our humanity and clear misunderstanding of our human nature. Come to think of it, as a nation we find amusement in a young woman who seems unwell and proposes love to Asamoah Gyan. This is not “fun” to be promoted by the media.
Like any where else in the world, I believe, our problems are embedded in our struggle to uphold the intrinsic worth of the human person. How do we esteem the individual, “that human being” in our family, community, politics, government and corporate organisation? How is the human person consciously or unconsciously “constructed” or “defined” in our mind? Is it that man or woman who adds to the number of the population? Is it that energetic person who works for us to make profit? What about the frail old person? The helpless foetus? The youth, who can be lead astray? How do we “operationalize” a person in our family, business plan and national policy?
When you drive pass those young people who sell on our streets what come to mind? Do you think of yourself to have the same inherent, profound, and equal dignity? Are they sellers that provide services or people who are mere instrument to achieve optimum utility? Are they to you, individuals with unique value which transcends the limitations of economic interest?
Our expensive “funeral parties” say much, some have referred to it as “the epitome of hypocrisy in our cultural practices” but I prefer to call it, “the complex reflection of our social value system”. Do we really honour the dead? -Who never had the opportunity to enjoy one decent meal a day and a good health care yet given a “dignified” funeral. Whose dignity are we protecting or honouring? Is it the dignity of the dead or the family members?
To dismiss human dignity mean eroding our society itself, with wide and ruinous repercussions. Think about man-made poverty through national policy and practice. We face indignity through unjust wages, unfair distribution of our national cake, corruption, tribalism, unemployment and many other evils. Our problem as a nation is far less of “no money syndrome” than the outcome of policies and practices carved in a way we value the human person. The dehumanizing conditions in the slums and our prisons are the fruit of our “construction” of the human person. A cursory glance at Abogbloshie, Kantanmato and Kokomba Markets in Accra for instance, will expose one to quite a number of people without the comfort and haven of a home, but have to make do with “sleeping places” near stinking gutters. It is not that I want to propose a welfare state – I think, it rob people of their dignity to labour for their daily bread. In essence, we have not created the enabling environment through policy and practice which sustains the dignity of citizens particularly the most vulnerable.
Think about how politicians and government relate to us. Why the usual sudden changes during election year? When politicians limit their view on citizens as just voters, they loose their sense for people with dignity; they begin to see “social problems” to be dealt with as though they are literally objects. They fail to see people, who have equal intrinsic value, with potential and innate desire to prosper just like them. They bribe the electorate with unsustainable development projects. The intent of most development initiative is meant to patronise and prevent political upheaval. The latent tension in these thoughts is surely subtle but the empirical evidence is certainly obvious. Think about “the jobs for the boys”, can we include the National Youth Empowerment Programme?
For now, this is what space will allow me to highlight. But please, continue the reflection. How do you personally value each person around you? Our Perception of the human person influences our decisions in society at all levels of organisation and shapes the destinies of individuals and nations. It has practical consequences understanding our humanity in truth; our very own existence in many dimensions –relational, physical, spiritual, individual and corporate.
Human dignity may sometimes appear as a tough one to sell in this era, however our inspiration and focus as Ghanaians should not be limited to human rights and our “superficial” religion but the transcendent value of the human person which break the boundaries of our personal interest; wining votes; delivering instant justice; and making profit.
Finally, the recognition of the dignity of each individual in our country, set us on a new dimension to embrace our true self. The sure way to establishing and maintaining a flourishing nation.
Yaw Martin Agyemang Badu Dignity and Entrepreneurship Institute thedeighana@gmail.com
