April 4 2009

Veteran political activist and commentator Dr KB Asante recently launched Ghana First (GF), a non-partisan forum for Ghanaians and friends of Ghana interested in helping to improve and move Ghana forward Ghana, at Accra’s Press Centre with a keynote address.

Whilst underscoring the GF ethos of trying to build a better Ghana for all, Dr Asante also added a note of caution, saying: “Without a vision for the new Ghana, inclusiveness will come to mean sharing the spoils of office by the few. Without high purpose, talents will be used to advance self, family and friends.”

The launch was organised by Ms Serwah, a Ghanaian-born barrister and co-ordinator of London-based voluntary organisation BTWSC. It was an opportunity to hear the views of Ghanaians at home, which will be inputted into the launch of GF in London on May 2 during the monthly Ayekoo networking sessions at Mission Dine Club, a centre in north-west London run by Ghanaian-born charity worker Dame Betty Asafu-Adjaye.

“Ghana First is about working towards a national vision and agenda that puts Ghana’s national interest above personal interests, and political party considerations,” explained Ms Serwah.

During the discussions with participants, of varying ages and backgrounds, ranging from lawyers, scientists, musicians, business people, retired civil servants and youths, a number of issues were raised.

Echoing a recent comment by President Atta Mills, Dr NDK Asante, a lecturer at the University of Ghana, pointed out that: “Justice can not be subjective.” Often, some people are seen as above the law, whilst many of us are complicit in not allowing the law to be applied fairly, because we try to circumvent it when it concerns people we know. “

A female management executive urged Ghanaians to show “leadership within the family and in their organisations.” We need to show moral courage to lead, and to challenge wrongs by putting Ghana first, she said, adding: “We must be the change that we want to see.”

It was pointed out that to effect change, we must know the rules of our institutions, so that we not only work within them, but also make proper challenges quoting the rules.

One of the co-organisers, music industry lecturer Kwaku, observed that one of the Copyright Administrator’s offices had a signed notice pasted on the door listing all items in the room, right down to light fittings. It was suggested that if this was extended to all Government buildings, and there was an inventory signed by Government staff when they were about to occupy and leave Government property, it would diminish accusations of Government staff or ministers leaving with State property.

Singer-songwriter Gyedu-Blay Ambolley suggested that we needed to re-examine the anti-African colonial mentality that permeates much of our formal education. The point was also made that we needed not just education, but inculcation among our youth of social values. Adjetey Sowah, an auctioneer, underscored this point by recalling an incident where a school boy picked up litter his friend had thrown on the floor and explained to his bemused parent, saying: “Teacher said we should not litter, but keep our litter until we see a bin.”

When retired civil servant and lawyer Andrew Amegatcher suggested he was thinking of organising meetings in his community to talk about current issues and pass down his knowledge, it was decided that one way of empowering Ghanaians would be to tap into the experience of our elders, particularly retired citizens, through informal meetings in community centres and school buildings.

The workshop section flagged up terms such as integrity, time-keeping punctuality, and “responsibilities, and not just rights”.

The initial aim of GF was to continue the communication through the www.btwsc.com/Ghana_First microsite. However, some participants felt the forum needed to meet more regularly.

Some participants suggested GF could be a lobbying group. For example, it could challenge failing organisations to deliver. Others felt GF should be seen to be doing something practical within the community. “We have to do whatever we can to move the country forward,” urged Azongo Simpi, a musician and organiser of the upcoming Resurrection Music Fiesta, who offered to co-ordinate local initiatives.

The GF organisers wish all those who support its aims, no matter where they are based, to send their ideas and suggestions to info@btwsc.com. Those who wish to be kept informed by email can also use the email address.

ENDS

Ms Serwah 021 774344 (Accra) 020 8450 5987 (London) info@btwsc.com www.btwsc.com/Ghana_First

Azonko Simpi 0244 062767