Who speaks for the voiceless?
We celebrate the birthday of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a man who spoke for the many voiceless Ghanaians.
He championed a movement that gave our dear land its independence. Our colonial master spoke a different language. A language which only the privileged few, handpicked by their masters could learn to read, speak and write.
Dr. Nkrumah in his book ‘’the Consciencism’’ wrote: “A few colonial students gained access to metropolitan Universities almost as of right, on account of their social standing. Instead of considering culture as a gift and a pleasure, the intellectual who emerged there from now saw it as a personal distinction and privilege. Finally, there were a number of ordinary Africans, who, animated by a lively national consciousness, sought knowledge as an instrument of national emancipation and integrity.
“This is not to say that these Africans overlooked the purely cultural value of their studies. But in order that their cultural acquisition should be valuable, they needed to be capable of appreciating it as free men. I was one of this number. ‘’
Over 60 years on from Independence, we find ourselves in a different bondage. The political elite, see it as a privilege in their various positions as Ministers, CEOs and regulators of our state institutions. They rather cuddle with big Industry at the expense of the ordinary Ghanaian. The person who came to your doorstep to beg for your
votes, is irritated when they are called upon when something is not going well in the country or constituency.
In Ghana today if your phone will even ring, hardly can you hear what the person on the other side is saying. Our telecommunication network has deteriorated sharply over
the past year, and one is lucky to complete a five-minute voice call without the call dropping. Internet connectivity in most part of the country is still 2G or non existent (i.e no service).
Who speaks for the voiceless in the Telecommunication sector? Our media only publish what the political elite say or do. In our democracy, you can ask yourself if the media is really the fourth Estate.
Do our media speak for the voiceless? When Individuals like me, empowered by the words of Dr. Nkrumah starts to ask questions, am mostly asked is Ghana for your father? In the past month, I have tried tirelessly to get in touch with the National Communication Authority, to ascertain why our network connectivity in the country is getting worse.
After several calls and texts to the Director-General, not even one has been replied but the texts have been read. The Director for Consumer and Corporate Affairs who answered my call and asked me to call her back the following day to fix an appointment, blocked my number.
The Minister for Communication, an MP who campaigned for our votes, did not understand why I have called on her assistance to enable me to talk to NCA since I have been blocked and ignored by the Director General and members of his team.
I can give numerous examples but am sure everyone in this country can relate to the struggle of trying to get a voice. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are trying to speak for the voiceless, but this struggle can not be for the few.
The celebration of Dr. Nkrumah’s Birthday should be a rallying cry to the many. This generation has social media, lets use it positively to give a voice to the voiceless. We must condemn wrong regardless of party, religion or tribe.
Pastors are turning into Gangsters, Musicians have military bodyguards and if we think all is well with Mother Ghana, then Dr. Nkrumah will be turning in his grave.
Happy Birthday, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
