Patriotism or national pride has been described as the feeling of love, devotion and sense of attachment to a homeland and a sense of alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment.
This attachment can be a combination of many different feelings relating to one’s own homeland, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects.
However, the sense of patriotism that filled Ghanaians during the independence era in 1957 and after, according to observers has gradually diminished leaving behind its pale shadow.
Dr Richard Amponsah, an international project management consultant and a lecturer during the recent celebration of Africa Youth Day in Accra, runs through highlights of what is now considered an old argument or point of view- Africa’s/ Ghana’s lost sense of patriotism.
“Africans and Ghanaians in particular have lost even if we have it at all the sense of what we call patriotism and love for our beloved country,” he exclaimed during his speech as the key note speaker at the event.
This is not an endorsement of his views but he isn’t exactly wrong either. Recent happenings clearly confirm his assertions, should I say worries?
Current spate of news on corruption, university students destroying school properties in protest and the neglect/manhandling of public properties are a few examples to support his argument.
Citing two top scenarios to back his claims, he waded into the public sector, where he believes patriotism is thrown to the dogs and self-centredness and corruption has assumed deep seated roots.
“An example is a common saying by public officials that government work we do, but we do not carry and another is, is this work for your father?”
He said the above expressions are often used in the public services to demotivate hard-working and committed civil servants and public officials.
He also explained that the level of unpatroitism is glaringly evident in the way public officials operate and citizens’ attitude towards issues of national interest.
“Public officials would cut tax for foreigners importing goods causing the country to lose substantial amount of money because of the little they will get. Citizens import expired goods and drugs and public officials allow it into the country for consumption. If you are a patriotic citizen, you will not harm in this manner,” he lamented.
Dr Amponsah brings us to one controversial area- our borders often noted for corrupt practices.
“We do not secure our borders and we care less who enters; those who love their nation are mindful of those they interact with and keep their borders very tight.”
“We allow deviants into this country to trouble citizens and we forget we have siblings who could be affected by their dealings and those we allow into our nation.”
He further said that true development comes from deep seated love for one’s country and that patriotic citizens with deep love for their countries do not perpetuate corrupt practices nor condone it.
Relating to economic development, he re-echoed what most economists and analysts have said and continue to say: the fact that we (Ghana) are trailing in terms of development compared to our peers some years back.
He called on the youth to rekindle the spirit of patriotism and love for nation-building that the Nkrumahs, the JB Danquahs and the Busias sacrificed for the betterment of Ghana.
This year’s Africa Youth Day celebration was under the themed; “Raising Youth Voices against Corruption in Africa”
Africa Youth Day is a day set aside every year to promote the increased recognition of youth as key agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.
In Ghana, the celebration was organised by the One Love Initiative Foundation.
Excerpts from his speech
Patriotism is not only depicted in one’s allegiance to a flag, the singing of the national anthem, cheering the national team but more importantly doing right no matter the price you will pay. Unfortunately, the power to do right is gradually eroding.
Our society has denigrated to the extent that indiscipline, immorality, corruption is heralded over right. The most affected in our society is the youth unfortunately. The self-centeredness, is too much in this country and therefore what is that voice to raise to curb or significantly reduce corruption as young people in Africa?
It is that voice of loving one’s nation.it is that silent voice inside of you which is so powerful to say that I will not do anything to undermine my motherland.
It is that silent inside voice of conscience that will place your nation above all other things.
It’s the voice inside of you that will abhor corruption… the positive mind set.
That is the sense of patriotism. We have lost it in Ghana and Africa.
The youth we consider as future leaders don’t believe in this country or its future. Out of frustration, many young people have tried crossing the Mediterranean Sea to the detriment of their lives. Some have staged uprising and unleashed mayhem on society.
It is quite depressing sometimes when we hear of young abled-bodied men involved in hooliganism, vandalism and vices that are detrimental to our growth.
Although depressing, I am optimistic that this can be addressed.
By Pamela Ofori- Boateng/ Business World Ghana