It is an undeniable fact that the average Ghanaian’s
mere existence is something attributable more to a miracle than leadership
actions. In my humble opinion democracy has not served its purpose in Africa
and more importantly my country Ghana. Having three square meals a day is a privilege
enjoyed only by a few so you can imagine how many can afford decent accommodation
and clothing let alone the luxuries of life.
The depreciation of the cedi is another hurdle my dear
country has had to grapple with and you can forgive any citizen for harbouring thoughts
of hopelessness – the future doesn’t look bright, not at all.
Everything seems to be in the “pipeline” and one cannot help but wonder whether any good thing will eventually come
out of that “pipeline”.
Successive governments seem to be making efforts
geared towards a healthy sustainable economy but the perception of corruption
and perhaps justifiably so seems to be derailing all efforts.
Issues ranging from environmental pollution, blatant
disregard for traffic regulations and lack of basic amenities have made life in
the country unbearable to say the least.
The roads are not well marked, the pot holes are a nuisance, traffic
lights don’t work, and the drainage and general infrastructure is poor.
If you have ever been to the developed countries, I’m
sure you might be wondering how they managed to make a haven out of what God
endowed them. Their streets are beautiful and well lit at night, their water is
constantly flowing, their traffic laws are obeyed to the letter – even when
they are flouted you can trust the system to hunt down and punish the
perpetrators without fear or favour.
Now let’s juxtapose those countries with Ghana and see
if there is something we missed and still missing. The obvious answer is yes we
are missing a lot. The question that follows then is that are we doing enough
to even start achieving what they have and still continue to achieve. The
obvious answer in this case is no. Our
leaders haven’t showed the commitment needed to steer this country out of its
mess. Every measure taken to curb a problem is often done at the spur of the
moment and never lasts. The forward thinking quality is lacking in all of them
and amazingly it only seems to be the case when they assume office. In
opposition, they have wonderful ideas and one cannot help but wonder what
prevents them from executing those concepts when the mandate is given them. Is
it a case of them improperly assessing the economic situation at the time and
hence making improbable and unachievable promises or simply a case of deliberate
refusal to do what is right and what will help the country?
Is it too
much to ask for uninterrupted flow of water and electricity? In any case, what
is our tax money being used for? Is governing a country that difficult? Why are
other countries improving the lives of their citizenry and we cannot? Do they
possess more resources than we do? I can go and on and on, alas, I will not get
a convincing answer to my questions. I believe however, that I live in one of
the richest countries in the world and till we find leaders worthy of our
wealth and ready to utilize the wealth to the betterment of the citizenry, we
can only hope and pray.
I rest my case.
