Social media, what a powerful tool, and how quickly it can be used for mobilizing people, or should I say modern generation? Should there exist a word Modern, it means the ancient proverb “There is nothing new under the sun’ ceases to exist or there is? The Arab Spring, Apartheid, and African countries gaining independence was it “They living to die or Dying to live”?
“It’s now our turn to continue what our ancestors started. Bragging about educational achievements, or useless greed or material things, and bad lifestyles are destroying our nation and disgracing it. ‘Whether or not this nation prospers clearly depends on the character of the citizens of the nation(chorus)’. Obedience and respect; Caring for the welfare of one another every day. Selflessness in the traditional way; ensures each person’s welfare, that is what will bring peace and prosperity to our nation.”
Ephraim Amu’s words seem to be so prophetic and how I wonder if only various leaders listen to this every morning in their homes and offices while they pledge. I realized during the Covid-19 pandemic that prophets are no longer in the churches but are now conspiracy theorists when they say stuff like “Military will take to the street, vaccines will be manufactured by some companies, etc.” and funny enough it takes place. History has it that Nelson Mandela’s guardian, Chief Jongintaba, wanted to entrust him with a counselor position, which required Higher education.
Mandela started his studies at the University of Fort Hare, the year 1939 and it didn’t go well. He didn’t give up but went on to study law on and off for 50 years from 1939, failing about half the courses he took and went on to secure it in the year 1989. Dr. Nkrumah had to forwent everything He was doing and came to Ghana to fight for independence and he couldn’t make any property in Ghana before He died. Both men and other African giants have to die to live. They were imprisoned in order to set their countries free from various struggles. They set aside their luxurious lives for their countries to gain freedom. Are most of our current leaders or our youths ready to die to live just as the young man who lit himself up had to do before the Arab spring could revolutionize?
Religious bodies think we will exempt them. Most religious bodies are helping youths. Some churches in the Middle East and Asia feed their youth after church services. Some even do it at the expense of not taking tithes and offerings. They just based their faith not on receiving gifts from the rich but looking to Christ Jesus who is able to provide. Most Muslim big men will only feed the poor and youth during fasting and festive periods. What if they fed them from 1st January of the year to 31st December? Wouldn’t Allah increase their blessings and cause them not to lack?
Most Religious groups have the capacity to take some of our youth to foreign lands to either gain experience or search greener pastures in a safe way but they rather keep them in spiritual combat from Monday to Saturday and even on their holy day can’t they provide skills for them or sponsor them to take various professional courses? Lifestyles are something we are suffering from as Africans and our old proverbial tales and wise storytelling days look far from over and how can the youth blend a wise way of living with their ever-increasing knowledge gaining institutions? Wisdom creates an enabling environment.
How perfect knowledge was Solomon’s book of Ecclesiastes but a wise man will say look how low this man has come not to realize there are spiritual forces, no wonder he talks about “madness and vexation of spirit”. Our leaders should first check their spiritual life and check the deals they make. If you are into a demonic association like those who burn their children in fire or you engage in drugs won’t you be licking boots? Sorry to say. Young Daniel chose the Jerusalem system over the Babylonian system for Great kings like Nebuchadnezzar to go on their knees to serve God and if Darius didn’t follow the instructions of God, will generations have remembered Him? Or is he the reason the Persian empire ruled for more than 700 years? Our politics and lifestyle should be one that will influence change and are we ready to die to live or live to live afterward we perish or do we also have Darius as leaders in this dispensation?
Finally, the Queen came up with the word University because we need one another, and “unifying our diversity is the only way we can build a better place in this world, and Jesus the Christ will be a good unifier for all to look to”. Let us encourage training and helping one another and loving your neighbour means you will treat everyone as yourself. No wonder the elders were required to marry but not the pastors. Could there be a separation of powers? Can the church help us #FixOurAttitude as the youth call on the government to #FixTheCountry? Once upon a time …… time time (everyone screams), don’t we all miss the good old days, the Dr Kwame Nkrumah days where factories worked and other systems worked. Don’t we? If yes then #FixGhanaNow #LoudItNow #FixAfricaNow
