The missing link

What we have missed greatly and continue to miss as a nation is that binding glue of nationalism and patriotism which kept us together even in the most difficult of times. During the days of the so-called revolutions led by military dictators, Ghanaians – at least the majority – were unanimous in their abhorrence of dictatorship, abuse of human rights, nepotism, corruption and all the other evils associated with dictatorships. The return to multi-party democracy in 1993 was like sacrificing one thing for another. That oneness of purpose with which the country fought for the return to democracy gave way to extreme partisanship and split the country into a near two equal parts. Today, we cannot stand up as one people and confront poverty, disease and illiteracy, joblessness and the near hopelessness that is creeping into our midst. The cracks started to show right from the word go, when in 1992, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) cried foul after the presidential election and withdrew from the parliamentary election. That decision effectively left the legislature, a vital wing in the administrative process, in the hands of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for four good years. Subsequent elections have never been without their hiccups even though we have succeeded in alternating governments formed by the NDC and the NPP, the two main political parties. A lot of accolades have been heaped on this country for the resoluteness and determination the citizens have so far demonstrated to tread the democratic path. Internally, however, it is increasingly becoming clear that fruits of democracy seem to be drifting away with the passing of the years. So polarised is the country on partisan lines that every important issue lacks national consensus and is rather seen through party lenses. Politicisation has become so extreme that there is no objective analysis of issues to see their true merits and demerits. In a winner-takes-all fashion, appointments to public offices are based more on party loyalty and influence than quality. In the process, the country is unable to make use of its abundant human talents – most of which are held in high esteem by foreign countries and international firms – to the detriment of the national good. So while those in government feels it is their time to create and share, those outside government sit passively on the fence watching things as innocent bystanders. Whatever the case, the nation is the loser. This fact was not lost on the President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, when in his speech at the 56th Independence Day national parade, he called on all Ghanaians to collectively confront the challenges of the country and contribute meaningfully for its betterment. “Each and every one of us has a responsibility to make meaningful and constructive contributions towards the growth and betterment of this nation. We owe that much to ourselves and our children who will inherit this land. We owe that much to all those who fought for us to have a place to claim as ours and call Ghana,” President Mahama said to emphasise his point. That is a splendid talk and which captures the dilemma of the nation. But President Mahama must take the lead. As the Chief Executive Officer of the land and Chief Appointing Authority, a lot resides in him to prove that this country belongs to all of us and that we all have a stake in its fortunes. The President’s own people may try to derail any goodwill overtures on his part to cast the net wider to rope in human talents farther afield. But it is for him to remain committed to his conscience and what he thinks to be in the best interest of the country. It is for him to ensure that not only appointments to high offices go to the best available materials but also job and business opportunities are distributed fairly with the best always coming first. That is the first step towards an all-inclusive government and the biggest assurance that this country belongs to all and we must all fight for its survival. As individuals and groups, we can never think alike. That would be abnormal. But we can have a common objective – that is to succeed as individuals and as a nation. The acrimony must give way to harmony and this country must be able to harness all its talents and resources for the ultimate twin goals of unity and development. This is our nation. Let’s suffer the pains together and share the fruits equally. fokofi@yahoo.co.uk kofiakordor.blogspot.com