A Familiar Message, Delivered by A Credible Messenger
President Mills, Speaker of Parliament, Bamfo, President Obama
And so it came to pass; American’s President and Africa’s son, Barack Hussein Obama went HOME and riding on unprecedented goodwill, took the front seat on the Straight Talk Bus and delivered a “Tough Love” message to Ghanaians and Africans at large.
With the words – Yes Together We Can – embossed on a banner of Ghana and American flags adorning the backdrop, the great son of Africa, stepped to the lectern, stared into the eyes of his kinsmen and lavished praises where deserved and scolded them when necessary.
Obama called on Ghanaians and Africans at large to stop blaming others for all of their problems and take responsibility for the future of their country and continent with the youth leading the way. It remains to be seen what impact Obama’s words would have on Ghanaians and Africans at large.
A day after President Obama’s historic visit to Ghana, I received a telephone call from a childhood friend in Alajo who wanted to know what “my” President brought Ghanaians. I was initially stumped by the question not exactly sure what my friend was expecting from President Obama. HOPE AND CHANGE, I managed to blurt out after a little hesitation. The line went dead for a moment and when my friend spoke again the crack in his voice betrayed his disappointment. The first African-American President came to Ghana and all he brought were mere WORDS, he quipped.
My friend, like many Ghanaians expected more from this American President because he is of African descent. It is understandable for folks to be disappointed because Obama did not dole out MILLIONS of dollars to Ghana but instead dished out tough rhetoric.
After all, the last American President who visited Sika Man before Obama gave Ghana some money. Why do you think Ghana has BUSH Highway? Well, there might never be an Obama Highway, but if Ghanaians take in Obama’s message of inspiration and act on it, there will be Yaw’s, Kweku’s, Kwabena’s and Kwame’s monuments.
I seized the opportunity to impress upon my Alajo mate why Ghanaians and for that matter Africans needed to stop expecting HANDOUTS from the West. Sadly, my rant did not amuse my dear friend who would have been enthused if I had read him Western Union digits instead of me playing advocacy for Obama’s message.
I went on anyway to assure my friend Obama delivered an unsentimental message that was long overdue to Ghanaians and Africans at large. The American President and Africa’s son did not say anything that Ghanaians or Africans have not heard before.
In the past, other Western leaders and even some Africans in academia have taken veiled shots at Africans and their leaders; but none had had the audacity and credibility to tell it to their face as President Obama did in the Ghanaian Parliament. Not to mention with former Presidents Kufuor and Jerry John Rawlings in front roll.
President Obama’s message in Ghana to Africans was familiar; but the difference is that this time it was delivered by a credible Messenger – the son of a goat herder who happens to occupy the most powerful office in the World.
President Obama’s message seemed to have resonated with the “honorables” at least judging by their applause and non verbal clues. But do not be fooled by their perfunctory cheers because many were those that winced and grumbled in silence. In a Mugabe fashion, I can almost hear them fuming in protest: “who are you to tell us what to do?”
Admittedly, President Obama’s message – get your act together – was not for the consumption of the incorrigible selfish folks who have resolved that nothing good can come out of Ghana or Africa. So with such a retrogressive mindset their selfish and corrupt ways would continue to plunder the continent into further misery and oblivion. Neither is this message of HOPE and CHANGE for the cynics and naysayers who accept the status quo. To such people, it is business as usual.
While the cynicism is understandable, it is unacceptable and so to those who would continue to act indifferent, be reminded that you are on the wrong side of history. This generation knows better and we refuse to be on the wrong side of history with you. This generation refuses to allow cynicism and the old ways of thinking that continues to stifle our imagination and creativity to be the order of the day.
Many in this generation grew on Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech and are fortunate enough to live to see the realization of that improbable dream. Having witnessed what was once a dream become the reality which the future generations will measure the magnitude of their hopes and aspirations, we are embolden that no dream is too bold to embrace.
So in the spirit of the timely creed – Yes We Can – I believe if the new generation of Africans with all its entrepreneurial ability, skills and talent, will rise above tribalism, bury their differences, eschew greed and selfishness, it can achieve in decades what others have taken centuries to do.
It is my fervent hope that the seeds of HOPE and CHANGE sown by President Obama in Ghana fell on the proverbial fertile soil for it to germinate and mature into a strong Odom tree that would tower above the other trees.
That is Aduhene’s Pesewa. Let’s hear yours.
Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite
Comments
By NANA on July 14th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
These are lingering issues in the african government that needs to be touched on and “YES HE DID”. Anybody looking for free handouts needs to go back to the 20th century.
By zubbyy on July 14th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
You never cease to amaze me with your brilliance George. Kudos.
By A. Akoto on July 15th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
“While the cynicism is understandable, it is unacceptable and so to those who would continue to act indifferent, be reminded that you are on the wrong side of history. This generation knows better and we refuse to be on the wrong side of history with you. This generation refuses to allow cynicism and the old ways of thinking that continues to stifle our imagination and creativity to be the order of the day.”
The above couldn’t have been said better. But I would like to add a crucial caveat: this generation’s desire to do better than our forebears cannot materialize without a thorough understanding of the concept of selflessness and sacrifice. ARE WE WILLING TO PUT THE GOOD OF THE NATION ABOVE OUR PERSONAL GAIN? To a large extent, Ghana’s progress (and Africa’s, for that matter) depends on our answer to this question. Further, our answer will determine what moral plain we will have to stand on to address matters of development in our land.
By Kweku Asare on July 15th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I enjoyed reading your prophetic “Memo To President Obama” before he as you put it went “Home” to deliver a Tough Love message to Ghanaians and Africans. I am equally impressed with your follow-up this week. Besides,your easy and eloquent way of presentation, the wisdom in your writing is inspiring and I hope articles would be distributed to a wider audience. Your voice is refreshing so keep them coming. The website is also making the others look outdated. Good job.
By Nana .k. Ahenkang on July 16th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Good Mann ! As if we were thinking along the same line. “who are you to tell us what to do” and am thinking of some saying, ” leave us alone this is our turn”. But let’s cut the chase! no matter how serious and sensitive this issue can be viewed,I still think there are a few who will be genuinely embracing the lecture. After all most MP’s aggressively start with the approach of changing things from the worse to a better state,but when that dream seem not to be easily achieved. They turn to join the game of gambling with other people’s life. I wouldn’t wish this way of success for anyone to be honest. Anyway let’s hope for the best, fingers cross. Who knows! Just as a surprising wind could bring about a change in the atmosphere,so can they or should I say (we)…………
My pasewa of contribution
By Nana .k. Ahenkang on July 16th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I will like to add this by saying. Let Africans or Blacks start listening to the voices of those in history who’s attempts was to unify, stabilize and enhance the African/Black image,which is nowhere comparable to that of their neighbours. By listening to this voices I believe can renew the mind to encourage the positive approach required. After all, it’s through communication that we learn and empower the other to act……… Pls let there be easy access to the archives.
By Robert Akrong on July 16th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
This is a very good piece of writing; very engaging but not patronizing.
What our people need to appreciate is the power of ideas. By our very history and current reality, we tend to place a higher premium on what is readily consumable than the ideas that can make such consumables possible. Your friend at Alajo,is a very good representation of what the new African ought not to be.
Mr. Writer, I would like to urge you to use this good medium to start a thread dedicated to a frank “take no prisoners” discussion of the very cultural cancers that have bedeviled the African’s march to self-sufficiency and fulfillment.
I doff my hat to you.
Keep the good work up
By Nana .k. Ahenkang on July 17th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Let no one forget that during the era of these Blacks/Africans who echoed so well their visions or intentions,were portrayed to the people who once had love them as evil. All these outrageous atrocity they have endure was unbelievably carried out by mostly the help of Blacks/Africans. Now that we know they were not the evil as made perceived to be. We need to consider their views once again and not ignore as it were then. If we look into history, honesty is in play and nothing is left out. One can separate the sheeps from the goats, which will help acknowledge the right people. Those who’s efforts would have brought us to this current era with some dignity. A few who back then who were also in the straggle today has emerge so beautifully ex; Malaysia, India,China,Japan,Korea only to mention a few. The Black/African is know to be constantly & desperately in a state of giving each other up for whatever,it being relevant or not. The idea of unconditional love is not so much real to the African/Black. This is the weakness of African/Black,he/she can bear to see themselves enslaved with no regards to who or how. These countries I have mention earlier on,using as an example with a unify sense of approach have been able to achieve their aim. Let me share true personal story with you. Unlike Caesar who was physically assaulted, I surrounded by those I was to cliam as brothers or trusted friends spiritually condemn me by meditation,causing a serious energy to run through my body which almost kill me. Up till date I have not been fully able to recover from this terrible incident. What am I saying? Should this be a reason for me or anyone for that matter to loose his/her responsibility to him/herself or heritage NO! Embracing one’s own identity will mean to stay positive no matter what your own kind might do to anger you. Never deviate from the central issue for your own seek as well as your fellows.
By PAPA K on July 19th, 2009 at 11:46 am
This is the only way that we can push our country forward we need to keep on the pressure on our leader for the right change that we need.
By Safoaah on July 21st, 2009 at 2:53 am
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm he nailed it right there. He did not come you praise us but to critise us about our own acts.We do not want the truth to be said straight in our faces, because we hate the truth. And all the young people in Africa should take matters into their own hands and challenge those who want to stick by the old ways of corruptions and oppression, both in their private life as well as in thier social interaction with the people.
They should not be afraid to support those who challenge bad decisions because they may loose their jobs and well-being.
They legal structure in Ghana should support those who are discriminated and treated differently because they do not support an idea.
MAY GOD HELP US ALL
By Odehye Nuer on July 22nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
‘Truth Stands’ This is what most of us in our part of the world will not like to accept. Even a credible Messenger will be sure to think twice in delivering the truth of a message to the recepient. President Obama has done his part. As to whether Ghana and Africa will swallow our pride and accept it in good faith is another ball game altogether.
I sympathise with the writer on his friend’s attitude.But such episodes have become too familiar with some of us that we have accepted to become ‘enemies of the people’. I know President Obama has hit the nail right on the head and whether Ghanaians and Africans accept it or not, he’s done his part
Determination, Hardwork,Self Responsibility and Perseverance, Trusting in God ( At least for those who believe in God), will see a new era and a new dawn like that of the Asia Tigers and China, to mention but a few of them.
Can we throw away our hypocricy and ‘Pull him down’ attitude, can we stop being enemies of progress ourselves, can we deny our selfish tendencies, can we really suscribe to’ Knowledge, Honour and Service’.
The day we as Africans and Ghanaians, will fully come to accept the fact that, nobody owes us and that whoever wants to ‘help’ us does so at his or her own freewill, and then take our destiny into our own hands with a ‘ Can Do’ attitude, and take the bull by the horn,that day will mark a new era in the path of sustainable development in our own context,definition and handwriting.
We have the means and Yes we can but are we willing to accept the truth and change for the better.
A credible Messenger has done his bidding, but will the receipients accept the fact of the matter and act as we ought to?
God Bless Africa and Ghana