GHANA @60; THE GOOD AND THE BAD

….”At long last the battle has ended Ghana your beloved country is free forever. from now on there is a new Africa in the world that new African is ready to fight his own battle and show that after all the black man is capable of managing his own affairs”… (Dr. Kwame Nkrumah; 6th March 1957)

On every month and year of 6th March, Ghanaians home and in the diaspora re-echo the speeches of some great leaders and others who toiled for independence for our dear nation Ghana. The eyes of the world has been on Ghana through its time of independence, coup d’états, military regimes, democratic transitions and consolidation. Indeed Ghana has come a long way.

This article discusses the good and the bad circumstances in Ghana with much emphasis on political tier in the 4th republic. However the governance and socio economic spheres will be considered. My opinion on the way forward will also be shared.

The year 2007 marked 50 years of independence which ignited waves of African independence struggles across the continent. It is of no doubt that the independence of Ghana influenced countries like Nigeria, Gambia, and Sierra Leon to attain independence.

Interesting in Ghana anybody who attains the age of 50 will be preparing for retirement in the next 10 years. You have to take stock even before you hit the retirement age of 60. Despite your hard work, upon retirement, if you have nothing to boast of you might be considered useless and extravagant who did not make hay while the sun shone. What has Ghana have to boast of? The independence of Ghana continues to generate lively debate within popular forums in world politics.

The good
Some bright spots have emerged in Ghana since independence. Even though economist, governance experts and international reports argue that Ghana’s development is in a slow pace considering the wide range of resources at its disposal. The question of leadership quickly comes to mind.

Politically, there have being light at the end of the tunnel. After Ghana’s checked military intervention, coup d’état the emergence of democratic governance in 1992 have earned Ghana an enviable reputation as the beacon of democracy in Africa. Not only is the emergence of democracy enviable but successive free and fair election since 1992 is worth mentioning. This affirms the statement by many that Ghana has made significant strikes towards its goal of consolidating a democratic process and this political culture worth emulating by other countries in Africa.

The transition Act 2012 is also a feather in Ghana’s cap in strengthening democracy. This act ensures the smooth transfer of political power and administration of the state from one political party to the other. It is on record that the absence of no formal legislation to facilitate this transition often lead to delay and disrupt continuity of government activities. There is also a modest good news in the area of constitutional establishment such as the NCCE, CHRAJ, Independent Electoral Commission and the security agencies make it imperative that Ghana is committed to the course of democracy and appreciate its tenets .Respect for human right and freedoms has improve considerably over the past years. The existence of the judiciary and the recent introduction of justice for all program has ensured that the justice delivery system is effective and efficient

Political participation in governance process in the country has increase as citizens are allowed to participate and share their views on national issues. Demonstrations and strike actions are various forms by which citizens use to let their grievances known to officials. Political parties encourage grassroot participation as election of party leader/flag bearer has been extended. As Gyimah Boadi (2009) points out that independence and administrative capacity of Ghana electoral commission has improve with each election. While levels of public interest in national election remain high (evidence of voter turnout is consistently above 70%) this is clear that the political participation is high.

Local governance is also another success of Ghana after independence. Even though Ghana has a centralized political structure, citizens participate in the governance process in their locality. Through unit committee, zonal council, MDCE etc. Most especially electing their assembly members. Local governance or decentralization enhance political participation at the grassroot level, experimentation of policies. Decentralization has promoted rapid development and quick response to the needs of the people.

The bad
Despite the hopeful political and social progress in some areas, the overall economic development and standard of living of Ghanaians is not so good. Currently, Ghana’s debt to GDP stands above 70%, about 40% of Ghana’s population still survive with $20 a day. It is estimated that 40% of our youthful population is unemployed.

Behind this disappointing performance are number of proximate causes. Ghana’s rapid population growth and increasing over population in its cities of Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Takoradi give rise to more pressure on the few social amenities in these cities. Inadequate infrastructure and job opportunities in rural areas are the causes of such migration with the aim of seeking greener pastures in the big cities.

The Agriculture sector of Ghana has not still improve. This sector which has been the backbone of Ghana’s economy since independence has being relegated by successive government paying less attention to this sector. The once leading producer of cocoa cannot boast of higher production in recent years. Partisan politics even in the distribution of subsidize agriculture material has been shortcoming of Ghana’s agriculture sector development.

Ghana is 60years despite the success story in the consolidation of democracy which has been our major pride on the continent and even beyond. Corruption is one of the main source of “ugly” instances in Ghana. In Ghana corruption is very common among public officials. It is of no doubt that the activities of corruption pandemic has struck Ghana as anything but catastrophic and inhabitant to the development of our dear nation.

In Ghana people have fallen careers and reputation of well-respected ministries and organization badly tarnished on account of it (see ‘sad saga: rot caused by poor decision making 26/4/14 myjoyonline.com). The image of Ghana as a developing country and stories of regular corruption among public officials discourage investors and donor agencies from investing and aiding development respectively.

Ghana since independence has witnessed massive corrupt activities by successive government with political parties lacking the political will to prosecute one of their own(see ‘woyomi freed in ₵51m debt trial’ 12/3/15 myjoyonline.com) .It is of no doubt that through inadequate public services and weak institutions monies meant for our up keep such as construction of roads, hospitals, schools, portable water, security and even the purchase of drugs are drained off by our predatory leaders making us susceptible, to poverty and sending us to premature deaths. The media which is supposed to be the voice of the voiceless and serve as a check on the government compromise their integrity defending these mass murderers.

Ghana’s state institutions are very weak. Most of our institutions which are established to protect the public interest have become weak, unprofessional partisan and ineffective that they are not able to deal with matters that are in the interest of the ordinary citizen. These institution end up dancing to the tune of political leaders.

The way forward
Ghana has ratified various conventions and attempts have been made by policy makers and recent governments to solve the issues of corruption which has been the major hindrance of development. However if these leaders continue to interfere in the activities of public institutions Ghana development would be far fetched

We must all admit that Ghana has made few improvement in various areas but we cannot travel at this pace because globally everything is moving fast with each country doing their best to remain independent despite uneven distribution of resources.

Ghana must rise up to the task. Ghanaians must arise and political leaders must purpose in their hearts, minds and spirits not to repeat the falls and mistakes of our forefathers. The predatory leadership style must stop so we make Ghana a better place conducive for living.

The development of Ghana rest not only on the shoulders of political leaders. Nation building is a communal duty and responsibility. Let us all come together and put aside partisan politics that divide people and build a home that future generations will be proud of.

GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA AND MAKE US GREAT AND STRONG

Nana Akwasi Sarpong
nanasarpong389@gmail.com