THE LOST OF NATIONAL PRIDE (PART 2)

THE LOST OF NATIONAL PRIDE (PART 2)

Globalization has now taken over the world today. In spite of the globalized nature of

 the world, each country has a unique identity and seeks to promote that identity. This is entity encompasses the culture, tradition and value of the country.

In 1990, the National Commission on Culture was established by PNDC law 238 to

 promote the culture, tradition and values of Ghana.

Notwithstanding the above effort, Ghanaians seem not to appreciate their culture,

tradition, and values. We seek to promote foreign culture at the expense of our national culture.

The activity of our political leaders to promote the sense of belonging in Ghana is

 nothing good to emulate. Can our culture be promoted, when our leaders are keen on promoting foreign culture? We live in a country whereby the President feels comfortable wearing 'suit with tie' during national ceremonies. How many times have we seen the

President and his entourage clad in local fabrics?

Government officials, including the President, preach 'use made in Ghana goods' but consume foreign goods.  Why? Is the President not proud of his country? 

More so, we came to meet our grandparents with names such as, Akosua Antwiwaa, Tsatsu Tsikata, Komla Agbeli Gbedemah, Krobo Edusei and a host of others. In recent

times, Ghanaians are craving for foreign names. Ghanaian parents give their children

foreign names such as, Anastasia Whyte, Diara Roland, McCarthy Evans and so on.

Some of these names of which they do not even know the meaning.

It’s very astonishing to note that people with local names feel shy to mention their

names in public. Due to social pressure most of these people change their names.

Question: What is your name? Does it portray your identity? Are you not proud of your country?

Furthermore, the educational institutions which could serve as a vehicle to instill in the younger generation the pride in being a Ghanaian, have also failed. Why should a child be punish because he or she spoke his native dialect while in school?

Most surprising is the fact that about half of the books used in teaching and learning are all imported. I marvel when even cultural and history books used in schools are

authored by foreigners. Don't we have good writers in Ghana? Why should a school in Ghana read books like, "The Gods Are Not to Blame" written by Ola Rotimi, a Nigerian. These books contain aspects of Nigerian culture which is gradually taking over our culture. Can't our old Ananse Tales serve the same purpose?

To add, the Black stars was formed by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah after

 independence to serve as a symbol of national identity. The jersey of the Black stars

portrayed the national colours of Ghana(red, yellow, green with a black star). This made it simple for people to identify the Black stars on the pitch. This helped promote the

colours of Ghana and the history that comes with it.

In modern times, the football jersey for Black star is white. Question: Where from that

 colour? Does it speak about Ghana? Don't we believe in our colours? Are we not proud of our colours? How can a man playing for a nation who has disowned her colours be

 patriotic?

It is upon this backdrop that I call on all Ghanaians to arise and raise up the flag of Ghana. Be a proud Ghanaian. "S3 Oman yi b3y3 yie a 3firi y3n ara."

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY:

BROBBEY EDWARD

0543976783.

#CRITICAL THINKERS#