Dearth Of Role Models

 

We have said before that role models have become endangered species in our land. We believe in Voltaire’s dictum that, “I may detest your views, but I will not prevent you from expressing them”.

Besides, the right to free expression is one of the key drivers of our democratic ethos. So, every bonafide Ghanaian has a stake in the conduct of public affairs in the country.

Pre and post independent Ghana produced a cadre of personalities from different spheres of life, who our people looked up to for leadership in normal and challenging times. These categories of people could be found in our traditional realm, academia, business community, media, civil society and religion, be it Christian, Muslim or traditional faith.

That era produced chiefs such as Togbe Adjah Terkpor, Togbe Adeladza, Nii Amugi, Otumfuo Opoku Ware, Ya Na Andani, Dasebre Akuamoah Boateng, those from the Clergy such as Most Rev Akwasi Sarpong, Most Rev Andoh, Rev Amoako, Rev Bob Hawkson, from academia we had Prof Gyandoh, Prof George Benneh, Prof Kofi Kumado and lawyers like our current President, Nana Akufo-Addo, Adumoah Bossman and Dy Yakah whose voices on national issues changed the course of our national history.

There were others in the business community including traders in our big markets such as Makola and Kejetia who never zipped their mouths when national issues cropped up. And Ghanaians appreciated their sacrifices in those trying times such as the period Kutu Acheampong and JJ Rawlings tried to perpetuate military hegemony in our body politics.

Tommy Thompson, for instance, sacrificed his life to fight military dictatorship by using his newspaper, the Free Press, to expose the hypocrisy of the PNDC regime.

At the time it looked scary to speak up because of the culture of silence, Kofi Koomson used his newspaper, the Chronicle, to expose corruption in the NDC government leading to the resignation, firing and the trial of some leading members of that regime.

The Daily Guide, for instance, has always exposed those who pretend to be championing democracy for their personal gain.

The case is not the same today as some personalities Ghanaians have held in high esteem only show concern when policies are detrimental to their personal ambitions. Thus, they are always criticising government policies without any tangible alternatives to resolve our problems.

Even the main opposition leader, John Mahama can be identified in this group as ever since he was elected flagbearer of the NDC he is yet to make public any policy intervention to resolve what he claimed are challenges inflicted on Ghanaians by the Akufo-Addo administration.

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