“We cannot avoid the fact that a lot of our problems arise from bad governance” Julius Nyerere. The concept of development is uneasy to define because there are so many indices that will have to be considered when defining development. However, development is about physical infrastructure and qualitative change in the well-being of the people, including their enjoyment of greater fundamental freedoms and the rule of law not just roads, hospitals, school buildings and potable water (Daily Graphic, 27th August, 2009, page 7). On the other hand, there is good governance when the following elements are respected and implemented-respect for fundamental human rights, the rule of law, transparency and accountability, multi-party democracy, equality of the people among others. These are the elements missing in Africa and which has led to deprivation and poverty across the continent of Africa.

In his address to the Parliament of Ghana, President Obama made it clear when he said, development depends upon good governance. That is the change that can unlock Africa’s potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans (Daily Graphic, 13th July, 2009). It is also true that, “poverty is an enemy of good governance, for persistent poverty is a destabilizer, especially if such poverty is shared in a grossly, unequal manner, or is widely regarded as being unfairly distributed as the few who are relatively rich indulge in conspicuous consumption”. “Without good governance, we cannot eradicate poverty” in Africa. In the words of President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah of Sierra Leone, “good governance…..is the most important element in the political vision of Sierra Leoneans and is seen as the most effective means for….guaranteeing development, restoring stability to the country and ensuring that the country does not revert to chaos and violent conflict”.

How do we achieve good governance in Africa in order to move away from poverty to the path of development? How do we take our destiny into our own hands to unlock the great potential we have in Africa? Obama was right when he said, “the 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but what happens in Accra, as well” and for that matter, Africa. “So I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world - as partners with America on behalf of the future that we want for all our children. That partnership must be grounded in mutual responsibility” (Daily Graphic, 13th July, 2009). I suggest the following as characteristics of good governance and if respected and implemented will give Africa her rightful position in world affairs.

Respect for fundamental human right which includes, the right to live, the right to education, the right to free speech, the right to movement etc. Can we say with confidence that these rights are respected in Africa? Absolutely no! Because innocent people are killed in Darfur, Somalia, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and so on through wars and conflicts. Education which is supposed to be a right is a privilege of the rich few and that explains why illiteracy rates are high in Africa. Majority of Africans can not read and write and those who can even read and write do not do so. That is why the saying that, if you want to hide anything from an African put it into writing is true. Countries like Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana are however making strides and should be commended. We can do more if we want to come out of poverty.

The rule of law is another important ingredient of governance that must be embraced by Africans. The law is no respecter of persons but that is not always the case in most African countries. It is often as though the law is made for some people which have led to the culture of impunity. We have cases where governments in power massage the constitution in order to stay in power forever and a good example is the case of Niger. According to Obama, “no person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. That is not democracy that is tyranny. Even if occasionally you sprinkle an election in there. And now is the time for that style of governance to end”.

In addition, multi-party democracy if conducted and accepted will bring about good governance in Africa. Can we say there is multi-party democracy in Libya, Gambia, Egypt inter alia? In the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success – strong parliaments; honest police forces; independent judges; an independent press; a vibrant private sector; a civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in people’s everyday lives”.

Furthermore, our governments need to be transparent and accountable. This will not only bring peace and development but will reduce corruption which is gaining momentum across the continent. Mention the Iddi Amins, Bokassa, Abachas, Mobutus and you will know that their names are synonymous to corruption. According to Prof. Kwesi Wiredu, Political corruption in Africa is a moral pollution. To overcome this, we need what he calls a conceptual moral revolution.

Also, equality of the people should be critically considered if we want Africa on the development path. Women are often seen in most parts of Africa as second class citizens. They are discriminated against in all facet of life and this has serious repercussions on our development. In Ghana however, the situation is quite better with the chief justice, speaker of parliament, Attorney General and minister of Justice and Director of Immigration, all women. Liberia also has the first female President in Africa.

In conclusion, “our people supported us in our fight for independence because they believed that African Governments could cure the ills of the past in a way which could never be accomplished under colonial rule. If, therefore, now we are independent we allow the same conditions to exist that existed in the colonial days, all the resentment which overthrew colonialism will be mobilized against us”. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah

Francis Xavier Tuokuu University of Ghana P.O. Box LG 59 Legon – Accra (fxtuokuu@yahoo.com).