Ghanaians Abroad Determined To Succeed

Logically there are no problems in the Ghana community in Hamburg however we have challenges to address. For us to come out with ideal solutions we need to understand the following:

Challenges:
A Ghana Union Leadership that is not only overwhelmed by young, vibrant, dynamic youth movement that sees the Ghana Union as a platform to re-strategize their political ambitions, but also the attempt to impose an undemocratic Supreme Council by a few. Finally a new leadership in the Ghana Embassy Berlin that gives directions which often sparks misunderstandings among community leaders.

Political Force:
The community has the numbers to make any political breakthrough but because the center cannot hold things are falling apart. The Panic got to its peak during the recent general election that was held in Hamburg.

Politics is all about numbers! All Ghanaian -/African community leaders want to have their fair share of Ghanaians in Hamburg. Recently one leader said "We shall continue to use your name and your numbers to go for money, if you participate or not is your own cup of tea." Please see this as wakeup call!

Before the recent Ghana Community Hamburg gathering took place at the First Foundation Hall, on Saturday, the 8th of August 2015, there was unnecessary tension, mistrust and blame game at its highest level.

Restructuring Ghana Union Hamburg:
We must agree the meeting went well with Mr. Samuel Adotey Anum the Deputy Ambassador doubling as the unofficial moderator. The gathering agreed that Ghana Union as it is today must be reformed and restructured to suit present day challenges and have representatives of all ethnic associations, churches, mosques and particularly the youth.

Updating -/upgrading existing Constitution:
It was therefore agreed that the Constitution has to be reviewed to emphasize the umbrella character enshrine in the Constitution. After careful examination it was agreed that the name should remain Ghana Union, though a sizable number of people were of the view that Ghana Council would not be bad. Irrespective of that there must be strategic rebranding of the Union.

Ethnic Balance:
The Ethnic balance should not be paramount to us. What we should be more concerned about is the competence of the leaders and quality of work they do. It does not matter if we have 10 executive members from Saboba, Takorowatwen, Amoanda, Dabala, Gbawe, Kyekyewere or Tuabodum, getting the people united, focused and result oriented is what matters.

Different Ghanaians?!!
The issue of the Supreme Council was raised. By German constitution, people are free to form any organization they desire but having two parallel Ghana Unions at this stage of our political dispensation would be suicidal. It would breed mistrust and disunity as was the case before the meeting.

We have only one Ghana and do not have different Ghanaians, whoever believes he can serve Ghanaians better should either be helping behind the scene or actively participate to bring the necessary changes.

The community leaders were very frank with the truth, we need Ghana Union but it can’t remain the way it is. It was made clear to the leadership that they were not up to the task. The Days of always showcasing the leadership at funerals is a thing of the past.

Strong Community Leaders:
We want leaders who people would not be dribbled left and right or taken for granted! One thing we must not forget is that, there can only be a strong Ghana Union leadership when other community leaders are very strong and themselves can be firm on national issues like we witnessed yesterday. This is what we call Ghana First. One young Ghanaian –Felix Amoako put it this way, "If you do not treat the water you use daily it will poison you all ". Come together, put your strength together and work with one another.

Perfect working relationship:
He continued by saying "The Embassy staffs shall be coming and going but we shall remain part of Germany". We must remember HOWEVER a unique leadership in Berlin brings about unity, peace and tranquility, which goes a long way to bring development and progress. If the leadership spends all its time writing excellent rejoinders then we are Lost.

New Elections:
A committee was tasked to review the Constitution within two months after which the general elections shall be held. To ensure a broader participation other community leaders, comprising of prominent religious, ethnic, youth leaders as well as academicians in Hamburg and its surrounding need to be actively involved. Though Sunday, 18th of October 2015 has been scheduled for the general elections, changes might arise due to the constitutional review.

Ghana Day Festival:
The Ghana Day Festival which was mentioned several times could be a perfect beginning for the new Ghana Union leadership. It must start with all communities on board and owned by Ghana Union, Designed and Implemented by Ghanaians collectively, if we stop competing with the Ghana Union on Independent and Republic days we shall be helping them to be stronger. However they must be consistent with their activities. The Grill party was a unique one we should all encourage them to build upon it. Let us do it together and succeed together!

Leadership training:
Another important need is leadership training as most of our leaders: Pastors, Imams, Chiefs and Leaders of the various groups were not long ago themselves followers. We need to equip them with the needed skills.

Youth in Politics:
Also we have to start introducing our youth to the political parties at tender ages; they must learn how politics is done in Germany. But before then we as parents have to introduce them at early ages to social work. If they understand how to serve people at early ages they will not see leadership as lording over people or doing them a favor.

Dialogue -/Meetings:
The Community Leaders Should occasionally be calling breakfast or lunch meetings and then be Involving the youth or stated differently the youth should be organizing meetings and be inviting the elderly. Talk to one another; do not impose yourself on others it has always fails.Stop the elbowing, be transparent to one another, speak clear and plain language and express exactly what we want. And remember Strategy always does not succeed over righteousness, what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong.

It is time for the sleeping giants to wake up!

With the right leadership in place, respecting one another, talking to one another, working for and with one another and learning to agree and disagree with one another, without taking things personal we shall succeed.

God Bless Africa!
God Bless Germany!
Desmond John Beddy
http://www.topafric.com