This is a very good piece of an article, but the African leaders will never heed to it, for, they are blind only with western ideas, and this Western kind of democracy wouldn´t help Africans anyway.
This is a very good piece of an article, but the African leaders will never heed to it, for, they are blind only with western ideas, and this Western kind of democracy wouldn´t help Africans anyway.
Yaw Ohemeng 10 years ago
I do not know what to make of this article. Where are the writer’s original thoughts and contribution to the debate? Is he condemning ‘borrowed’ African way of life (via Judge’s wigs) or defending that Africa has alwa ... read full comment
I do not know what to make of this article. Where are the writer’s original thoughts and contribution to the debate? Is he condemning ‘borrowed’ African way of life (via Judge’s wigs) or defending that Africa has always practised democracy?
The best part of the article came in the last but one paragraph when he wrote that:
“While the term “democracy,” now a Western buzzword for representative government, might have been borrowed from the Greeks, democratic thought and values have never been exclusively Greek or Euro-American preserve. Indeed, the desire for representation, inclusion, and participation in public affairs, essential elements of democracy, are universal to all human beings; the difference rests in the methods of attaining these goals. To what extent a society “democratizes” is incontestably dependent on its socio-political milieu, whether it’s African, European, Asian, or even Islamic societies.”
So when people write about ‘africanising’ democracy I expect them to bring out their prescriptions rather regurgitate other people’s thoughts and writings.
Democracy involves individuals living in societies, communities and countries agreeing, out of their own free will, to surrender their individual freedoms to a ‘collective’ entity vested with the powers to protect and to seek the welfare of all. To function, some amongst the individuals are elected to exercise the powers of the entity on behalf of all and these elected ones are held accountable to all. In order not to give these individuals unrestrained powers, constitutions are drawn up supplemented by laws and statutes to regulate and check their conduct. Institutions are also established to regulate the conduct of all and to provide services to the citizenry all towards seeking everyone’s welfare and protection.
Election of individuals to exercise power on behalf of all is subject to rules and regulations. These rules and regulations specify the representation units, the interrelationships between them, who qualify to take part in the selection process; who qualify to put themselves up for selection and the intervals at which the selection process takes place.
Thus if Africa is to pursue its own version of democracy, the questions to address our minds to are:
1. What representation units do we create and what are the interrelationships between them?
2. Who qualify to vote in the selection of representatives and who qualify to present themselves as candidates for election?
3. What moral ideals do we pursue as a people and society?
4. What institutions do we set up to advance the moral ideals, regulate conduct of all and to restrain the powers of those elected to exercise power on our behalf?
5. What mechanisms do we set up for those elected to be accountable to those who elected them?
I think we are past the point of romantically writing about how nice it would be for Africa to practise its own form of democracy. The time is now to answer these questions and I intend to write an article to set this debate rolling.
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Yaw Ohemeng,
Good morning? How are yo doing?
First, I am Yaw too. Second, I have more than 10 articles published on Ghanaweb alone.
I have advanced many original ideas there as to how Ghana and Africa as whole can ... read full comment
Yaw Ohemeng,
Good morning? How are yo doing?
First, I am Yaw too. Second, I have more than 10 articles published on Ghanaweb alone.
I have advanced many original ideas there as to how Ghana and Africa as whole can move forward in terms of building better (stronger) institutions---democracy, judiciary, education, human (children) rights, anti-corruption, technology acquisition, women rights (trokosi and female genital mutilation), homosexuality, and many more topics.
With this particular article, my aim was merely to expand upon what Prof. Prodi said about Africa's building its own institutions without external (divisive) prodding via the historical record.
So, if you need original depth, please get my other articles. They inculde every single (and more) suggestion you have outlined in your comments here on this forum.
Thanks.
C.Y. ANDY-K 10 years ago
My broda, you couldn't be louder in excoriating our intellectually bankrupt and pathetic lawyers whose predominance in politics and governance syst. as main actors is responsible for our malaise. They adoption and adherence t ... read full comment
My broda, you couldn't be louder in excoriating our intellectually bankrupt and pathetic lawyers whose predominance in politics and governance syst. as main actors is responsible for our malaise. They adoption and adherence to those ridiculous wigs the original users have discarded is symptomatic of the problem under discussion: the lack of African input into the democracy being stuffed down our throats.
One of the reading lists we used for the Pol. Science course in Legon in the '70s is Prof. Macpherson's talk on Radio Canada on Aspects of Democracy. He identified 2 forms, the Western Rep. Pluralist, the Communist variant and the Third World variant, which is African. He concluded that the African variant was the closest to the Greek variant which the Western World tried to replicate. Of course, having read Ancient History too, I know exactly what he meant.
Like you, I've tried in my writings in cyberspace, some posted to Ghanaweb,e.g. Taming the Rogue State..., Opening Up the Rural Areas..., I've tried to suggest ways in which to make germane and relevant African participatory democracy in our devt. Problem, most people, esp. our lawyers, have no clue what it is all about!
Of course, they didn't even know that a country cannot seize a military vessel of another country on a friendly visit, esp. for a foreign vulture fund! I've been planning to write a full article denouncing our lawyers (don't worry, I've 2 siblings who are lawyers, so I am not envious of lawyers) after their pathetic handling of that frivolous election petition. For someone like me who spent several years in the State Formation Seminar, I am simplified horrified by the backwardness I see exhibited in my country by our so-called leaders and the lawyers advising them.
Pathetic!
Andy-K
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Dear Brother,
How're doing? I am working on our attack on Prof. Saladduhin. Please I have not forgotten that.
I will let you once I am done.
And your comments here! They are a killer!
Some have taken issue with ... read full comment
Dear Brother,
How're doing? I am working on our attack on Prof. Saladduhin. Please I have not forgotten that.
I will let you once I am done.
And your comments here! They are a killer!
Some have taken issue with me for bringing up those disgusting wigs. These are simple things I think we must understand.
Andy, let me quote part of your ideas I enjoyed reading the most:
"They adoption and adherence to those ridiculous wigs the original users have discarded is symptomatic of the problem under discussion: the lack of African input into the democracy being stuffed down our throats." The last comment says it all!
This is what I would have wanted each of us to read over and over and over.
Thanks Andy. Another great wisdom!
Dantankwa 10 years ago
Kwarteng, I could barely help but to agree with Yaw that your voice is hardly felt in your writings. It usually gets drown in your endless quotes. There is no denying that you are well-read and a prolific writer. That said, o ... read full comment
Kwarteng, I could barely help but to agree with Yaw that your voice is hardly felt in your writings. It usually gets drown in your endless quotes. There is no denying that you are well-read and a prolific writer. That said, one thing I have noticed from your articles is that you quote excessively such that it is difficult for the reader to appreciate your own point. You neither preface those quotes with your own views neither do you comment on them to buttress your points. This is one of the basic principles taught in academic writing. One of my professors used to say; No matter how a powerful a quote maybe it cannot be a substitute to your own voice.
Again, I wonder why you keep asking people who critice your work to read your previous articles. Your articles are usually quite lengthy and comprehensive and as a matter of principle they must make complete sense as any independent article would.
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Hello Dantankwa,
Pardon me for any errors you see in this reply.
Yaw Ohemeng said he wanted my original ideas yet none of the suggestions he outlined was original. I have everyone of the things he said in my previous ar ... read full comment
Hello Dantankwa,
Pardon me for any errors you see in this reply.
Yaw Ohemeng said he wanted my original ideas yet none of the suggestions he outlined was original. I have everyone of the things he said in my previous articles published on Ghanaweb. Read them.
I have seen other Ghanaweb writers mention them as well. So what did he mean he wanted original ideas? What is original in the world these days?
After all, most master's and phd dissertations are not even "original." That's why every dissertation has references/citations/bibilography!
One of America's leading intellectuals has asked me to save my articles for publication in the near future. In fact, I send him every copy I send to Ghanaweb.
Even if I decide to have my articles published as a book, I still have to rewrite most parts. I hardly proofread my work before submitting them for publication on Ghanaweb and other other websites.
Moreover, Ghanaweb is not an academic journal. Don't expect me to post anything academic here. Nothing of mine posted on Ghanaweb is academic.
They are merely casual writings, not anything "serious." Most people can write what I post on Ghanaweb. I am not doing anything extraordinary.
You see my "Africa Must Practice Its Own democracy"? Nii Ashitey sent me a published Ghanaweb piece on Prof. Prodi yesterday morning and I wrote my response right away and sent it for publication that same day.
I didnt even have time to proofread it. (As I write, 418 people have read this article "Africa Must Practice Its Own Demoracy" on another website). How many do we on Ghanaweb if we go by number of comments?
353 people have read "The Clash of Civilizaions" you complain about on the same website as "Africa Must Practice It's Own Democracy." How many people have read on Ghanaweb if we go by comments? I wish I could tell you the caliber of website I am talking!
Sometimes I see typos and grammatical errors when I had to reread them in order to respond to questions. I barely have the time. So pardon me.
The other problem is that I get complaints for everything I post on Ghana. But here are the interesting facts: I published a tribute to Prof. Kofi Awoonor and about 82 readers commented on it on Ghanaweb. About 75 of the readers posted insults.
However, on another website (the same websites I mentioned above) 840 people read the same article, the tribute. Not one negative comment. I received accolades from Ghanaians all over the world.
TV3 gave me a date for an interview not knowing I don't even live in Ghana. Call the assitant producer of TV3 (Juliane Yorke--whom I communicate with everyday) to verify this statement.
I also received emails from the editor of The Voice Magazine (Netherlands). The editor is Kester. He said my articles were interesting and asked me to keep it up.
Also, I received invitation from Prime Journal of Social Science to serve as a reviewer (or invitation) to publish my articles there). I have not even replied the Journal yet.
Regarding why I refer readers to my other articles, why should I keep repeating the same answers when I can refer readers to relevant articles?
Or, when I can use the time to write other articles. Most Ghanaweb writers submit articles for publication and don't care what anyone says. I give anough references which answer almost all the questions. Most Ghanaweb writers don't do that!
Finally, what is wrong if I give you someone else's voice? I can't be talking all the time. Moreover, my voice is found everywhere in all the articles I write. I wonder why You and Yaw Ohemeng don't see it. Several people have written privately to thank me for the references.
One more thing: Please don't expect anything academic from me (as Ghanaweb is not an academic journal).
Forget what your professor says. I am not writing any test for him (please don't take this as an insult). I have dealt and continue to deal with professors everyday.
Do you read books written by professors? Do you check if they include references/bibliographis/citations? Ask them about the uses of the latter. I have read many professors in my entire life to tell you that the most of the references are not their voice. They are others!
I have read many scholarly articles and the same notion applies there too. So forget about your professor. He's not my professor.
You should share your problems with him/her, your professor. I have my own professors to deal. They tell me something different from what you are telling me through another person's voice.
Now you are using your professor's voice to tell me how I should write my essays. Double standard. Telling me one thing and doing another.
You complained about my article "The Clash of Civilizations: Africa And The Arab World." Please go back to that article again and read what another commentator (Kofi Seaman) wrote about the same article you are complanin. Let be copy and paste it here for you:
"Kudos,Mr Francis Kwarteng,l always enjoy reading your write ups,its a great eye opener.Its a beautiful thing for a people(Africans) to know their true selves from great writers and reseachers as you, despite efforts by the outside world to twist it."
Have a great weekend.
Dantankwa 10 years ago
Dear Francis,
Yaw Ohemeng raised a genuine concern which I seemed to agree with, and I drew your attention to it so that you can address that in your future writings and there you go on the offensive, bloating and balooni ... read full comment
Dear Francis,
Yaw Ohemeng raised a genuine concern which I seemed to agree with, and I drew your attention to it so that you can address that in your future writings and there you go on the offensive, bloating and balooning your own ego out of proportion (TV 3 called me, I recieved invitation from Prime Journal of Social studies, etc) and accusing me in the process of double standard, just for quoting a former Professor. You failed to appreciate that I made a clear point before the quote. That is exactly what I said was wrong with your excessive quotes.
More significantly, you seem to be creating the impression that you only post your writings to be showered with praizes and accolades, and not to be criticised so that you can improve your art. And clearly this is not a mark of real scholarship. It is true that Ghanaweb is a not an academic journal, yet you are one of a scarcely few writers who have sought to demonstrate through their writings that they are indeed erodites, and we are indeed proud of you. Your approach and biases aside (and every writer do have one), your articles give the reader something to think and reflect over, and also important references to consult if the need be. I therefore see nothing wrong if we subject your works to rigorous academic standards. For example, Yaw was of the view that you could have used some of the space theren to give a practical insights into how democracy could be appropriated and patterned to suit our needs taking into considerations the few questions Yaw has clearly outlined. Any academic would welcome such criticism in good faith. No academic constitute an ocean by him/herself, so they say.
On a lighter note, don't ever be discouraged by the heaps of insults from audience of Ghanaweb. It pays to know that at least there are few discerning readers who take your work seriouly, and please learn to take criticism regarless of how acute they may be, in good faith. They will surely help you to refine your skills. Good day!!!
Kawaanopaado 10 years ago
The African democracy cannot be defined. Let us avoid anarchy by reinventing the wheel. If we say we want African democracy, we shall end up having demo-crazy, whereby each leader will sell his own version and force us to buy ... read full comment
The African democracy cannot be defined. Let us avoid anarchy by reinventing the wheel. If we say we want African democracy, we shall end up having demo-crazy, whereby each leader will sell his own version and force us to buy into them. There is no perfect democracy or one-size-fit-all democracy. Each country takes the basic tenets and craft it to suit their environment. Therefore the thesis and premise of this essay is non-sequitur, and declared null and void.
Kawaanopaado 10 years ago
I hope those craving for African democracy and not telling us to go back to pre-European advent communal leadership in this 21st century, are not unaware of modernity and modernisation in a global village and the need to adap ... read full comment
I hope those craving for African democracy and not telling us to go back to pre-European advent communal leadership in this 21st century, are not unaware of modernity and modernisation in a global village and the need to adapt. Fashioning our own version will brew confusion such that we shall never recover and the recolonisation agenda in subtle forms will have been completed.
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Kawaanopaado,
How are you doing?
My article explored the benefits of traditionalism in the context of modernity.
I showed how America and Japan, for instance, wedded their traditional concepts on political thought t ... read full comment
Kawaanopaado,
How are you doing?
My article explored the benefits of traditionalism in the context of modernity.
I showed how America and Japan, for instance, wedded their traditional concepts on political thought to European modernity.
In fact, I dare say many of our pre-colonial ideas are more powerful than some of our modern ideas, if I may add.
China, for instance, has embraced Western modernity, yet Confucius' (551-479 BCE) ideas are still, fundamentally, the cultural foundation on which Chinese society thrives. The Chinese don't adopt every Western idea as wholesale as we Africans uncritically do most of the time.
Anoter example: Japan's democracy borrowed a lot from Germany yet the progressive ideas of Shintoism (plus progressive traditional imperial cultural and political ideas) dominate the average Japanese life. Same is India.
Jews have done the same. Study Israeli politics to see how 5000-year-old traditions have been successfully wedded to Western modernity.
There are more progressive examples but let these two suffice.
Why would Africa alone get confused if it decides to follow identical path?
After all, other relatively successfull democracies have seen fit to marry their progressive traditions with modernity.
Finally, let me say that my article did not say we should reconsider our progressive past outside the immediate context of modernity.
I hope I have made my point clear.
Thanks.
mohammed 10 years ago
Have you witnessed what is African democracy all over Africa? where winners take all, loot and share at the expense of the poor, the weak and meek in society? is that not a representation of the African mind that motivated sl ... read full comment
Have you witnessed what is African democracy all over Africa? where winners take all, loot and share at the expense of the poor, the weak and meek in society? is that not a representation of the African mind that motivated slavery before the advent of the white-man? what does a judge wig has to do with giving the right judgement? it is what comes out of the african judge that you must be worried of. The condoned with the executive to funnel the public purse in the form of judgement debts as if they are not part of the Country and perpetuate the loot? is that the European type of democracy if not African? what did Late Professor Mills meant by "my government will not pursue witch hung to investigate actions of previous governments actions that diabolically looted the public purse in a broad day light and also establishes the woyome Saga among others? what kind of leader can we ever have to be knowledgeable and experienced than the late Professor? if this was not african democracy what is it? look at Gyeeda, or Zoomlion whose budget was 500 Ghana cedes per moth for their employees and yet pays them 100 after they have agitated for late pay months behind schedule. if not an African way of democracy what is it? I feel, everybody can feel the truth, nice environment and above all humility when they face it. but, the African conception of slavery dominated his or her action in what ever form o shape you present it to him. American or british democracy or whatever, have a consistent public interest to follow show me any African democracy where you can pin down the interest of the blackman? if not just to replicate winners take all, the survival of the fitters and slavery mentality. it is even an insult for the youth ask the elderly to account because the grey hair of our elderly implies wisdom. what kind of african culture are you talking about?
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Mohammed,
Before I begin, please find time to read Kirsten West Savali's piece "Divided States of America: 26 States Petition To Secede After Reelection of President Obama."
Please find time to read this essay "The Rig ... read full comment
Mohammed,
Before I begin, please find time to read Kirsten West Savali's piece "Divided States of America: 26 States Petition To Secede After Reelection of President Obama."
Please find time to read this essay "The Right to Vote Under Attack: The Campaign to Keep Millions of Americans from the Ballot Box" (www.pfaw.org/rww-in-focus/the-right-to-vote-under-attack-the-campaign-to-keep-millions-of-americans-from-the-ball).
The "winner-takes-all" is not unique to African democracy. In fact, it's a carry-over from Western democratic traditions. In fact, in America, for instance, American leaders designed electoral "democracy" for propertied white males.
Most Americans were, therefore, excluded from participation. Native Americans, African Americans, women, and poor white males. Britain, France, etc., all have one form or another of these practices. If you want to understand what I am saying in the context of France's institutions, please read Frederick J. Baumgartner's "France in the 16th century." It gives you the background to France's Jacobin revolution.
Moreover, the "winner-takes-all" was not the kind of "democracy" practiced in pre-colonial Africa. Please read the rest of Apollo O. Nwauwa's articles and the other references I gave before coming to that conclusion.
Your views tell me you have not read any of the resources I gave in its entirety. This is what I see on Ghanaweb. We seriously need to do something about our education in that regard (teaching students to read well).
The "winner-takes-all" can be found in every democracy--Asian, Western, etc. That's not to say it's a good thing, however. Take time and study every institution of democracy in the world.
Several polls in America, for instance, show American overwhelming dissatisfaction with their government
Why? Because each party (Democrat or Republican) wants to have its way to satisfy the greedy interests of its partisan demographics. Democrats angered Republican leaders by using inducements such as lowering student interest loans, etc., before Obama's relections. Republicans charged that Obama used such inducements to garner votes.
What I am saying is this: Every "evil" you see in African democracy is also found in Western democracies. Every single evil. The problem is that many of us don't find time to study the West as the West does of Africa.
If you want to see the shameful/deficits of American democracy, for instance, watch Amy Goodman's and Juan Gonzalez's Democracy Now (online "democracynow.org). The things you see and hear abut happening in American democracy will shut you up.
Moreover, neither party (Republican or Democrat) doesn't want to see a third party rise to challenge Democrats or Republicans.
If you follow American politics closely, third party presidential candidates have been literally thrown out of pre-election debates. The American constitution itself has made it difficult for third parties to flourish.
This is our major problem. We don't take time to study other democracies. The very same people who don't want to see third parties rise to challenge their hegemonies, unfortunately, are the same ones who are shoving multi-party democracies down our throats.
Please read about America's Voting Rights Laws (read about voter suppression in American democracy).
Do find time to read more about why American minorities (African Americans, Hispanics, etc) are persistenly disenfanchised, the currrent Supreme Court's overturning of the Voting Rights Laws, and what Eric Holder's Justice Department is doing about the Court's decision.
Regarding wigs, I meant it in a figurative sense. Who thinks a judge's (and lawyer's) fair legal interpretation of a legal snippet is more important than wearing wigs?
Actually, I used the example of the wig to buttress the point that we have come of age to be independent in most of the things we do as a people. I think the literalness of the article's language threw you off. You took the wig exemplar out of context.
This is why I have persisntently said our educational system needs to do something about reading.
Finally, most of the comments made by other readers on this forum have exposed the porosity of your assertions. Listen to Nii Ashitey and Yaw Ohemeng.
That said, I agree with you that we do something about the "winner-takes-all" problem. I have written extensively about how to get rid of it in some of my other Ghanaweb articles. Find them and read them.
Thanks.
Nii Ashitey 10 years ago
Yesterday’s Ghanaweb saw two prominent Europeans giving us advice on what we should have known already. Professor Prodi a former Prime minister of Italy said that Africa should not copy Western Democracy the way it is being ... read full comment
Yesterday’s Ghanaweb saw two prominent Europeans giving us advice on what we should have known already. Professor Prodi a former Prime minister of Italy said that Africa should not copy Western Democracy the way it is being packaged by the west because of the diversity of our cultural and traditional experiences. The wife of the former Prime Minister of UK Mrs Cherie Blair also wade in with her advice. Mrs Blair said the government of Ghana should consider initiating the establishment of an African Arbitration Centre in Ghana, and that the Centre should be manned by Africans to deal with the issue of arbitration giving grounds to those who have all along thought that the international arbitration tribunal has always favoured Multi National Companies with their preference of the Hull formula instead of the Calvo doctrine preferred by developing economies.
However,it is Prof,Prodi's advice that resonates more loudly because many prominent Africans including our own Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah fervently advocated for that many years ago. All the same it was refreshing coming from the horse's own mouth.
Western democracy had been foisted on Africa regardless of whether its suits Africa notwithstanding the fact that Africa has a unique traditional and cultural set up. Why is democracy as it stands now not working in Africa. Why have our elections been disputed almost all the time and is it not true that elections are grounds for bickering rather than uniting us. What we should bear in mind is that democracy is a way of life and since it is a way of life we must appreciate that different societies have different traditions and cultures that shape their way of life. Out of necessity therefore, Africa's history,culture and believe should shape its way of life. That is why we should argue that owing to our history,socio economic development status and differentiated conditioning, it is important that Africa negotiates a form of democracy that most suites its context.
Thai is why Africa must do a bit more difficult and serious soul searching and construct a democracy prototype that fits its tradition, and socio economic political realities. The African elites are now in a position to define the structure and direction of our type of democracy. China has a unique style which has made made China a force to reckon with and is on course to becoming the hegemony of the world.
I personally don’t think that democracy had failed in Africa though, what has failed is the context that the west had foisted on us which is unsuitable to our uniqueness and therefore difficult to implement. It is so this Simply because African cultures are much different from western culture. So African much search for its own kind of democracy which will best suit the different cultures and traditions of our way of living. This is the challenge of our generation.
Yaw Ohemeng 10 years ago
Nii, I share your observation that democracy has not failed Africa; it is rather how we have constructed it that has failed us.
I also think that in the case of Ghana, we had the opportunity at independence to fashion our ... read full comment
Nii, I share your observation that democracy has not failed Africa; it is rather how we have constructed it that has failed us.
I also think that in the case of Ghana, we had the opportunity at independence to fashion our own brand using the institutions we then had. Where I disagree with you is whne you claim Osagyefo advocated for something different from the Western model. I think he was more interested in Africa coming together but using the same Western model. Had we succeed in that quest, our problems would have magnified many times over.
The person who rather argued the case for including our then existing strong traditional governance in our Constitution was Dr Danquah. I am not playing the usual Danquah-Nkrumah mischief here. Both of them trailed different paths, which together, would have defined us better. It is a pity that they could not work together.
The way to fashion our own brand can be found in my earlier contribution to this article. The ideals of democracy are good - the question is how we use African constructs to arrive at these ideals.
Kwame 10 years ago
Every form of government of an oppressive institution set up to protect the interest of one class against the other. Thus the history of governance is the history of the oppression of people.
The issue of capitalist democra ... read full comment
Every form of government of an oppressive institution set up to protect the interest of one class against the other. Thus the history of governance is the history of the oppression of people.
The issue of capitalist democracy is even more confused and its defendants are in a twisted absurdity. The absurdity terms from the terms of office a president or prime minister should have. The absurdity here is that there are monarchies in the west and also their friends in the Arabian Gulf who practice middles ages Islamic inquisition, but are among some of those who are laying democratic rules with the force of arms. African countries are told to have four two terms of office, whiles some European countries have seven two year terms and is seems that even Germany does not have term of office.
Another absurdity is that in the same capitalist democracy countries can not decide their own socioeconomic development and foreign policy.
Thus capitalist democracy is just a ruse to mislead people from the actions they must take to overcome their socioeconomic problems. Capitalist democracy is there to keep the greater part of society in poverty.
Yaw Ohemeng 10 years ago
I am finding it difficult following your claim that western nations somehow foistered on us our terms of our democracy. We are free to specify whatever term our presidents should serve. President Kufuor on exiting office obse ... read full comment
I am finding it difficult following your claim that western nations somehow foistered on us our terms of our democracy. We are free to specify whatever term our presidents should serve. President Kufuor on exiting office observed that the 4-year term was too short and what did we do? We insulted him to the high rafters.
If the western powers did exert any pressure on us at all - it was to move away from the dictatorships, which had blighted Africa up till the 1990s.
All that is required is a system that guarantees human freedom and human rights. It is not an indisputable fact that those who practise democracy well have been able to also protect human rights and deliver prosperity for their people. Authoritarian regimes only breed fear and sychophancy and they stifle innovation and creativity. If we accept this fact then the way is clear for us to design an African democracy project that gurantees freedoms and human rights, that circumscribes the extent of these freedoms and rights and that deliver prosperity by developing and freeing the potential in everybody.
Kwame 10 years ago
The government of the 1960s was voted into power by universal adult suffrage. Unfortunately those who accused our presidents at the time of being authoritarian were practicing apartheid, racial segregation and neocolonialism ... read full comment
The government of the 1960s was voted into power by universal adult suffrage. Unfortunately those who accused our presidents at the time of being authoritarian were practicing apartheid, racial segregation and neocolonialism which deprived us and our people the right to chose the type of government we want. After universal adult suffrage they give bribe to soldiers to overthrow democratically elected government for not carrying out not the mandate they got from the people but the mandate they impose on us. How can a child who can not pay his school fees and hospital bills be said to have had the same freedom with those whose parents can pay for him. Freedom should not be a simple word, but connote the right of every citizen to access all the basic necessities of life including education, health, accommodation and live in peace. How can a child who does not know that he will return from classes alive on a particular day say that he is free.
KWABENA OHEMENG,LONDON. 10 years ago
Why should western countries always insist that african countries should practise'western democracy' without taking into consideration differences in culture.If western democracy is good for africa why is it that african nati ... read full comment
Why should western countries always insist that african countries should practise'western democracy' without taking into consideration differences in culture.If western democracy is good for africa why is it that african nations were never allowed to practise it when under western colonization?Africans need to sit down and craft a political system which takes into consideration the peculiarities inherent in our culture and the interest of the numerous tribes living in a geographical area. We can call it african democracy or what it does not matter. What we do not want is a system of government foist on us by those societies which believe that their system of government is the best for all societies.This is political colonization in its crudest form.
Nii Ashitey 10 years ago
For once it seems like Dr Ohemeng and I are on the same wavelength and singing from the same hymn book.Francis has set the tone.This is a very important subject which must be properly scrutinized.I believe the modern African ... read full comment
For once it seems like Dr Ohemeng and I are on the same wavelength and singing from the same hymn book.Francis has set the tone.This is a very important subject which must be properly scrutinized.I believe the modern African intellectual is capable of constructing a system of democracy that best suits our unique experience and the peculiarities inherent in our culture.Together we can set the ball rolling.I look forward to your article on the subject.
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Dear My Two Brothers,
Well said. I agree with the analytic eloquence of your observations in their entirety.
Your insighful formulae are what Africa need today. Indeed, Africa has come of age to be dictatated to.
S ... read full comment
Dear My Two Brothers,
Well said. I agree with the analytic eloquence of your observations in their entirety.
Your insighful formulae are what Africa need today. Indeed, Africa has come of age to be dictatated to.
Seriously, we need to sit down and craft progressive ideas compatible with our way of life. Both of you have listed most of the important contexts in which to build these progressive ideas.
To you, Nii Ashitey, one keen commentator pointed out that your're a scholar. That's true. Let's add Kwabena (and the others) to the list.
In fact, the time to listen to you both and to make something useful out of your creative ideas is now!
I shan't say more.
Thanks.
Nii Ashitey 10 years ago
I must have taken Kwabena for Dr Ohemeng.Sorry for the misup.In fact with Kwabena Ohemeng we have always been on the same wavelength as ardent Nkrumaist.
I must have taken Kwabena for Dr Ohemeng.Sorry for the misup.In fact with Kwabena Ohemeng we have always been on the same wavelength as ardent Nkrumaist.
KWABENA OHEMENG,LONDON 10 years ago
You are absolutely right Nii.Yaw and I have got the same surname and I am hoping that one day I will meet him.Yaw is very intelligent and analytical and his comments carry a lot of weight.I love reading his comments.
You are absolutely right Nii.Yaw and I have got the same surname and I am hoping that one day I will meet him.Yaw is very intelligent and analytical and his comments carry a lot of weight.I love reading his comments.
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Dear Brother,
Where do you live? Let me now where you live.
Nii Ashitey is another guy I will like to meet one day!
Thanks.
Dear Brother,
Where do you live? Let me now where you live.
Nii Ashitey is another guy I will like to meet one day!
Thanks.
CS 10 years ago
Quote: "It is not an indisputable fact that those who practise democracy well have been able to also protect human rights and deliver prosperity for their people."
Are "Native American Red Indians" who live on "reservation ... read full comment
Quote: "It is not an indisputable fact that those who practise democracy well have been able to also protect human rights and deliver prosperity for their people."
Are "Native American Red Indians" who live on "reservations" factor in your
"benign democracy"?
mohammed 10 years ago
I am very disappointed in your over-generalization as if there are easy answers when we african democracy. which rights are we to protect over whom? The gay, religious or the agnostics? so is the term African culture or democ ... read full comment
I am very disappointed in your over-generalization as if there are easy answers when we african democracy. which rights are we to protect over whom? The gay, religious or the agnostics? so is the term African culture or democracy.
prempeh 1. 10 years ago
J.B. Danquah was a terrorist with his gangs in Ghana, that caused Ghana´s downfall till today, my brother, check your files well.
J.B. Danquah was a terrorist with his gangs in Ghana, that caused Ghana´s downfall till today, my brother, check your files well.
Yaw Ohemeng 10 years ago
I will not join this kind of debate because it does not solve the problems of today. We can either draw a line under the battles of yesteryear or let it continue to divide us. Whilst the situation persists, we cannot achieve ... read full comment
I will not join this kind of debate because it does not solve the problems of today. We can either draw a line under the battles of yesteryear or let it continue to divide us. Whilst the situation persists, we cannot achieve anything tangible in a collective way. Good day!
mohammed 10 years ago
Remember each language have different culture and interpretations if you look at Matrimonial or paternal societies? what are we to do with the cultural practices that are very barbaric such as female genital mutilation, slave ... read full comment
Remember each language have different culture and interpretations if you look at Matrimonial or paternal societies? what are we to do with the cultural practices that are very barbaric such as female genital mutilation, slavery mob justice, human sacrifice and the overwhelming absolute power giving to traditional authority with very little if no checks and balances? Whiles, american, French and British cultures might be different, it is universal that all cultures need cleanliness, fairness, accountability and so on. why are these public servants not delivering? Are they not cultural? if our cultures are good why are only a few such as the Martin Amidu's are willing to protect our national resources? We said culture is influenced by religion. which religious influence is going to shape our rules? Christianity or Islam? Or African Traditional religion or Agnostic? We should not laugh at ourselves and generalize culture. even, Lingua franca could not be settled by the Nkrumah Government after independence and english was our final bargain. We do not want every wrong to be interpreted as African culture by a despot Executive or Chief justice . We all understand and can infer from similar cultures what exactly need to happen if the unfortunate occurs as it is happening in our political system. We just need to prosecute, and ban convicts from public office for a period reasonable to deter others and to give them a second chance to clear their bad deed. Yes, the white man is not entirely good. But we know democrats are social welfarians whiles republicans are propertied protectionist. There is nothing wrong with two party system, even if there is we copy from Canada where their is a third and fourth party . when the liberal were corrupt to the teeth after a long monopoly of government, the people sent it to a third party status not even official opposition. This is because the people understand government and people do not follow one party as a religion as we have in ghana. your brothers will disown you because you are with a different political party. if this is not the African culture what is it?
NON-ALIGNED 10 years ago
Francis....... What is democracy?
To my understanding, it is by definition……..means the government by people.
That means that all the people should be able to have their say in one way or another in everything that ... read full comment
Francis....... What is democracy?
To my understanding, it is by definition……..means the government by people.
That means that all the people should be able to have their say in one way or another in everything that affects their lives. In other words, the right by every member of a community to be part of the decision making PROCESS to his or her position on a particular issue into the decision-making process. GOOD SO FAR....RIGHT?
Democracy sounds like a good idea but, it is only an illusion or even more of an utopia in reality.
What has been consistently ignored is that, democratic values and processes have been as indigenous to Africans as they were to the ancient Greeks. It has have never been exclusively Greek or Euro-American preserve.
African traditional political cultures and organizations of communities to be partakers would give credence to this conclusion. The core concept and the essential elements of democracy - the desire for representation, inclusion, and participation in public affairs has lived with humans since time in memorial but, the problem with it, is its implementation.
Unfortunately this Western buzzword for representative government, borrowed from the Greeks, has been packaged to be imposed on Africans as if we are desperately in need of such a ‘magic wand’ to solve all our problems.
If Prodi came to Ghana to tell us about democracy and how we should embrace it in our own African way, then I am afraid he has once again shown the ignorance and arrogant approach Europeans deem fit to address Africans.
As I have explained above, democracy is nothing new to Africans but, the effects of slavery and colonization has brought us to the mercy of these colonialists even after our independence.
Simply because we have not found the need to carve up our own path for our own future by means of our own African values and process to succeed in our own way.
The colonialists education systems we have in Africa suppresses our minds to the extent that we even refuse to recognize its deficiencies in our society. So, as a result we buy into any garbage of distorted historical facts thrown at us by Europeans.
Their idea of ‘democracy’ for Africa is to find another way of raping our continent of its rich natural resources on the cheap by supporting and helping to install and keep dictators/puppets like of that in Gabon, Equitorial Guinea, Bukina Fasso, Benin, Uganda, Togo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali and many more others…………..under the guise of African democracy.kind of These so-called leaders are voted in every 4 years and some even stay on after 8 years by changing their constitutions.
That is the democracy the West is promoting and imposing on Africa, by changing its tact and employing a new strategy of sponsoring and keeping stooges in place for their own interests.
In the past, they installed dictators/puppets by means of coup d’etats to install the likes of, Mobutu, Bokassa, Idi Amin (till he fell out with them), Bongo they supported to help rape our continent of its rich mineral resources.
That is why within six years, between January 1963 and December 1969, twenty five coup d’etat took place in Africa. (I will list them with dates and locations some other time).
This democracy to Africa and Africans practicing its own democracy is all a sham. It is just to create different and alternative ways and means to exploit us over and over again with all the ills of capitalism and globalization. (I will leave that for another day).
The usual GULLIBLE AFRICANS will fall for this again..........so let’s send Prodi to pave the way. And in the process use them as guinea pigs to test our aids virus, GM crops, vaccination of all sorts and dump our toxic waste on them................
What does Prodi know about democracy?
Now………. Africans!!!!! Please tell me honestly and truthfully, which nation practices real democracy in this world? Can you, with hand on heart tell me that the great advocates of this so-called democracy – the USA, Britain and co. are actually practicing or preaching real democracy?
What I see of the so-called democratic nations is this:
- The rights of people to vote, is prevalent but, it’s only between two dominant parties of the ‘same coin’ offering different faces on the ‘same coin’.
- The people can vote usually only once every four or five years. They do not vote on any issues. After they vote them in, the elected dictators dominate their lives till next elections.
- The elected few take decisions of spending huge sums of money on war, to the detriment of its citizens’ livelihood. All this on the premise of being protected by their government.
- They hardly ever bother to consult the people on their stands on various issues.
- The rights of people to live freely, is non-existent.
- The rights of people to free speech, is taken away.
- The peoples’ right to privacy is being trampled upon, with modern technology surveillance cameras everywhere – the ‘big brother’ syndrome.
- The peoples’ minds being manipulated through education, terrorism, war by means of the controlled media etc.
- The people are controlled by a few people at ‘the top’, who gives them the illusion of having a say because of their votes.
- The few people at ‘the top’ decide on everything about the people’s lives even to the extent of asking the people’s children to go to war on their behalf.
- The people living in ‘a prison without its bars’ with all their movements being monitored by secret agents or citizens spying on each other.
- A few people greedily grabbing all the wealth at the expense of the majority of the people - labeled ‘capitalism’.
- The poor people controlled by means of being offered food rations or live on benefits.
- The peoples’ actions and inactions being controlled daily, by institutions constantly telling the people what to believe, eat, drink, say etc. etc.
Francis,……Democracy in itself originates from humans. African democracy , in the true meaning and attributes of the concept, as I have defined above, existed ages ago. That is what created the origins of civilization in this world.
The Europeans and the US have modeled their concept of democracy I have described and it seems to me to be something else all together. From all the above observation, their democracy is a ‘prison with no physical ‘steel bars and walls’. Theirs is a controlled mechanism of control people each and every step of the way. It has all the hallmarks of socialism and communism of the former Eastern Bloc and that of the Soviet Union. The only difference of their democracy is the right of people to vote for ‘two sides of the same coin every four years – with change in faces of its leaders’.
The West fought the war of propaganda to defeat socialism and communism only to introduce it in their so-called democracies in a different light, whereby a few rich individuals control all their systems and institutions. And the idea of the people being protected from the FEAR of terrorism is now the mainstay of these so-called democracies.
In my opinion, true democracy as it is supposed to be for the people and by the people has not worked anywhere in the world and for as long as greed, corruption and selfishness prevails in our world…..then this so-called concept of democracy favours only a few rich individuals at the expense of the masses.
It’s time we think AFRICAN and be AFRICAN for our own future based on our creation of CIVILIZATION to the world…………”My people perish for lack of knowledge”.
GOD BLESS GHANA! AFRICAN FOREVER!
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Hello,
Well said
You know I am always on your side.
Your analysis is right on course. In fact, what you have been saying is exactly what we Africans need to put in action.
Thanks.
Hello,
Well said
You know I am always on your side.
Your analysis is right on course. In fact, what you have been saying is exactly what we Africans need to put in action.
Thanks.
NON-ALIGNED 10 years ago
Francis, I have always enjoyed reading your articles which hits the nail right on the head. Please keep it up, brother!
Francis the action required needs to start from emancipating the masses from the mental slavery of our ... read full comment
Francis, I have always enjoyed reading your articles which hits the nail right on the head. Please keep it up, brother!
Francis the action required needs to start from emancipating the masses from the mental slavery of our so-called education system.
All the world over, the education of the citizens from their formative years is what makes them patriotic, hard-working, self reliant, informative, honest and good citizens.
But our system here oppresses the minds of our citizens, hence their inability to grasp where the West propaganda is heading to.
God Bless Ghana!
African forever!
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Dear,
What more can I say? You have said it all.
In fact, education is part, if not exclusively, of our problems.
Like you said, we need to subject our entire educational system to radical transformation to suit our ... read full comment
Dear,
What more can I say? You have said it all.
In fact, education is part, if not exclusively, of our problems.
Like you said, we need to subject our entire educational system to radical transformation to suit our needs.
The problem is if our leaders who themselves have been enslaved by the same educational system we want overthrown would listen to us.
You are right in your assertions that "good" and "positive" education makes a people hardworking, patriotic, etc.
That's very true. In fact, those qualities are exactly what our educational system must focus on.
Thanks for your progressive views. Recall that I have alawys enjoyed your critique of my work.
Thanks.
mohammed 10 years ago
what is wrong with changing government of the same coin but different faces? We have that in ghana, but how much public assets are looted after a change in government? could you state the same for USA or Britain? How long ca ... read full comment
what is wrong with changing government of the same coin but different faces? We have that in ghana, but how much public assets are looted after a change in government? could you state the same for USA or Britain? How long can people like kwesi botwie, hudu yahya, Kwamina ahoy, Totobi kwache among others have to be in un-elcted public office? If not african culture what is it? what difference did they make on the people of ghana and deserve to repeat?
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Hello Mohammed,
Read all the sources and get back to me. Then I shall satisfatorily address your questions.
If this article somehow disappears,reach me at (franciskkwarteng@yahoo.com).
Presently, I am busy working on ... read full comment
Hello Mohammed,
Read all the sources and get back to me. Then I shall satisfatorily address your questions.
If this article somehow disappears,reach me at (franciskkwarteng@yahoo.com).
Presently, I am busy working on other pressing issues.
This is a very good piece of an article, but the African leaders will never heed to it, for, they are blind only with western ideas, and this Western kind of democracy wouldn´t help Africans anyway.
I do not know what to make of this article. Where are the writer’s original thoughts and contribution to the debate? Is he condemning ‘borrowed’ African way of life (via Judge’s wigs) or defending that Africa has alwa ...
read full comment
Yaw Ohemeng,
Good morning? How are yo doing?
First, I am Yaw too. Second, I have more than 10 articles published on Ghanaweb alone.
I have advanced many original ideas there as to how Ghana and Africa as whole can ...
read full comment
My broda, you couldn't be louder in excoriating our intellectually bankrupt and pathetic lawyers whose predominance in politics and governance syst. as main actors is responsible for our malaise. They adoption and adherence t ...
read full comment
Dear Brother,
How're doing? I am working on our attack on Prof. Saladduhin. Please I have not forgotten that.
I will let you once I am done.
And your comments here! They are a killer!
Some have taken issue with ...
read full comment
Kwarteng, I could barely help but to agree with Yaw that your voice is hardly felt in your writings. It usually gets drown in your endless quotes. There is no denying that you are well-read and a prolific writer. That said, o ...
read full comment
Hello Dantankwa,
Pardon me for any errors you see in this reply.
Yaw Ohemeng said he wanted my original ideas yet none of the suggestions he outlined was original. I have everyone of the things he said in my previous ar ...
read full comment
Dear Francis,
Yaw Ohemeng raised a genuine concern which I seemed to agree with, and I drew your attention to it so that you can address that in your future writings and there you go on the offensive, bloating and balooni ...
read full comment
The African democracy cannot be defined. Let us avoid anarchy by reinventing the wheel. If we say we want African democracy, we shall end up having demo-crazy, whereby each leader will sell his own version and force us to buy ...
read full comment
I hope those craving for African democracy and not telling us to go back to pre-European advent communal leadership in this 21st century, are not unaware of modernity and modernisation in a global village and the need to adap ...
read full comment
Kawaanopaado,
How are you doing?
My article explored the benefits of traditionalism in the context of modernity.
I showed how America and Japan, for instance, wedded their traditional concepts on political thought t ...
read full comment
Have you witnessed what is African democracy all over Africa? where winners take all, loot and share at the expense of the poor, the weak and meek in society? is that not a representation of the African mind that motivated sl ...
read full comment
Mohammed,
Before I begin, please find time to read Kirsten West Savali's piece "Divided States of America: 26 States Petition To Secede After Reelection of President Obama."
Please find time to read this essay "The Rig ...
read full comment
Yesterday’s Ghanaweb saw two prominent Europeans giving us advice on what we should have known already. Professor Prodi a former Prime minister of Italy said that Africa should not copy Western Democracy the way it is being ...
read full comment
Nii, I share your observation that democracy has not failed Africa; it is rather how we have constructed it that has failed us.
I also think that in the case of Ghana, we had the opportunity at independence to fashion our ...
read full comment
Every form of government of an oppressive institution set up to protect the interest of one class against the other. Thus the history of governance is the history of the oppression of people.
The issue of capitalist democra ...
read full comment
I am finding it difficult following your claim that western nations somehow foistered on us our terms of our democracy. We are free to specify whatever term our presidents should serve. President Kufuor on exiting office obse ...
read full comment
The government of the 1960s was voted into power by universal adult suffrage. Unfortunately those who accused our presidents at the time of being authoritarian were practicing apartheid, racial segregation and neocolonialism ...
read full comment
Why should western countries always insist that african countries should practise'western democracy' without taking into consideration differences in culture.If western democracy is good for africa why is it that african nati ...
read full comment
For once it seems like Dr Ohemeng and I are on the same wavelength and singing from the same hymn book.Francis has set the tone.This is a very important subject which must be properly scrutinized.I believe the modern African ...
read full comment
Dear My Two Brothers,
Well said. I agree with the analytic eloquence of your observations in their entirety.
Your insighful formulae are what Africa need today. Indeed, Africa has come of age to be dictatated to.
S ...
read full comment
I must have taken Kwabena for Dr Ohemeng.Sorry for the misup.In fact with Kwabena Ohemeng we have always been on the same wavelength as ardent Nkrumaist.
You are absolutely right Nii.Yaw and I have got the same surname and I am hoping that one day I will meet him.Yaw is very intelligent and analytical and his comments carry a lot of weight.I love reading his comments.
Dear Brother,
Where do you live? Let me now where you live.
Nii Ashitey is another guy I will like to meet one day!
Thanks.
Quote: "It is not an indisputable fact that those who practise democracy well have been able to also protect human rights and deliver prosperity for their people."
Are "Native American Red Indians" who live on "reservation ...
read full comment
I am very disappointed in your over-generalization as if there are easy answers when we african democracy. which rights are we to protect over whom? The gay, religious or the agnostics? so is the term African culture or democ ...
read full comment
J.B. Danquah was a terrorist with his gangs in Ghana, that caused Ghana´s downfall till today, my brother, check your files well.
I will not join this kind of debate because it does not solve the problems of today. We can either draw a line under the battles of yesteryear or let it continue to divide us. Whilst the situation persists, we cannot achieve ...
read full comment
Remember each language have different culture and interpretations if you look at Matrimonial or paternal societies? what are we to do with the cultural practices that are very barbaric such as female genital mutilation, slave ...
read full comment
Francis....... What is democracy?
To my understanding, it is by definition……..means the government by people.
That means that all the people should be able to have their say in one way or another in everything that ...
read full comment
Hello,
Well said
You know I am always on your side.
Your analysis is right on course. In fact, what you have been saying is exactly what we Africans need to put in action.
Thanks.
Francis, I have always enjoyed reading your articles which hits the nail right on the head. Please keep it up, brother!
Francis the action required needs to start from emancipating the masses from the mental slavery of our ...
read full comment
Dear,
What more can I say? You have said it all.
In fact, education is part, if not exclusively, of our problems.
Like you said, we need to subject our entire educational system to radical transformation to suit our ...
read full comment
what is wrong with changing government of the same coin but different faces? We have that in ghana, but how much public assets are looted after a change in government? could you state the same for USA or Britain? How long ca ...
read full comment
Hello Mohammed,
Read all the sources and get back to me. Then I shall satisfatorily address your questions.
If this article somehow disappears,reach me at (franciskkwarteng@yahoo.com).
Presently, I am busy working on ...
read full comment