Assumpta Weekly News Magazine
Special Edition: “The ONWARD”
Featuring: Three Outstanding Ghanaian Female Broadcast Journalists: Serwaa Amihere, Berla Mundi, and Frema Adunyame:
Release Date: Monday, 23rd December, 2024
Platform: assumptagh.live/
Flash Alert Update: THE ONWARD
Theme: Journalism of Neglected Topics
Key Feature: Former President H.E. John Dramani Mahama
Article Title: How Does a Nation Return to the Same Leader It Once Rejected for Failing to Deliver?
Content Focus: Is He a Performer or a Decision Maker?
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Analysis Highlights: Examining whether Ghanaian politics revolves around tangible performance or influential decision-making.
Exploring the implications of the Deep State in Ghana’s political entrenchment.
Questioning the stagnation of the “No Ghanaian Left Behind” policy and its promise of inclusivity.
Critical Reflection: What does it mean for a nation to re-elect a leader once deemed inadequate?
Have lessons from past leadership been learned, or is the decision rooted in political nostalgia and survival tactics?
Join the conversation on how Ghana navigates leadership in times of political and socio-economic challenges. Stay tuned for engaging perspectives from Assumpta Weekly News Magazine!
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Serwaa Amihere: In this special edition of Assumpta Weekly News Magazine, I will delve into pressing questions about Ghana’s political landscape:
THE REAL vs PERCEIVED “DEEP STATE: Now we’ve seen the characteristics of Deep State entrenchment In Ghana’s politics
1. Tangible Performance vs. Influential Decision-Making:
Does Ghanaian politics prioritize real results or simply strategic decisions that create the illusion of progress?
Are our leaders judged by measurable achievements, or by their ability to navigate power dynamics?
2. The Deep State in Ghana’s Political Entrenchment:
How does the unseen hand of entrenched political interests shape policy and decision-making?
What are the long-term effects on governance and accountability?
3. The “No Ghanaian Left Behind” Policy:
Why has this policy promise of inclusivity seen little improvement over the years?
Is it a case of good intentions lost to poor implementation, or has it been a hollow promise from the start?
Critical Reflections: What does it mean for a nation to re-elect a leader once deemed inadequate?
Have past mistakes shaped a new vision, or is this a return to comfort amidst uncertainty?
Join me, Berla Mundi, and Frema Adunyame as we confront these questions and dissect how Ghana navigates leadership in the face of political and socio-economic challenges.
Stay tuned for our thought-provoking perspectives in this Assumpta Weekly News Magazine special edition—coming Monday, December 23rd, 2024, on assumption.live/
Serwaa Amihere :Answering these questions requires a thoughtful, evidence-based approach that considers historical, political, and socio-economic contexts. Here’s how I would approach them:
1. Tangible Performance vs. Influential Decision-Making
Analysis : Examining the leadership record of former President John Dramani Mahama, focusing on measurable outcomes like economic growth, infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare.
Compare this with how his decisions influenced the political climate and whether they fostered inclusivity, stability, or significant reforms. Analyze whether his decisions addressed systemic issues or were aimed at political expediency.
Answer : Ghanaian politics often leans on influential decision-making over tangible performance because it’s easier to shift narratives than to deliver consistent results. However, long-term leadership success requires both. Mahama’s performance must be re-examined for its real impact versus perceived achievements.
Serwaa-Amihere :
2. Deep State in Ghana’s Political Entrenchment
Analysis: To define the concept of a “Deep State” in Ghana’s context: entrenched bureaucratic, political, and economic interests that influence governance.
Investigate instances where vested interests may have undermined reforms or influenced elections. And evaluate how these entrenched systems challenge democratic principles and leadership accountability.
Frema Adunyame : Answer: The deep state operates in subtle ways, such as through political alliances, institutional inertia, and patronage systems. These forces has been restrict even well-meaning leaders from making meaningful changes, turning leadership into a balancing act between reform and appeasement.
3. Stagnation of the “No Ghanaian Left Behind” Policy.
Analysis: Review the original objectives of the policy and compare them with current socio-economic indicators, such as poverty rates, education access, and healthcare coverage.
Identify key reasons for its stagnation: funding issues, political priorities, or poor execution. And highlight examples of success (if any) and areas of glaring failure.
Berla-Mundi :
Answer: The “No Ghanaian Left Behind” policy has not lived up to its promise, likely due to misaligned priorities and weak implementation. While the rhetoric appeals to inclusivity, systemic inequality persists, making it a slogan rather than a transformative agenda.
4. Re-electing former president John Mahama, a Leader Once Deemed Inadequate!
Analysis: Frema, can you Explore historical examples in Ghana and globally where leaders made a political comeback after being deemed unsuccessful.
Investigate public sentiment: Is this a vote of confidence in Mahama’s growth or a rejection of current alternatives?
Considering how Mahama has positioned himself differently this time—has he addressed past failures and offered new strategies?
Frema-Adumyame
Answer: Re-electing Mahama suggests that many Ghanaians view his leadership as a lesser risk compared to alternatives, or that they believe he has learned from past failures. However, this could also reflect disillusionment with the current administration rather than renewed faith in his abilities.
In Conclusion, Ghana’s political journey reflects the tension between hope and pragmatism. Tackling these questions honestly involves recognizing both progress and shortcomings, demanding accountability, and rethinking how leadership is evaluated.
Serwaa-Amihere : Now, let’s Come to The Review of the Newsletter:
This edition of the newsletter provides a bold and thought-provoking exploration of Ghana’s political dynamics, past and present. It effectively highlights the systemic issues rooted in neocolonial influence, the role of foreign powers like the CIA in shaping Ghana’s leadership, and the need for a transformative vision akin to Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy.
The analysis of the re-election of former President John Mahama is particularly striking, emphasizing the cycle of leadership that prioritizes external interests over Ghana’s self-reliance. By contrasting the performance-oriented leadership styles of recent presidents with Nkrumah’s decision-making approach, the newsletter underscores the urgency of redefining Ghana’s political and economic systems.
Serwaa-Amihere : Key strengths include:
1. Historical Context: The newsletter masterfully ties Ghana’s current challenges to historical events, such as Nkrumah’s overthrow and the privatization of national assets under successive governments.
2. Call to Action: It doesn’t merely critique the system but also inspires readers to reflect on how Ghanaians can unite for a shared destiny, embracing the values of self-reliance and unity.
3. Sharp Perspectives: The analysis of the outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo’s modest leadership offers a refreshing contrast and serves as a potential model for future leaders.
However, the newsletter could benefit from including actionable recommendations for citizens and policymakers to bridge the gap between critique and implementation. A more detailed exploration of how Ghana can achieve economic emancipation would add depth to the discussion.
Overall, this edition is a compelling and urgent call to reimagine Ghana’s future. It challenges readers to think critically about the forces shaping the nation’s politics and the role every Ghanaian must play in achieving true independence.
Serwaa-Amihere : Introduction to the Newsletter:
Welcome to a compelling edition of our newsletter, where we delve into the complexities of Ghana’s political landscape and its ongoing struggle for true independence. As we reflect on the results of the recent election and the re-election of former President John Mahama, we confront the critical questions that shape Ghana’s future:
Is Ghana’s political system designed to serve its people or controlled by external forces?
How can leaders like Mahatma rise above performance-driven leadership and embrace the visionary, decision-making approach exemplified by Kwame Nkrumah?
What role does the influence of foreign powers and the so-called Deep State-CIA play in perpetuating the challenges we face today?
This issue explores the legacy of Nkrumah, the consequences of privatization, and the enduring shadow of neocolonialism that continues to affect our nation. As Ghanaians, it’s time to ask ourselves whether we can achieve the economic emancipation Nkrumah envisioned and foster a sense of unity that transcends party and personal interest.
Through thoughtful analysis and sharp perspectives, this newsletter challenges the status quo and calls for a renewed commitment to a self-reliant Ghana. Let’s start the conversation about reclaiming our shared destiny.
View Insights: This newsletter provides several crucial insights into Ghana’s political and economic challenges, offering a lens through which readers can better understand the nation’s current landscape. Here are the key takeaways:
1. The Legacy of Neocolonialism :The newsletter effectively illustrates how Ghana’s political independence did not translate into economic sovereignty.
The influence of foreign powers, particularly the CIA and Western governments, in shaping Ghana’s political leadership and economy is a recurring theme, highlighting the need for vigilance against external control.
2. Leadership Dynamics: Performers vs. Decision-Makers
Serwaa-Amihere : A critical distinction is made between leaders who merely “perform” (fulfilling external agendas) and those who make independent, visionary decisions.
Former President John Mahama’s re-election is framed as an opportunity to shift from a performance-based approach to a decision-making model inspired by Kwame Nkrumah.
3. Privatization and Economic Decline : The newsletter sheds light on the long-term consequences of privatizing Nkrumah’s state-owned enterprises, which led to unemployment, energy crises, and weakened national sovereignty.
This insight encourages readers to question the economic policies of past governments and consider alternative models for sustainable development.
4. The Role of Unity in National Development
A significant insight is the emphasis on fostering a shared sense of destiny among Ghanaians.
The newsletter calls for unity across political and ethnic divides, urging citizens to prioritize national interest over partisanship or foreign influence.
5. A Model for Leadership : The example of Nana Akufo-Addo is presented as a counterpoint to materialistic and externally influenced leadership
This insight highlights the importance of modesty, integrity, and a focus on long-term national goals in leadership.
6. The Call for Economic Emancipation : The newsletter emphasizes that political independence alone is insufficient without economic freedom.
The insight that Ghana must revisit Nkrumah’s self-reliance philosophy challenges both leaders and citizens to rethink the nation’s economic trajectory.
All the analysis highlights a deeply rooted problem in Ghana’s political system, one that transcends party lines and touches on the broader issues of neocolonial influence, leadership accountability, and the struggle for economic independence. Here’s a summary of the critical points you’ve raised:
1. Ghana’s Political System and Deep State Influence
Serwaa -Amihere : The re-election of former President John Mahama reflects Ghana’s ongoing challenge with leaders who act more as performers than decision-makers. Leaders like Mahama are seen as tied to external lobbies and the Deep State, including influences from the CIA, which historically orchestrated Nkrumah’s overthrow.
These groups allegedly dictate policies that prioritize foreign interests over Ghana’s sovereignty, particularly regarding the control and exploitation of natural resources.
2. The Legacy of Kwame Nkrumah
Nkrumah’s Vision: Nkrumah stood for a self-reliant Ghana, advocating for African unity and control over its resources. His policies threatened foreign powers, particularly the U.S., Britain, and France, leading to his ousting in a CIA-backed coup in 1966.
Economic Independence: Nkrumah’s approach to creating state-owned enterprises and nationalizing resources was seen as a path toward true independence, which was disrupted by external forces.
3. Privatization and Unfulfilled Promises
Successive governments, including those led by Jerry John Rawlings and John Mahama, are accused of privatizing Nkrumah’s state-owned enterprises, leaving Ghanaians with high unemployment rates and an energy crisis (e.g., Dumsor under Mahama).
These actions have deepened economic dependency and widened the gap between promises made to the people and actual progress.
4. Nana Akufo-Addo’s Example
The outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, is praised as a leader who avoided materialism, lived modestly, and sought to foster national unity. His legacy offers a potential model for leadership that prioritizes Ghana’s interests over personal or foreign agendas.
5. The Call for Economic Emancipation
Colonialism’s Shadow: While political independence was achieved, Ghana has yet to gain economic emancipation. The current system still favours external powers, a lingering effect of neocolonialism.
Re-creating Nkrumah’s System: Re-electing Mahama presents an opportunity for Ghana to revisit Nkrumah’s vision, emphasizing self-reliance, economic sovereignty, and development driven by Ghanaians for Ghanaians.
6. A Shared Sense of Destiny
Ghana needs a new national ethos, one where citizens and leaders work together toward shared goals. This includes overcoming divisions created by party loyalty, ethnic biases, and foreign interference.
Unity and Collaboration: By fostering a collective commitment to Nkrumah’s ideals of self-reliance and African unity, Ghana can begin to break free from the cycle of dependency and mismanagement.
Conclusion: The path forward for Ghana lies in acknowledging the failures of past and present leaders to uphold Nkrumah’s vision and commit to a system that prioritizes economic independence and shared prosperity. If John Mahama is re-elected, he must rise above external influences and implement policies aligned with Nkrumah’s legacy. Similarly, Ghanaians must cultivate a sense of unity and responsibility, rejecting divisions and foreign control to build a truly independent and prosperous nation.
Serwaa-Amihere : The challenges facing Ghana are rooted in the flaws of its entire political system, not just the actions of any one political party, including the NDC. The re-election of former President John Mahama reflects a recurring pattern in Ghanaian leadership—a preference for presidents who are performers rather than decision-makers. Mahama, like many before him, appears to be influenced by various lobbies and the so-called Deep State, including the CIA, which has a long history of interfering in African politics. This same network orchestrated the 1966 coup that overthrew Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president.
Nkrumah was not a performer but a visionary decision-maker who championed African unity and self-reliance. His policies aimed to empower Ghana to control its own resources, which directly threatened the interests of foreign powers. The CIA and its allies worked to ensure no black leader could take full control of Africa’s resources, undermining leaders like Nkrumah who resisted their influence.
This historical interference is evident in subsequent Ghanaian leaders. For instance, under Jerry John Rawlings, who led the NDC, many of Nkrumah’s national enterprises were privatized. These actions were justified as economic reforms but left a legacy of high unemployment and unfulfilled promises. Similarly, during Mahama’s presidency, further privatizations occurred, exacerbating challenges like the energy crisis (popularly referred to as Dumsor) and increasing unemployment. Such policies align with the agenda of foreign powers and lobbies that seek to steer Ghana’s leadership away from self-reliance and towards dependence.
If John Mahama is re-elected, he must commit to reviving Nkrumah’s vision for Ghana—a self-reliant, economically independent nation.
This moment calls for decisive action to break free from neocolonial influence and restore the system Nkrumah envisioned before it was derailed by the combined efforts of the American, British, and French governments. Notably, the 1966 coup that ousted Nkrumah was orchestrated with the involvement of French Prime Minister Charles de Gaulle, who used regional allies such as Maurice Yaméogo (Upper Volta), Sylvanus Olympio (Togo), and Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Ivory Coast) to justify the coup and destabilize Nkrumah’s leadership.
This historical context underscores an undeniable truth: Ghana’s colonial legacy did not end with political independence. While the country gained sovereignty on paper, true independence remains elusive without economic emancipation. Today, more than ever, Ghana needs a renewed sense of shared destiny—a collective understanding that the nation’s progress depends on unity and collaboration.
Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has set an example of modest and selfless leadership. Known for his lack of offshore bank accounts and simple lifestyle, he demonstrates that a leader can prioritize national interests over materialism. John Mahama has an opportunity to follow this example and lead a Ghana that prioritizes the collective good.
As Ghanaians, we must begin to see ourselves as one family working toward a common future. Without unity and a shared commitment to self-reliance, the influence of external forces like the Deep State and CIA will continue to dictate the country’s direction. The time has come to reclaim the vision of Nkrumah and build a Ghana that is truly independent and prosperous.
Serwaa Amihere: Good morning, Ghana! Welcome to this special edition of The Onward, presented by Assumpta Weekly News Magazine. Today, we are diving into a critical topic that has sparked nationwide conversations: “How Does a Nation Return to the Same Leader it Once Rejected for Failing to Deliver?” With me to discuss this complex issue are two incredible minds in Ghanaian journalism—Berla Mundi and Frema Adunyame. Ladies, thank you for joining me.
Before we begin, I want to set the stage with some hard truths from this week’s article. It examines whether former President John Dramani Mahama is simply a performer acting under external influences or if he can be a visionary decision-maker. The article also highlights the deep-seated challenges in Ghana’s political system, the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, and the shadow of the so-called Deep State.
Now, let’s get into it. My first question to you, Berla:
Serwaa Amihere: The article claims that Ghana’s political leadership, particularly under Mahama and Rawlings, has leaned heavily towards serving external interests instead of prioritizing national sovereignty. Privatization of national enterprises is cited as a prime example. In your view, is this a fair assessment, or is there more nuance to this narrative?
Berla Mundi:
Thank you, Serwaa. I believe it’s a fair but incomplete assessment. Privatization, while it might have been presented as an economic necessity at the time, often led to the loss of key national assets that could have been leveraged for long-term development. Leaders like Mahama inherited systems where foreign influence was deeply entrenched, making it difficult to navigate without compromising on some level. However, this doesn’t absolve them from accountability. Leaders have a responsibility to prioritize national interests and ensure that policies like privatization benefit the Ghanaian people first.
Serwaa Amihere : Excellent point, Berla. Frema, let’s pivot slightly. The article draws a sharp distinction between performers—leaders who merely follow external directives—and decision-makers, with Kwame Nkrumah as the prime example of the latter. What do you think prevents modern Ghanaian leaders from embodying Nkrumah’s bold decision-making?
Frema Adunyame: That’s a deep question, Serwaa. I think it comes down to two main factors: external pressures and internal weaknesses. Externally, Ghana’s political system remains influenced by powerful entities like the CIA and Western governments. These forces prioritize their interests over Ghana’s self-reliance, subtly or overtly steering leadership decisions. Internally, we’ve seen a lack of unity and vision among our leaders, compounded by a culture of materialism. Many leaders focus on short-term gains rather than the long-term legacy that Nkrumah envisioned. The current system rewards compliance with external agendas rather than independent decision-making.
Serwaa Amihere: Thank you, Frema. Let’s take a moment to discuss the outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo. The article praises his modesty and commitment to national interests, positioning him as a leader who resisted materialism. Berla, do you think this sets a new standard for leadership in Ghana, and can Mahama realistically emulate this example if re-elected?
Berla Mundi: Akufo-Addo’s leadership certainly sets a benchmark in terms of modesty and focus on long-term goals. However, whether Mahama can emulate this depends on his willingness to prioritize national unity and economic emancipation over partisan politics. To do so, he must address the structural issues highlighted in the article, such as neocolonial influences and the Deep State’s role in Ghanaian politics. It’s a tall order, but it’s not impossible if he is committed to rebuilding trust and pursuing policies that genuinely benefit the people.
Serwaa Amihere : Before we close, I have one more question for both of you. Let’s explore the foundation of Kwame Nkrumah’s philosophy. What, in your view, is the principle behind his vision for Ghana and Africa?
Berla Mundi : Nkrumah’s philosophy was rooted in his understanding that capitalism, as a system, is inherently unstable. He believed that wherever capitalism takes hold, it experiences economic downturns roughly every 47 years, as history has shown. These cycles of crisis disproportionately affect nations and people who are already vulnerable. Nkrumah recognized that relying on a capitalist framework would expose Ghana to economic crashes, undermining its sovereignty and the well-being of its people. His focus on socialism and self-reliance was an attempt to shield the nation from these destabilizing effects and create a system that served the collective good, not just a privileged few.
Serwaa Amihere: Thank you, Berla. Frema, what is your perspective on this?
Frema Adunyame: I agree with Berla’s analysis. Nkrumah saw capitalism as a system designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many. Kwe
Kwame Nkrumah’s approach wasn’t just about rejecting capitalism but about building an alternative that prioritized the collective welfare of Ghana and Africa. He envisioned a society where the state played a central role in controlling key resources and industries, ensuring that wealth was equitably distributed.
However, I also think Nkrumah’s philosophy was deeply Pan-African. He believed that Ghana’s independence was meaningless unless it was part of a broader movement for African unity and liberation. This is why he championed the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and sought to pool resources across the continent to resist neo-colonial exploitation. His principles of unity, self-reliance, and economic sovereignty remain as relevant today as they were during his time.
Serwaa Amihere :Thank you both for those insightful reflections. Nkrumah’s philosophy reminds us of the importance of long-term vision and collective action. It’s a legacy we must revisit if Ghana is to achieve true independence and prosperity. Let’s continue to engage in these critical conversations as a nation. To our audience, thank you for tuning in, and let’s keep working together to shape a better future. See you next time on The Onward!
The article calls for a renewed sense of shared destiny among Ghanaians. Given the current political polarisation, how can we realistically achieve this unity?
Frema Adunyame: Unity begins with education and a collective acknowledgement of our history, including the lessons from Nkrumah’s era. We need leaders and citizens alike to embrace the idea that Ghana’s progress is a shared Here’s a revised version of your message:
This means setting aside partisan loyalties and focusing on the bigger picture—economic independence, self-reliance, and a unified vision for the future. Media platforms like this can play a critical role in fostering such dialogue and bridging divides.
Serwaa Amihere:
Thank you, Berla and Frema, for your insights. It’s clear that Ghana stands at a crossroads, and our choices will define our nation’s future. To our audience, the conversation doesn’t end here. Join us online at assumptagh.live/ for more discussions, and let’s keep the dialogue going. Together, we can envision a Ghana that truly embodies independence and unity.
Stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations in our upcoming editions of The Onward. Thank you for reading!
