Dr Nkrumah: Leaving Behind A True Legacy

The Europeans have got it figured out--they have got it made. Tough, their socio-economic success, if you ask me, did take a long time coming. You see, it didn’t happen overnight. Centuries went into scheming and developing what has now become their reality. I guess in some point in time, the Europeans saw tomorrow. And the question was; how do we make it better than today? For the Europeans, the answer to this very question was simple. They would explore the far ends of the world and exploit it. Sure enough, they didn’t hesitate with the execution of this plan. One after the other, countries were invaded, held hostage, or forced to submission by the Europeans. In time, European colonies were set up all over the world. These colonies would go on to function as bread baskets for the colonizers and their respective countries.

In Ghana, for instance, the British, the Dutch, and the Portuguese couldn’t control their greed. They plundered, killed, and stole to their heart’s content. These Europeans, apart from loading their ships full with gold and other precious metals, abducted people for cheap labor. In fact, there is no telling how much wealth were stolen by the Europeans. Though, one thing is certain, the Europeans took more than enough. Today, most of the European countries, which once had colonies, are rich and prosperous beyond measure. Their economies are booming. Luxury and abundance seem to characterize these countries. Most importantly, their children are living in comfort, wealth, and ease. Of course, the legacy of slavery, murderer, and plundering would forever haunt them. However, their children understand that it’s this legacy, which made them what they are today.

Ever since Ghana wrestled her independence from the British, the country has been crawling. Mismanagement of resources has created an unnecessary harsh reality for Ghana and its people. Also, Ghanaians, it seems, cannot see eye to eye. Those who mean well for the country are betrayed before they even start. Those who want to see the country up there amongst the stars are pulled down by those who have little to no love for it. The rich, who have the responsibility for uplifting the poor, have declared themselves poor. Though, most of us are not so sure. Here in Ghana, we hate those who are clever, but despise fools. Sometime ago, a good friend of mine asked me this question; how many Ghanaians would’ve voted for Dr Nkrumah had he stood for an election today? My answer was; nobody. Yes, a sad answer, but oh so true.

Indeed, leaving behind a legacy is what compels the living to rise up each morning. It’s for our children’s children that we wrestle and toil each and every day. It’s the promise of a tomorrow, which makes the problems of today bearable. Folks, our children shouldn’t be made to suffer tomorrow because of something, which we could’ve done today, but didn’t do. Dr Nkrumah, more than any African leader, understood is. Hence, his tireless efforts and admirable dedication. Mind you, he and his compatriots did all that with our future in mind. Now, the question is; as contemporary Ghanaians, what kind of country would our children inherit from us? Better yet, what would be our legacy for them? One day, would they look back and curse us, or would they look back and bless us? You be the judge!

Welcome 2 the Dawn!

Source: The Emperor