Comments on: Ghana: Leading A New Era of African Democracy

By: James Mutti, Contributing Editor

James Mutti, Contributing Editor — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:31:32 +0000

There’s a lot out there about Ghana these days thanks to President Obama’s visit. Listen to the July 10 podcast of KCRW’s To The Point for a good discussion on Ghana and the issues Obama is raising on his visit.

By: Aduhene

Aduhene — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 05:06:03 +0000

Thanks folks for your Pesewa (comments, in CediPost parlance). Kevin, let me attempt to address the two issues you raised:
1. I personally do not think Ghana’s economic woes was a direct result of Nkrumah embracing socialist ideas with its anti-free market feature. It might have been a factor in the long run but I think the visionary Nkrumah did not think the profit oriented free-market (even there is anytthing like that) was no the best economic structure for the a young nation. I am most certain a different story would be told of Ghana’s economic situation and possibly the whole of sub-Saharan Africa if Nkrumah had not been overthrown and his brilliant ideas killed afterwards by his detractors. Critically minds may disagree vehemently with me but evidence of Nkrumah’s economic vision for Ghana is there for all to deal with.

2. With regards to Ghana capitalizing on its new position to assume a leadership role in Africa under the wings of the African Union, I can only hope that the present government would seized the opportunity, and not let it slip. But to do that would require a more charismatic and visionary leader who would inspire Africans. So far, am yet to see that kind of “electricity” around President John Atta Mills (Prof. JAM). In all fairness, his predecessor was also uninspiring. So that is to say, Ghanaians have embraced democracy and are willing to make it work but there is a leadership vaccum, in terms of the kind of leadership and vision needed to lead the rest of the continent.

That is my Pesewa in brief.

By: Akua Sika

Akua Sika — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:01:35 +0000

Nicely written. I enjoy reading your work on CediPost. As an exemplary for other African countries re: transitions. Ghana needs to further the responsible leadership mission and continue making much needed changes to the “corruption and mismanagement” that is prevalent in the country.

By: Amadu Swaray

Amadu Swaray — Sun, 31 May 2009 03:14:08 +0000

Great article, but repetitious on ideas

By: Kevin Van Dyke, Editor

Kevin Van Dyke, Editor — Sun, 31 May 2009 03:04:48 +0000

George, you do a very nice job of telling the history of Ghana and why it can be a beacon for the rest of Africa. Not a surprise since you do such a great job running CediPost.

Two questions:

1. Do you think Nkrumah’s penchant for socialist ideals that were somewhat anti-free market played a role in Ghana’s stagnation for much of the latter part of the 20th century?

2. Do you see Ghana moving beyond leading by example and taking a more active role in the governance of the continent through the African Union or other mechanisms?

I look forward to reading your coverage of Obama’s visit.