Assumpta Weekly News Magazine;
FLASH ALERT ;
“It’s not enough to dream, hope, or wish for change. We must take action, no matter how small. Each step forward is a step towards progress.” –Gwen Addo-
–Gwen-Addo-
Introduction
All our Ghanaian leaders that have come and gone after Kwame Nkrumah’s overthrow did not represent Ghanaians in a way that embodied the hope and wisdom necessary for the people to accept them as truly part of the nation. These leaders did not integrate their lives, history, and culture with Ghana’s rich heritage.
Before we can understand ourselves as the people of the Gold Coast, we need to discuss why our :
(1) Current leaders still align with the same forces that assassinated Kwame Nkrumah.
(2) Why have they internalised the exploitative practices of those enemies, continuing to exploit Ghanaians and export our natural resources to imperialist countries?
It is crucial to recognize that our leaders have distanced themselves from the common Ghanaian populace and the nation because they have internalised colonialist ideals.
Although the colonial masters are no longer physically present in Ghana, our leaders have adopted their ideals, making it difficult for Ghanaians to live a happy and fulfilling life. This persistent struggle for the nation is why Ghanaians continually vote for change.
This is the ongoing struggle against our leaders and the destruction of our nation, Ghana. If we do not address this issue, our nation will continue to suffer from the inherited colonialist ideals.
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( What Fills You with Hope? )
This question is asked with urgency in a time where despair is in the air we breathe. Consider the “moment” in which our Ghanaian leaders have seemingly used the colonial masters’ ideals of oppression to build our economy. From the oppression, misery, and poverty that destroy lives in every part of our country to the language we use in everyday life, the default setting in human behaviour seems bleak.
How do we even talk about hope, let alone participate in voting, given the resurgence of the colonial masters’ power in this present time?
Hope, however, can be found in the heart of Ghanaian life. It is drawn from a wellspring of eventful history rich with insight, royal wisdom, and spiritual truth. This cultural essence reflects a profound resilience and an enduring belief in better days, reminiscent of the journey of discovering hope.
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Ghana’s history is a tapestry of significant events that have shaped our national identity. From the ancient Ghana Empire known for its wealth and complex social structure to the Ashanti Kingdom celebrated for its advanced governance and military prowess, we draw inspiration from a legacy of royal wisdom. These historical narratives instil a sense of pride and a belief in the possibility of greatness.
The wisdom of our ancestors, encapsulated in proverbs and stories, provides practical guidance and moral lessons. This rich insight helps us navigate the challenges of modern life while maintaining a connection to our heritage. For instance, the proverb ‘NsamanfoÉ” da yÉ›n akyi’ (The ancestors are behind us) reflects the belief that the past supports and guides the present.
Spiritual truth is another cornerstone of Ghanaian hope. Our diverse spiritual landscape, which includes Christianity, Islam, and traditional African religions, offers a robust framework for understanding life’s purpose and challenges. Rituals, prayers, and festivals, such as Homowo and Aboakyir, are not just cultural expressions but also sources of communal and individual hope, reinforcing the belief in divine support and the possibility of renewal and prosperity.
Festivals and communal celebrations play a vital role in reinforcing hope and happiness. These events are times of joy, reflection, and communal bonding, reminding us of our collective strength and shared future. The colourful kente cloth, the rhythm of the drums, and the energy of traditional dances are not just cultural symbols but also expressions of an indomitable spirit.
This blend of historical pride, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual depth creates a unique cultural foundation from which we draw hope. It is a hope that is ever-present, guiding us through the challenges of the present and inspiring us towards a brighter future. This resilience and optimism are a testament to the enduring power of hope and happiness in Ghanaian life, much like the process of discovering hope anew each day.
Let us, therefore, not succumb to despair. Let us draw from our rich history, our collective wisdom, and our spiritual truths to find the hope we need. And let us remember that in participating in our democracy and in nurturing our communities, we are upholding the very essence of what makes us resilient and hopeful as Ghanaians.
Titler : Rediscovering Hope : Content : A Call to Action in Tumultuous Times
Interviewer : Berla Mundi;
Interviewees : Gwen Addo (Future First Female President of Ghana) and Honourable Samuel Nartey (Future Vice President of Ghana)
Berla Mundi : Good morning, Ghana! Welcome to this special edition titled “Rediscovering Hope: A Call to Action in Tumultuous Times.” I’m Berla Mundi, and today, I have the immense honour of interviewing two prominent leaders who are set to shape our future. Please welcome Gwen Addo, our future first female president, and Honourable Samuel Nartey, our future vice president. Welcome, Gwen and Samuel.
Gwen Addo : Thank you, Berla. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Honourable Samuel Nartey : Thank you, Berla. I’m excited to be part of this important conversation.
Berla Mundi : Let’s dive right into it. Gwen, you recently said, “It’s not enough to dream, hope, or wish for change. We must take action, no matter how small. Each step forward is a step towards progress.” Could you elaborate on what inspired this powerful statement?
Gwen Addo : l Certainly, Berla. In these challenging times, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by despair. Many Ghanaians are grappling with the consequences of economic policies and social conditions that seem to echo the oppressive ideals of our colonial past. However, history shows us that even small, consistent actions can lead to significant change. By drawing on our rich heritage, the wisdom of our ancestors, and the spiritual truths that have sustained us, we can find the strength and inspiration to take those first steps toward progress. It’s about rediscovering hope and channelling it into tangible actions.
Berla Mundi : That’s a compelling perspective, Gwen. Samuel, in your view, what fills you with hope in these tumultuous times?
Honourable Samuel Nartey: Hope, for me, comes from the resilience and spirit of the Ghanaian people. Despite the adversities we face, our history is rich with examples of courage, wisdom, and perseverance. From the days of the ancient Ghana Empire to the Ashanti Kingdom, we’ve seen how our ancestors built societies rooted in justice and strength. This legacy is our wellspring of hope. By reconnecting with our cultural heritage and embracing the values that have carried us through generations, we can find the inspiration to overcome current challenges.Â
Berla Mundi.: It’s clear that both of you believe strongly in the power of our heritage and collective strength. Let’s talk about the current political climate. Many Ghanaians feel disillusioned, seeing our leaders perpetuate colonialist ideals. How can we move beyond this and instil a sense of hope and purpose?
Gwen Addo: The disillusionment is understandable, Berla. Our leaders’ continued alignment with colonialist practices has distanced them from the common Ghanaian. To move beyond this, we must reclaim our identity and values. This starts with acknowledging the wrongs of the past and present and committing to change. Education plays a critical role here, teaching our youth about our true history and instilling pride in our cultural and spiritual heritage. By doing so, we empower them to envision and work towards a future that truly reflects Ghanaian ideals.
**Honourable Samuel Nartey**: I agree with Gwen. It’s also about governance that listens and responds to the needs of the people. Transparency, accountability, and community engagement are crucial. Our leaders must embody the values of integrity and service, putting the welfare of Ghanaians above all else. By fostering a political environment that is inclusive and participatory, we can rebuild trust and hope.
Berla Mundi : It sounds like a significant cultural and political shift is needed. Gwen, you often talk about the wisdom of our ancestors and the role of spirituality in fostering hope. How can these elements be integrated into our national policies and everyday life?
Gwen Addo : Our ancestors left us a wealth of knowledge and spiritual teachings that remain relevant today. Integrating these elements means respecting and celebrating our traditions through national policies that promote cultural education and heritage preservation. It also involves creating spaces for dialogue and reflection within our communities, where people can connect with their spiritual beliefs and draw strength from them. For example, incorporating traditional conflict resolution methods can enhance our justice system, and celebrating festivals can strengthen communal bonds and national pride.
Berla Mundi : Samuel, how do you see these cultural and spiritual elements impacting economic policies and development?
Honourable Samuel Nartey : Our cultural and spiritual values can guide sustainable and inclusive economic policies. For instance, the principle of communal support can be translated into policies that prioritise social welfare and equitable resource distribution. Our respect for the environment, evident in traditional practices, should inform our approach to sustainable development and environmental conservation. By aligning our economic policies with these values, we ensure that growth benefits all Ghanaians and preserves our heritage for future generations.
Berla-Mundi: Gwen, as we have delved into the lives of Ghanaians, it’s essential to understand how we can change the misery and poverty surrounding us. Having witnessed and experienced the worst after Kwame Nkrumah’s assassination, you both reaffirm that life continues and that the light of hope can be found in the darkest corners.Â
Future President Gwen Addo, Nkrumah’s vision for Ghana was one of unity and prosperity, but his assassination and the subsequent overthrow shattered that vision. Who killed Kwame Nkrumah, and why did they overthrow him? Kwame Nkrumah was overthrown in a coup d’état on February 24, 1966, while he was on a state visit to North Vietnam and China. The coup was orchestrated by the National Liberation Council, with backing from foreign powers who viewed Nkrumah’s pan-Africanism and socialist policies as a threat to their interests. His assassination wasn’t a single act but rather a series of attempts on his life, leading to his eventual ousting. The motivations were complex, involving both internal discontent and external pressures.Â
This historical event marked a turning point. The hope that Nkrumah had instilled was brutally disrupted. Since then, there has been increasing isolation of our leaders, felt till today. Whether Ghanaians are seeking a purposeful life or our leaders are trying hard to take their dignity from them, the struggle continues. Ghanaians face difficulties and isolation daily. The lived knowledge of an economy that oppresses them has turned them into something they are not.
Berla-Mundi: Future Vice President Samuel Nartey, what can we do to help them rediscover hope?
Future Vice President Samuel Nartey: Let me remind you that we live in a profoundly relational world. To decide for hope, we must think, feel, and act within a lived understanding of connectedness and its far-reaching consequences. There is nothing more profoundly connective than being able to listen, truly listen, to the stories of Ghanaians, and share their stories with a good heart. It’s about more than just policy change; it’s about human connection and empathy. When we listen to each other’s stories, we create a bond that can inspire collective action. Hope is not just a feeling but a call to action, a commitment to each other.
We must also address the root causes of their struggles. Economic policies need to be inclusive and designed to uplift the poorest among us. Education and opportunities for entrepreneurship must be accessible to all.
Berla-Mundi: Future President Gwen Addo, do you agree?
Gwen Addo: Yes, I agree. But we must also lead by example. As leaders, we must show that we are not above the struggles of our people but are with them in their daily battles. Our actions must reflect our words.
Berla-Mundi: Let us share with our readers the essence of our message.
Future President Gwen Addo: In times like these, where despair permeates the air we breathe in Ghana, it’s crucial to pause and ask ourselves: “What fills me with hope?” Oppression seems to have become the default setting in the behaviour of our political leaders. From the pervasive poverty and misery that destroy lives in every part of our country to the language they use in our everyday interactions, the signs are everywhere.
Given this present time, how do we even begin to talk about hope, let alone actively participate in voting for the same leaders who uphold the colonial masters’ ideals? The clock is ticking, and with only a few days left, the continued growth of poverty and misery is compounded by escalating political rhetoric and promises that disrupt rather than uplift the people. Our nation appears to have adopted an increasingly oppressive plan that affects every Ghanaian.
However, amidst this turmoil, my call to action remains vital. “It’s not enough to dream, hope, or wish for change—we must take action, no matter how small. Each step forward is a step towards progress.” –Gwen Addo–
I ask Ghanaians to take us into their lives, into their friends’ lives, into their parents lives, and into the lives of young men and women who are walking our streets without homes and jobs.
In what might be thought of as the emotional centre of this collection, I describe these heart-wrenching dialogues we shared with Ghanaians when hope threatened to become an empty word. Ghanaians are suffering.
Future Vice President Samuel Nartey: As an MP still in parliament, I have dedicated my life to good policies that will heal the country and create a Ghana where hope and happiness are not just aspirations but a lived reality for all.
Berla-Mundi: Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. As we conclude, what final message would you like to leave with our listeners today?
Gwen Addo: My message is simple: never underestimate the power of hope and small actions. Every step we take towards embracing our heritage and values is a step towards a brighter future. Let’s work together, with determination and faith, to create the Ghana we envision.
Honourable Samuel Nartey: I echo Gwen’s sentiment. Let’s draw strength from our history and the wisdom of our ancestors. By staying united and committed to positive change, we can overcome any challenge and rediscover hope in our nation.
Berla-Mundi: Thank you, Gwen Addo and Honourable Samuel Nartey, for this enlightening conversation. And thank you, listeners, for joining us today. Let’s all take that step forward and rediscover hope together.
Rediscovering hope in Ghana involves not just reflection and pride in our heritage but also active steps towards a better future, driven by the wisdom of our ancestors and the spiritual and cultural richness that defines us. Let us, therefore, not succumb to despair. Let us draw from our rich history, our collective wisdom, and our spiritual truths to find the hope we need. And let us remember that in participating in our democracy and nurturing our communities, we are upholding the very essence of what makes us resilient and hopeful as Ghanaians.
