On Ethnocentricity, and Ghana's Fragile Democracy

Dr. Kwame Okoampah-Ahoofe Under Nana Amma Obenewaa’s Surgical Knife.

I am worried by the revival of ethnocentricity on Ghanaweb. I forcefully oppose Dr. Kwame Ahoofe’s narrow definition of ethnicity, and the faultlines it creates among Ghanaweb visitors. For reason of argument, and clarity, I will divide this article into two parts. Firstly, I will challenge Dr. Ahoofe’s constructivist understanding of ethnicity. And, secondly, I will discuss the importance of this concept, and its value in 21st century Ghana’s integrative democratic politics.

I am unnerved by Dr. Kwame Ahoofe’s ethnocentricity, and his stance of ethnic identity. Equally troubling is the learned scholar’s projection of “Akyemkwa, as a monolithic concept; a posture that deifies contemporary reasoning on national identity and citizenship. As Ghanaians, we are all tainted by different cultural experiences, inter-ethnic associations, and globalization among other unlisted variables. Against this backdrop, the waffling mindset that certain ethnic groups are “Islands unto themselves” is a flawed construct peddled by a subset of indigenous neo-imperial revelers, who still prance to the “asafo-ntweni” (i.e. the drums) of 17th century. No person in Ghana can claim exclusive right to belonging to a pristine ethnic group. As Ghanaians, we are all mixed. Each one of us is an extracted product from many cultures, different ethnicities, and clans.

Contrary Dr. Kwame Ahoofe-Akyemkwa’s definition of ethnicity, and his belief in serological purity, historical interconnectivity denies every Ghanaian any special claim to a single, and supposedly, an untainted ethnicity. In a global village, (our) individual identities, irrespective of one’s ethic membership, are interconnected, whether we like this fact or not. Being an “Akyem” doesn’t give Dr. Ahoofe the prerogative to deny others their “Ghanaianness”. In many of his mordant writings, Dr. Ahoofe has never shied away from supplanting the value of Ghanaian citizenship with his “Akyemkwa” identity. True Ghanaians are not, and should not be, ashamed to trace their genealogical roots to other ethnicities. If anything, our familiarity with our multicultural heritage, and crisscrossed ancestry, must bolster our pride as worthy citizens, and add to our determination to convert our nation’s colourful experience, history, wealth of knowledge, and social capital to solidify Ghana’s democratic credentials, and achievements.

I reject Dr. Kwame Ahoofe’s ethnocentric stance, which puts his “Akyem” ethnic group on the royal pedestal, while he devalues, particularly, Voltarians as less acquiescent to basic human rationality. For example, he condemns Dr. Asamoah-Botwe, a Voltarian by blood, an Akyem by birth, and a Ghanaian by nationality, for his crusty writings on “Akyem” colonial politics, and Dr. J.B. Danquah’s betrayal of the nation’s independence cause. Matter of fact, he calls Dr. Asamoah-Botwe a “dancer,” and not a “historian,” despite the known fact that the said scholar has a Doctorate Degree in History. Knowledge-production, be it from an Ewe-Ghanaian, a Ga-Ghanaian, an Akyem-Ghanaian, or an Ashanti-Ghanaian, seeks to reinforce our nation’s cultural diversity. It also underscores the many substantive roles that each ethnic group has played, and continues to play, in preserving our nation’s socio-cultural capital, growth, and development. Those who support Ahoofe (i.e. Oyokoba) in rejecting others based on their ethnicity only undercut our nation’s collective efforts to unlock the unexplored treasures of knowledge and inter-ethnic engagements. Secondly, it also stalls increasing undertakings by the government, and civil society, to knit together our fragile nation which has become less tolerant in the face of incendiary ethnocentric writings, which come with no prescriptive therapy to addressing our nation’s growing problems. Dr. Ahoofe’s siege mentality, and his cunning ability to win ethno-converts to his cause, will harm our nation’s inter-ethnic relations.

No culture is authentic, and neither are the people who believe in this constructed theory. Ethnicity, like human culture, is an unending journey. As we navigate our way through many cultural spaces, and alleyways, we unconsciously pick unknown cultures to complement our own; an experience which has helped, and continues to help, to shape our understanding of other practices beyond our cultural territory. In recent times, Western scholarship, culture, and the fashion industry have appropriated romanticized, exoticized, eroticized, and commoditized indigenous African art, artistry, and dance. The West has successfully integrated the stated into new areas of specialty. In a funny twist, the Western fashion industry has made billions out of “Thongs” and G-Strings” which are stolen designs from “Ye Nananom Amoasin.” In a global village, Western corporate executives understand the profits that come with integrative creativity, and the commodification of Africa’s originality.

Despite the rivalry between many of the world’s religions, and Christianity’s negation of other religions as ungodly, we see some form of commonality between historical ecclesiastical adversaries, and increased calls for inter-denominational accommodation to minimize world conflicts. The rebirth of the worship of Yoruba’s “orishas” in North America attests to the intersectionality of global religions as humanity migrates to each other’s cultural spaces.

As a nation, we will always stumble upon the malcontented Ahoofes who convulse at seeing others who don’t look, talk, walk, dance, sing and think like them. We will also encounter the many Vice Ressiens who fail to acknowledge “Ashantis” as equal partners in nation-building. However, beneath the edifice of Ahoofe’s ethnocentric constructivism are patriotic Akans, and non-Akans, who have contributed immensely to our nation’s growth, and development, despite years of their rejection by dominant ethnic groups, and the bleeding wounds afflicted on them by depraved politics, and policies. No ethnic group can assert “lordship” over the other. Let’s embrace each other, and respect what we bring to the table. To deny other ethnic groups their rightful place in national politics is to assault the values of freedom and justice for all.

The 21st century requires that we place less emphasis on our ethnicity. It should not hold sway over our dealing with others, and the state’s distribution of the nation’s assets and resources. Let’s respect, and see each other’s ethnicity, and culture, not as a threat, but rather as strength. Out of diversity, comes unity. Finally, by no means is this article an attack on Dr. Ahoofe’s personality. He is a fine scholar, and a gentleman. On the contrary, it is meant to call for a dialogue, and reaching a common understanding that we all are Ghanaians, no matter one's ethnicity. Good day and cheers.