Commentary

Patriotism is Civic Responsibility

By Dr. Fred Aka Phari Awaah, Senior Lecturer, University for Professional Studies.

Ghana a few days ago celebrated her 65th Independence with memories of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s words– the Independence of Ghana is meaningless until it is linked with the total liberation of the African Continent flashing in the minds of many Ghanaians. Indeed, such efforts were made to ensure total liberation of the African Continent, arguably spearheaded by Ghana. This saw liberation in political, economic, social, cultural and many more.

In the case of Ghana, we had memorable infrastructural developments such as the Tema Motorway, and others. Subsequent regimes from Nkrumah had continued with the development initiatives. It however appears that our Independence is currently losing its value as one that was fought on the heels of the Blackman being capable of managing his own affairs. There seem to have been grand loss of patriotism as exemplified in the reportage of corruption right from the days of former President Rawlings and being gradually rising and seeming to peak in these days. We have lost the patriotism that was characterized by our black pigment. Today, we have Ghanaians conniving with Chinese and other nationals to destroy natural water bodies and mineral resources illegally in the name of business, yet they are set free even when found culpable. This is not the independence Dr. Kwame Nkrumah fought for.

Ghana was not too long touted as the best destination for education in Africa as it served as home for many students to learn to liberate their countries. Indeed, it is not surprising that the first continental student movement was formed here in Ghana – the Africa National Students Organisation now the All – Africa Students Union. It seems we cannot brag about this feat today as there are cases of academic dishonesty amongst students and faculty within the nook and cranny of our higher education space.

The Civil Servant that holds the engine of the economy is not paid on schedule. This should never happen in a country which has been free for 65 years. Today, the cedi to the dollar rate is almost 8 cedis. This is not a pleasant figure for a country that relies heavily on exports and will need foreign currency to achieve such. The question is, what has happened to previous strategies like operation feed yourself spearheaded by the General Acheampong regime. History tells us we had enough to feed the nation and also exported. Can’t we revisit it? Is the Blackman still capable of managing his own affairs? Graduate unemployment was barely high yesterday. How independent are we if we cannot absorb the people we train? If we could bring back Ghana’s first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah two things would happen and that is an industrialization agenda that will ensure self-sufficiency, and more emphasis on a single army, currency and common market.

Agreeably, recent African governments have shown commitment to Nkrumahs’s agenda of a common market as reflected in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area; but more could be done. It is time the speedy blood flow of patriotism that ran through our hearts on the ticket of patriotism was brought back for the good of the country. Otherwise, we will be contributors to the failures of our dear motherland Ghana.