My Motherland

My heart is always burdened with much sorrow and pain when I critically examine the high rate of incompetence of the various systems and institutions in the country. The question I usually ask is, will we ever get there? Will we ever get to the position where government officials will see their means in office as a service other than an opportunity to amass wealth? Will there ever be a time in the history of this country where civil and public servants would know that they owe their allegiance not to only their bosses in big suits and air conditioned offices but also to the Makola woman who sells pepper and cassava.

We have taken upon ourselves many attributes and titles; we call ourselves democratic, independence and republic. What is the essence of all these titles if the country is unable to portray any characteristic feature to qualify the reason why it is being called so? Or propablybly we are just using it for decoration?

I have in recent times come into a conclusion that Ghana before independence and under colonial rule was far better than now. In a country where bribery and corruption has become a norm other than a menace in society. In a country where a goat can be exchanged for justice. In a democratic country where brutalizing citizens can also be called defensive policing mechanisms. A country which has FREEDOM AND JUSTICE as its motor but her citizens are denied anything closer to justice. I sometimes wonder what would have been the situation of the country if it had a different motor other than this one.

So where are we actually gearing towards as an independent state in the twenty first century? My soul cries out loud for the youth of today and generations unborn. So will the souls of our founding fathers of the country also be in grief.

It is high time we take off our political and tribal spectacles, shun our religious differences and treat issues with national interest as paramount priority.

It will take keen efforts of brave people like you and I to revive the dead and lost soul of our motherland. Are we waiting till when we can no more see the shadows of Ghana before we begin to act? That would be totally unfair on our part as great citizens of this country. Why can’t we convert our desires to do wrong to something worth mentioning and profitable? We shouldn’t forget that Ghana is for all of us. We therefore do not need any angel to make it a safe haven for us. We need to work ourselves. We are one people striving to attain one goal, lets us come together in the best of our might to push the country to the lime light. We deserve the best and we can make those ourselves. ARISE AND BUILD.

RAYNOLDS NYARKO DARKWAH
UNIVERSITY OF GHANA -LEGON