African pride forsaken
As we mark African Union day on Thursday 25 May 2017, I had the urge to visit the AU Square in Accra Wednesday morning.
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This monumental square used to be the icon of Africa’s quest of forging ahead to become a united continent.
As I got there, my expectation was dashed with disappointment, sadness, anger and frustration.
This is because, Ghana is privileged to host this prestigious, monumental landmark that binds Africa together as a continent yet, the AU Square and its environs were filled with dirt and filth.
Oblivious to the fact that AU Day is observed 25th May of every year, no preparation has been made to keep the place clean, neat and tidy.
On visit, I saw polythene bags, plastic containers, dried woods that hasn’t been burnt, empty gallons on top of a particular country’s coat of arm and what shocked me to the bone was when I saw someone bathing right at the premises of the square.
As I kept asking myself series of questions, I realised the AU Square which is one of its kind in Africa (I stand to be corrected) has now been “a dungeon of skeleton with no Ezekiel standing by”.
I asked myself, what has happened to Ghana? Ghana is not a piece of stone neither is it a Mansion made with gold nor a luxurious car with the finest leather nor a “tro-tro” car routing from Osu to Lapaz. Ghana is YOU and I.
Ghana is the pastor preaching to his congregates about salvation. The Imam briefing us on the pillars of Islam, the traditionalist chanting and calling names of the ancestors who are sorting themselves out in the grave.
Ghana is the Policeman directing traffic without taking a bribe, the businessman doing business legitimately without cheating, the market woman making ends meet and also keeping whatever she sells clean as if she’s the consumer.
Ghana is the citizen sitting right next to you, the citizen you are about to call and not forgetting the person who has been appointed to take care of Accra and yet abandoned a monumental place like AU Square.
I asked myself, what example are we setting for our young ones as Parents and Leaders in respective fields and homes? As parents and leaders, our children and subordinates look at us in diverse ways to improve upon themselves. Robin S. Sharma, a renowned Canadian writer and leadership speaker once said “Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It's about impact, influence and inspiration.
Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and customers.” Our children are a reflection of who we are. Our subordinates won’t be pointed at if something goes wrong so as successful. Looking at the bigger picture, we will be held responsible for every action taken. We need to be self-conscious and discipline in our respective areas and position in life.
What legacy are we living for posterity? We should be generational thinkers as said by Pastor Mensah Otabil. We shouldn’t live a life of today. We must think of tomorrow and the future. What we take good care of today will be enjoyed tomorrow and even ahead of time. If our names will remain in the lips of our descendants, then it’s because we had something left for them to enjoy.
As a concerned citizen, I have taken action to follow up with AMA and Zoomlion since they are in charge of the upkeep of the place (to the best of my knowledge). Efforts to get in touch with them has remained futile since nothing in this country works effectively including their phone numbers (AMA -0235806554 / Zoomlion-0544357820).
I wish I could do more than that within the shortest possible of time but my busy schedule won’t let me. As we commemorate AU Day tomorrow is my prayer our mind-set gets renewed. I also pray we get foresight to appreciate and value the little-bigger things around us.
Lastly I pray my cry will go a long way to wake up the authorities in charge of the premises to get things done. Citizens who agree with me should help carry this issue on as a movement. #GetAUSquareClean. God Bless Africa, God Bless Ghana, God Bless Us All!
Lambert Annor Frimpong