The True Statesman

A statesman is usually a politician or other notable public figure, who has had a long and respected career in politics or government at the national and international levels. These are personalities who have been in the public’s eye for so long, and thus have had enormous influence over a cosmic amount of people both far and near. As a result of their influence and reputation, they are expected to exhibit a certain level of morality and also live beyond reproach. They are revered, respected, and idolized. When they speak, even their adversaries give them their undivided attention. Their presence or even the mere mention of their names brings a kind of satisfaction and wholeness. These personalities still live in our memories, thoughts and dreams after they have passed on. They are legends and posterity always remembers them for the positive and enduring legacy they left behind.

But it is painful to note that true statespersons are rare on our part of the world. Most of the so-called statesmen on our continent don’t deserve this prestigious and revered appellation since their actions, utterances, behaviors, and dispositions leave much to be desired. They behave as if they own their respective countries and that the citizenry should be at their beck and call. To these non-deserving so-called statesmen, I suggest they learn from the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela- the true, genuine, and pure African Statesman. I have always admired Nelson Mandela because for me and most discerning Africans, he represents the soul of Africa. After being incarcerated for about a quarter of a century, he spent only one term on the presidency when his country folks gave him the honor to serve them. A mandate he executed to the delight of the whole world. What a hero? But, there are some former heads of States, who though assumed power through the barrel of the gun, behave as if they are heroes. They forget that there is no place in history for coup makers. I call on these people to start behaving responsibly to merit the status of Statesmen.

At times, I wonder why we are always in a hurry in calling almost every former politician a statesman. We should be very careful about the way we throw this unique title at people whose deeds, actions, and utterances suggest the contrary. Statespersons are supposed to embody and exhibit certain unique and profound characteristics which set them distinctly apart. I would like to use this opportunity to delineate some of the characteristics that set statesmen apart.

First, the true statesman is a role model. Based upon the position(s) they occupied, they occupy a unique position in the eyes, hearts, and minds of people, especially the young ones. This position puts an enormous challenge on them to be responsible in every facet of their lives. Because people, more especially the young mimic them, they should always be careful about the course they are charting. They are expected to be good examples, and not the reverse. According to Aristotle, the statesman is most anxious to produce a certain morality in his fellow citizens, namely a disposition to virtue and the performance of virtuous actions. This suggests that a true statesman does not condone, let alone promote civil unrest. They don’t shoot their mouths off; they speak responsibly. Their speeches are always seasoned with salt, grace, and maturity.

Second, the true statesman is a unifier. They unite the people regardless of their socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. These are individuals, who see themselves as the converging point of society. They don’t deliberately and skillfully put a divide between or among different tribes, or groups in order to satisfy their whims and caprices. They are personalities who believe that for a country to succeed and overcome the challenges of globalization, the energies, talents, and creativity of all the citizenry, not a section has to be utilized. They are not preoccupied with their parties winning and retaining power, but rather about the people in poverty. Because they want to be the father of all, they are, according to Harry S. Truman, dead. (A politician is a man who understands government. A statesman is a politician who's been dead for 15 years). A statesman also conveys a quality of leadership that organically brings people together, a spirit of caring for others and for the whole. Third, the true statesman is a connector. They use their contacts and connections to connect their countries to the outside world. They serve as a link between their country and the international community. They don’t use their influence on the international stage to demonize the regime of their countries, because they don’t share the ideologies of that regime. In fact, these personalities are the Bill Clintons of their countries, always using their influence to attract investors to their countries. They are not saboteurs; instead, they are individuals who hold the view that the prosperity and the improvements in the living standards of the citizenry are the cornerstone of politics. So anytime they smell blood, they don’t hesitate in promoting their country.

Finally, the true statesman thinks about the future. They don’t think only about how to solidify the financial world of their families and friends, but about how to contribute in making the futures of their citizens a better one. They are concerned about how to make the world a better place for all, and not they alone. James Freeman Clarke once said that “a politician thinks about the next elections - the statesman thinks about the next generations.”

In wrapping up, I would like to implore all those who have ever occupied any political office, especially the presidency to strive to live beyond reproach. Because of their status, any carelessness and recklessness in terms of their actions and inactions can have very serious negative implications on the country. If they want to be given the accolade of a statesman, then the onus is on them to begin acting responsibly. I hope somebody is listening.

A word to the wise.............. God bless Ghana!!

Source: Kingsley Nyarko, PhD, Educational Consultant, IAF- Munich

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