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Firstly, I wish to use this opportunity to thank all those who have mentored me in many ways, collaborated with me, debated and discussed with me on issues bothering on national concerns, professional and socio-cultural perspectives. They have all in diverse ways contributed to my journey of personal development and eventually leading to the University finding my work worthy of acceptance into the professorial rank. I also owe my students a big thank you for their immense contribution to my elevation to the rank
of Associate Professor. Their role is immeasurable.
I have made a big decision to dedicate my first writing since my promotion to an issue that must concern every Ghanaian, especially statesmen and women, opinion leaders and indeed every Ghanaian home and abroad. I believe all of us must be worried and concerned and call those engaged in these acts or omissions within Government and by extension all politicians to order.
Ghana is in a state of entropy!
Our political communication in recent times is arguably contributing hugely to shaping and forming corrupt minds, intellectual bankruptcy and lack of respect for principles and values of our endeavours especially the political.
This is worrying, especially for the younger generation who have been attracted and remain committed to democracy, and rule of law thereby refusing to be drawn into any action or inaction in the realms of street violent, rampant demonstrations as pertains in some parts of our sub- region- there is a commitment to eschewing all forms of chaos that could pose a challenge to the fledgling democracy and peace we enjoy.
The least we can do as leaders of this teeming young people is to be seen to propagate principles and values that support their commitment, not only to ensure democratic dividends to them but also for them to learn from it.
In the last few days, we have been witnessing a trend of Government communication by some appointees using unsavoury language, illogical principles and values alien to democracy and especially to a Ghanaian society committed to fairness, fellow feeling etc.
For example, a Government communicator sat on TV to justify and defend why a President can only work with friends and families because no one works with their enemies.
We have a Government communicator who seems to redefine the principles guiding public service, failing or refusing to acknowledge the fiduciary position of the President and his appointees that requires the Governors to respect the principles of ethics, and pluralism. Oblivious of the extent to which failing to accept that Nepotism and Favouritism in the discharge of an entrusted power is an abuse which is a classification of corruption.
The failure or blatant refusal to accept this universal ethos flouts these principles and impact society negatively, breeding corrupt minds and social vices where people will no longer be remorseful in taking similar positions in future, giving them a lifeline to cite precedents not necessarily as the initiator of but certainly as the first to have vehemently defended it in public, thereby “legitimising” it.
I have read many times on social media some good measure of young people appearing to be justifying family and friends appointment. I have listened to friends and colleagues within and outside campus surprisingly agreeing profusely with such logic. That is certainly worrying.
It is also reported that a Government appointee, a minister for that matter stood on a campaign platform to indirectly undermine the democratic process of our electoral process setting the stage for what could happen in December 2024 and drawing what could possibly be described as the ‘battle lines’, as numerous opposition members respond to him in equal measure of threats with the citizens caught up in this political communication crossfire.
I am sure some people are discounting it as sheer “bravado” that will lead to nowhere but just an act to gain political momentum for the hoipolloi.
I disagree. It’s certainly a serious issue, that has the tendency to tell our young generation that it’s ok to defy democratic principles, values and actions with no attendant consequences. This is speech-act! They are not just words, they have far reaching impact on the society and its core values being imbibed by the younger generation. Are the elders of this country not worried? Must we sit down to hear in daily doses such communication? Coming just after the recent appointments of known politically exposed people to the Electoral Commission with some Civil society organizations vehemently opposed to it!!!
For me it is more worrying the kind of political communication coming from the
Government even more than the actions. If the truism that what ‘people’ communicate is their true motive is anything to go by, then what is happening has far reaching consequences and every Ghanaian must be concerned. It could affect decision making at workplaces, educational institutions, religious places and many public spaces. I hear people say the lack of principles and values guiding our decisions and actions has been going on. It’s a fair comment but my question to them is must we officially sanction it whereby Government officials accept these worrying acts publicly all in the name of politics? This is a very serious issue, and I believe it’s a sign that we are in a seriously downward slope. We are simply in a state of entropy as a country. We must be worried.
Dr Kobby Mensah is a lecturer at the University of Ghana
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