Motivational literature has become widespread within our reading catalogues. They call us to the realization of our potential and purpose. They teach the art of dealing with and surmounting challenges. They encourage us to find the good in ourselves and in others. Their purpose is to help their audience to be better people; to be in better positions than they are currently. It is for a similar purpose that Ken Ofori-Atta writes his book. Ofori-Atta calls us to embrace, teach and uphold values such as patriotism, integrity, persistence, leadership, patience, dedication to causes, respect, selflessness, and faith.
Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Values contains a selection of some of Ken Ofori-Atta’s most powerful speeches and writings (what period of time?). Given this format, the reader needs not read in a sequential manner. The flexibility that this structure and arrangement gives makes this book a timeless piece of literature; a relevant reference material for teaching and enforcing the values that Ken Ofori-Atta deems important in making a social, respectable being and building a strong, prosperous nation.
In his words and use of symbols, Ofori-Atta pays homage to Ghana, a central focus in his book. Similarly, he portrays his Christian background and his unwavering reliance on God through the biblical scriptures he uses as the basis for discussions on his ideologies and philosophies.
Ofori-Atta reiterates patriotism as a Ghanaian and as an African throughout the book, as he discusses leadership and entrepreneurship. In his speech delivered at the historic 2001 Homecoming Summit (where and why historic?) organised with the support and patronage of President J. A. Kufuor, he sends a strong message of unity in the development of Ghana; of a rediscovery of ourselves as a people. Some of his words are reminiscent of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during his speech on Independence Day:
“That new African is ready to fight his own battles and show that after all, the black man is capable of managing his own affairs.”
Speaking to his audience made up of mostly Diasporan Ghanaians who had travelled from various countries, he said:
“Yes, we are a nation in crisis and no one can rebuild Ghana for us. Not foreigners, not the World Bank, not our donor partners, but Ghanaians.”
The essence of that message was repeated to graduating classes from Ashesi University and Central University College. He refers to the graduands as “Spirits of the Future” and urges them to:
“… go forth … with your talent and courage and blaze trails …”
Ofori-Atta, with Databank Financial Services (explain what databank is and why its unique), believes that one way to ensure that this generation is equipped to propel Ghana into greatness is to invest in it. And to ensure that this greatness is maintained, this generation must:
“… rediscover a culture of self-dependency; to become ‘Spirits of the future’; to have the courage to work for yourselves; to have a fervent belief in your own vision; and to have a willingness to sacrifice for that vision.”
“The new African entrepreneur is our lodestone for a continent with renewed confidence.”
Recounting the early days of Databank, Ken Ofori-Atta, with Rev. Daniel Ogbamey Tetteh, (Executive Director, Databank Research & Asset Management Group), describe the many challenges (such as?) that many young entrepreneurs face today, as well as what it takes to surmount them.
This is a timely and relevant collection of encouragement and inspiration, especially as we enter a new decade and a new era of individual and national development. This is an exciting book and I recommend it to everyone who considers himself or herself an agent of change – a “Spirit of the future”.