Harry S. Truman said: “Men make history and not the other way round. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.”
There have been leaders in history who have strove hard to make the world a better place to live in through change. Here are brief synopses of some of them:
QUEEN ELIZEBETH 1 (1533 – 1603)
She was one of the greatest rulers in the history of England. Most overseas explorations, notably by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh were encouraged by her. She did not marry, and is credited for single-handedly ruling England.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809 – 1865)
He is ranked among the top 3 greatest leaders in American history. He helped in the abolition of slavery and apartheid.
MAHATMA GHANDHI (1869 – 1948)
He was a prominent political leader in the Indian Independence struggle. His ideology of non-violence led to freedom from British rule. The Ghandhian ideology inspired many other leaders all over the world; most notable being Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.
MAO ZEDONG ( 1893 – 1976)
He united China into a single socialist state. Such is his influence that his theories, teachings and thoughts are known as Maoism, and are followed in some parts of the world till date.
Any leader who has the quest of pursuing change is a great visionary leader, and on this score I think President Mahama is in a class of his own. I have said a number of times that the problems of Ghana and Africa on the whole is Attitudinal. Ghana has been touted as the Rising Star of Africa, and I see her setting the pace towards change through the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
He has made two quotes on change which could easily compete among best quotes ever made in the history of Africa. Hear him: ” Ghana was created through change, a movement of the people in support of their collective vision. And now the time has come for us to move to the next level, and we must work together to be able to achieve this. Without sacrifice, effort and determination…there can be no progress.”
“We are in the midst of change. And can often feel uncomfortable, especially as it pulls us away from the systems and practices with which we have become familiar, but are no longer serving our needs efficiently. Without change, Ghana cannot grow.”
Wow, aren’t these awesome? This is what I have been talking about in my recent articles that without change of attitude, we can never grow as a nation no matter the interventions governments put in place or which party is in power. We need attitudinal change now! And I’m calling on government to begin a massive campaign towards this; a similar one to the “Operation Feed Yourself” campaign in the 70’s.
You can love or loathe the young man from Bole, but I think he is a gift to this nation. He is gradually fixing the chronic problems of this nation – massive infrastructure development; something leaders of advance countries dread to dare because of its cost implications and its attendance shocks to a nation’s economy. Hehehehe, I haven’t experienced dumsor for the past two weeks, what about you? It’s obvious the President is walking his talk.
No matter how hard some people try to vilify, pillory and demonize him; God is great, and the truth shall always stand. I thank my King, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyehene, for seeing President Mahama as a gift to this nation and praising him for the roads he is constructing in the Eastern Region. The roads in the region has been bad from time immemorial, and what President Mahama is doing is an unprecedented change. This is a hallmark of a great leader.
I wish also to commend former President J.A. Kufour for acknowledging the wisdom and the good leadership of President Mahama by applauding him for the matured manner with which he handled the June 3 disaster. I love JAK, do you know why? Kikikikiki, he wasn’t a terrible president.
In conclusion, one thing is clear: you cannot suppress the rays of a light – it will surely breakforth! Watch the young man From Bole! He is about to make history! Let’s give him the needed support. He needs our unrequited love.
Nations are not build by talks alone. Prez Mahama is a good man with good intentions, no doubt about that.
The result is what matters. No one government can change Ghana.