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The Re-Education of a Prospective
Returnee from the Diaspora_Part II
Kwei Akuete
In Part I of The Re-Education of a Prospective Returnee from the
Diaspora, we looked at one of the main reasons why a prospective
returnee from the Diaspora would not return to Ghana –
corruption. More specifically, the idea of having to pay a civil
servant to do what he/she is already being paid a salary to do
is unacceptable to Ghanaians who have lived in Canada, America,
England, or Germany for several years.
Let’s not be naïve; there is corruption in these countries too.
No doubt. However, there are laws which are enforced if one is
caught asking for or offering a bribe.
Ghana has similar laws in place, but unfortunately, present and
past government leaders do nothing to enforce them even when
officials are caught on camera. One can only speculate as to the
reasons behind this inaction. Be that as it may, let’s look at
why ‘the system’ exists and what could be done to dismantle it.
Long Live The System?
Since the beginning of time, Man has strived to get ahead, to
maintain his place in the world in which he finds himself
whether by legal or illegal means. Lies have been told. Wars
have been fought. Family and friends have been betrayed - even
Jesus Christ was not immune. So this modus operandi reveals
nothing new under the sun. But why does it persist? More
importantly, why does it persist in Ghana today?
Authors James Robinson and Daron Acemoglu state quite well in
their book, Why Nations Fail, that nations fail because
“there is no necessity for a society to develop or adopt the
institutions that are best for economic growth or the welfare of
its citizens, because other institutions may be even better for
those who control politics and political institutions.”
It is no wonder we see the huge disparities between the
political elite (and their staunch supporters in business) and
the vast majority of people across Africa. If you look at any
measure such as health, education or income, you will notice
that the masses lag far behind – not for lack of intellect, not
for lack of technology, but for lack of opportunity; a
lack that is
facilitated by the absence of a fair and well-developed
infrastructure for upward mobility.
In Ghana, it appears this lack of opportunity and the conditions
it engenders persist because the leadership at all levels, and
their close supporters, do benefit from this arrangement.
As a result, these leaders in Ghana have no intention or the
political will to enforce laws against corruption; or even pay
attention to its occurrence. Therefore, a citizen requiring a
government service can be asked for a bribe without reservation:
“Sir, What do you have for me today?” or “So many people have
to sign for this thing so it will be 300 Ghana.” The
official may say.
Worse yet is when you take offense to being asked for a bribe
and you’re met with:
“Oh, but the bosses do it. So what is your problem?”
And your reaction is:
“I see. This is now the Ghana which I had longed to live in
so many years ago. What a shame!”
Dismantling the System
So how can a prospective returnee adjust to the system
without compromising his/her values? Equally important, what can
be done by all Ghanaians to dismantle it?
To answer the first question: Don’t adjust. You cannot adjust to
the system without compromising your values. In good
conscience, you need to teach your students, children, nephews
or nieces something else.
With respect to the second question, I believe the answer is
very simple and it’s found in a little black book that I read
and many politicians and civil servants profess to reading. You
may have read it, or a similar book, as well.
It says in this book, “Do not pervert justice or show
partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes
of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.” (Deut. 16:19,
New International Version).
Here’s the catch. It is just not enough to read these words. It
is imperative to act on them - citizens, civil servants and
leadership, alike – otherwise the shining Black Star of Africa
will surely fade and die.
Kwei Akuete
Executive Director, East African Centre for Ethics and
Philanthropy
Part One:
The Re-Education of a Prospective Returnee from the Diaspora:
Part 1 - Kwei Akuete
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