The Attitude Lounge with Kodwo Brumpon: “Ghanaianism”

“It is better to walk than to curse the road.” – Ghanaian proverb

One of the mysteries of modernity is why a country such as ours, endowed with human resources, human-made resources and abundant natural resources should still be plagued with the holocaust of underdevelopment. The equation simply does not add up. Our status quo still baffles the world and ourselves.

We have woven a web, so complicated it even baffles the master strategist, Kweku Ananse. Our situations has led to many fragmented perceptions centred on emotional, cultural, and psychological ideals amongst the general populace. But all is not yet lost. The surprising majority amongst us believe that if we came together, we can positively change our status quo, to one befitting of the royalty that flows within our veins.

Ghanaians want to feel secure, attain political, economic as well as psychological power vis-a-vis other countries or races in the world. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is taking too long for us to break free from the darkness.

The dreams of our fathers has been stuck for far too long in the tunnel. Sadly, it is the way it is because we have adorned ourselves with indiscipline and unethicality, and would try any other solution apart from stripping ourselves of that maleficence.

Too many of us have taken the ‘independence’ concept too far. We have embrace freedom without responsibility, and thus created an egocentric monster within our souls. The consequence has been a national economy incapable of developing fast enough to attain the fulfilment of the dreams of our fathers.

It is about time, we take a turn for the better. We need a change within ourselves, of ourselves and for ourselves. It is time for us to demand that the riches of our country be used for the benefit, upliftment, development and enjoyment of all Ghanaians. It is our destiny.

Rephrasing the words of the legendary reggae star, Peter Tosh, we can confidently say that ‘it does not matter where you live, or you social status, as long as you are a Ghanaian, we have a common destiny.’ We must accept this truth, and take it as our prime duty, if the development of Ghana is to become a reality. It is time for all Ghanaians, whether home or in the diaspora to realise that it is imperative we all come together, and harness all our competences and experiences to end this maleficence we find ourselves afflicted with.

This is a call for the re-evaluation of our dignity. As Marcus Garvey puts it, “God created you masters of your own destiny, masters of your own fate, and you can pay no higher tribute to your Divine Master than function as man, as He created you.” We have a duty to love ourselves as a people, and to give ourselves and our way of life, respect and preference, over foreignism. This should be seen as an economic movement aimed at developing an equitable system of providing the highest quality of life, any human can aspire for.

There is no ‘perfect’ time to roll out this movement. We cannot wait for it. Like the proverbial ‘now or never,’ we have to start today and it must start with you. Economic empowerment is a lifelong process that requires our daily assent. You taking a decision now that you and all Ghanaians want the best of life is only the first step. We must work tirelessly, each day to ensure that our ‘yes’ comes into fruition. In all honesty, we must renew the ‘yes’ every day.

This is because progress does not reside in the area of ability, capacity or expertise as perceived by many individuals. Rather, it is a continual effort of persevering to be the best. It is a movement that desires to give one’s self and the society in general, the best that the human capacity can give. This is the movement of ‘Ghanaianism’ ebeing described. It is not our nation’s gift to us, but our gift to our nation. And we must strive to always give that gift despite our weakness and failure.

Every Ghanaian who has ever recited or sang the national anthem is tasked to make Ghana great and strong. This aspiration is also a description of our social, economic, political and psychological mission. A mission whereby strives to be bold to defend the cause of freedom and of right; whiles embracing the responsibilities of true humility, honesty, and to resist the economic oppression of any citizen whether it is by another citizen or a foreigner. This duty is actually the civic description of our nationality.

There would always be a handful of pessimists who would think it impossible for us to rise to the top. And there would always be detractors who would not allow some to become nationalistic. Nevertheless, we will strive. Let us emphasize our positive attributes wherever we find ourselves, with all our strengths and with all our hearts, and together we will make this nation the greatest ever. The ball is in your court.

Comments, suggestions and requests should be sent to the author at [email protected]

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