Who is Clean?

In a blue-painted classroom that matched the liveliness of the Basic Five students, one morning in 2018, any Ghanaian child in primary school at that time would attest to the mass participation whenever citizenship education was being taught. That morning carried the same energy until Madam Benedicta made a statement after students reluctantly dropped their hands in disappointment as the bell rang to end the lesson, with some still pleading to answer questions. “After answering all the questions, you still grow up and mess up the country," she said while picking up her bag. Mind you, the class laughed loudly about it. Even though I laughed, I was left in a state of pondering. To be honest, I literally pictured the classroom fifty years ago with political leaders answering the same questions related to development: “Provide amenities," “accountability and transparency," "avoiding bribery and corruption," "paying taxes," and other developmental tasks, yet ending up doing only a quarter of these. As Ghanaian children, we grew up with a common motivational message: "learn hard and become a big person in the future," and I took this motivation very personally. For a citizenship teacher who probably taught for many years, her statement carries weight. It made me see politicians and aspirants of leadership differently. I watch morning debates and find it hard to believe any side because their main goal is to defend their political party, regardless of the issue. In university, I see very young men and women actively involved in politics. But doesn’t this energy come with a specific goal? For example, a student representative presidential aspirant will jump into the role of being a voice for students, join student-led parliaments, clubs, and others. But will he really be the same person when given power? In my ambition to become a leader one day, I also joined a model parliament. Now, it’s about ME. I always envision myself as a messiah in leadership: "I will reduce the poverty gap, increase employment opportunities, provide infrastructure, and satisfy my people.” Suddenly, something pulls me back—not confidence, not oratory skills, not my financial status, but the simple statement my primary teacher made. I ask myself, "Am I deceiving myself? Is there an obstacle leaders face that we never see?” "Is the game really dirty?" "Will I also change and be labeled as untrustworthy, as politicians always are?" I’m not joking. The fear of being in the category of "politicians are liars” makes me reconsider my decision. Remember, it all stems from a single line of a statement. Let’s slow down here Let’s look at Ghana. In a discussion about illegal mining (galamsey) with two friends, one suggested a strong military intervention at the sites, which was opposed by my other friend, saying violence is not the answer. I agreed with the friend who believed that a bit of military intervention could work, but I don’t deny that violence is not the solution. The current state of lands and water bodies in Western, Ashanti, Eastern, Central, or Bono regions makes me feel like these galamsey operators don’t realize the harm they’re causing, which makes military intervention a last resort. President John Dramani Mahama announced at the Mining in Motion Summit 2025 that changes would be made to the permit regime to regulate excavator importations strictly. While this is a good move, a recent report highlighted concerns about water turbidity, the costs of water purification plants, and even predicted that Ghana might need to import water by 2050. This shows the danger gradually approaching. Another issue needing attention is the Agenda 111 project initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Although we have seen progress, many projects remain unfinished. A notable example is an abandoned project in Assin Darmang, now a haven for reptiles, weed smokers, and potential criminal activity. In a country with an increasing number of nurses, doctors, medical laboratory scientists, and other health professionals, completing abandoned hospitals is an effective way to prevent unemployment among medical workers. These are only two of many problems, but I’ve kept it brief to avoid boring the reader. Beyond Ghana, another country is suffering from poor governance and insecurity—our neighbor, Nigeria. In February, villages like Nuku and Woro were attacked by Islamic militants, resulting in 160 deaths. Recently, a principal was beheaded in Oyo State by bandits calling for government intervention. Villages face bandit attacks causing death and panic, and children are being kidnapped. The government has been slow to act, raising serious concerns. What’s happening in Mali, Uganda, Kenya, and other countries is a different story altogether. What We Blame A common thread online explaining why Africa remains underdeveloped is RELIGION. I somewhat agree and disagree. Religion in itself isn’t the problem; it’s how it’s practiced in Africa. For example, many churches in Ghana operate four times a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. I find this problematic, and many might disagree. It’s not wrong to worship God daily, but virtually, many Christians believe worship can be done at home. Attending church on Sundays and a weekday is fine, but more than twice a week at church, neglecting other areas like finances, and expecting productivity is unrealistic. Thessalonians 3:10 states, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” This shows that religion isn’t the issue; it’s how it’s sometimes mispracticed here in Africa. Another common explanation for Africa’s underdevelopment is "Africa is just poor." But Africa has never been poor! We praise ourselves for resource wealth but forget to execute proper development strategies. It’s known that 74% of educated Africans left for other continents, with 98% choosing high-income countries in 2020. Many blame the system, claiming it favors the uneducated or stifles the youth. But who is responsible? Are our leaders accountable? Is there something we can do about this “system’? Some say, "If Kwame Nkrumah had lived longer, Africa would be united." I agree there’s potential, but realistically, Africa doesn’t want—and perhaps never will—unite. Just this year, some Ghanaian immigrants faced xenophobic attacks in South Africa. When I read the comments, I was disappointed. Some said, "Ghana did the same to Nigerians, so they deserved it," or recalled the "Ghana must go" expulsion of 1983. Others argued, “Immigrants are taking our jobs." These comments don’t reflect the entire continent. Many condemned the violence. But does this demonstrate a continent eager to unite? If Nkrumah were alive, would unity be any closer? A big NO!Denying healthcare, physically assaulting, and inciting fear among fellow Africans is not the answer. Using job competition as a basis for xenophobia is wrong. Such protests should be based on misconduct, not on perceived job theft. We have our own land and our own people, yet we often don’t feel safe anywhere. We forget the struggles and how far we’ve come. Xenophobia in 2026? In the 21st century? South Africans, please reflect. Who Is Clean? We can never fully understand others’ intentions, but I wanted to write a long letter to leaders and aspirants. I realized I’d just be repeating social studies lessons everyone knows—being honest, truthful, transparent, accountable, diligent. But what about the question, "What did I miss?" Will you be an example of “after answering all these questions, you still grow up and mess up the country”? References : https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/may/19/how-rampant-violence-nigeria-insecurity-hotspot-sahel-mapped https://presidency.gov.gh/govt-implementing-new-measures-to-combat-illegal-mining-including-excavator-import-permits/ https://www.citinewsroom.com/2026/01/gwl-still-producing-water-despite-high-turbidity-from-galamsey-mutawakilu/