Journalist bemoans level of politics in Ghana

By Charles Takyi-Boadu
Posted: Thusday, July 24, 2008
Veteran journalist and former Public Relations Officer of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Mr. G. B. K. Owusu has complained about the level of political development in the country.
He believed Ghana’s political atmosphere continues to be polarised by mediocrity, instead of the proper intellectual exercise.
This, he said, run counter-productive to the basic tenets of democracy, since it made politics unproductive and retroactive.
Addressing members of the Young Adult Fellowship (YAF), of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Faith Congregation at Madina Estates, on the topic ‘Christian perspective of politics’, Mr. Owusu, who is currently a media consultant, lamented that after 51 years of independence, and 48 years of attaining Republican status, Ghana’s political seed has not germinated to bear mature fruits.
He has thus charged Ghanaians, to move away from the usual politics of insults, personal attacks and vindictiveness, since it had the tendency of affecting the gains made so far.
He attributed this to selfishness, greed, graft, acrimony, dishonesty, avarice, envy, corruption and tribalism.
This, according to him, was evident in the fact that “matured politicians always buried their differences to move the nation ahead, instead of subverting and condemning every good decision.”
In furtherance of his speech, G.B.K, as he is fondly called, noted that “politics is a science of good governance, and its practitioners must put the nation first, before themselves. It is through this unity of purpose, loyalty, devotion and dedication that our dreams can be translated into reality, and make Ghana a better nation.”
He thus had cause to remind politicians that “so far as they cherished their parties more than the country’s progress, it would not be easy to place the nation forward.”
With its ethical practices and manifestos, he stressed that politics could be likened to the Ten Commandments, given by God to the Israelites.
These practices, according to Mr. Owusu, must aim at righteousness, unity, love, patriotism, respect for authority, compassion, peace and humility.
In effect, he asked politicians to be faithful to the national call, and desist from any dubious acts that would deny the electorate their needs - schools, water, roads, security, hospitals and shelter - advising them to learn from what Jesus Christ told His followers, that He came to give abundant life to all, as stated in John 10:10.
Mr. Owusu deplored the low spirit of patriotism in the country, emphasising that “if we are Ghanaians, and are concerned about development of our nation, then we must emulate what Prophet Nehemiah did, when he sought permission from the King of Susa to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.”
With determination, backed by God’s direction, he noted that Prophet Nehemiah succeeded in mobilizing the Jews to accomplish his mission.
“We need more Nehemiah’s to move the country forward,” he charged.
That notwithstanding, he stated that Ghana’s rich human resources, could be harnessed by all political parties, and not by any single party, saying “sharing of ideas, suggestions and decisions, provides a healthy platform to national growth and progress.”
He exhorted Christians, who have registered, to endeavour to vote on December 7, this year, adding “your vote is your power, but before you do that, listen to aspirants who base their campaign massages on issues, and not personalities and insults. Be mindful of those who engage in mudslinging and threats. Vote for God-fearing people who are matured, honest and respectful.”
Mr. Owusu also advised Christians not to carry politics to the church, by wearing political paraphernalia.
“You can conduct your campaign outside the church, but not inside. Pastors and church agents must also not use the pulpit to promote one political party against another. It is the duty of Christian politicians to always pray fervently for peace, unity, harmony, love and stability,” he noted with caution.
In the final analysis, he expressed hope that one day, all political leaders would meet to pray together, and share a common meal at the Castle, or the Conference Centre.