Africa’s leadership quagmire; Any way forward? (Perspective)

Writer, Adama Bukari (photo courtesy of myjoyonline(HN, November 24, 2010) -- The Paradox of Africa’s Wealth. The case that Africa records the highest levels of poverty is paradoxical. This is because Africa remains the richest continent in terms of natural resources, yet its people are engulfed in poverty. There is no doubt that Africa’s problem is nothing but a leadership failure and I am not a lone-ranger in this assumption. In an article titled Africa, a new economic frontier by H.E Kofi Annan which was published in the Daily Graphic of May 28, 2010, the immediate past Secretary General of the UN posed the question; “Given our continent’s wealth, why are so many people trapped in poverty? In a response to his own question, H.E. Kofi Annan declares; “It is political will which is the issue, both internationally and in Africa”. Annan succinctly hit the nail on its head when he indicated that the prime responsibility of ensuring equitable development lies in the hands of African leaders. This is how he puts it; “African leaders need to have more confidence in their bargaining position, and greater legal and negotiating capacities to ensure that they secure deals that bring benefits”.

What is Leadership?
Leadership permeates the very fabric of human existence in a sense that its principles and practices are vital towards the achievement of personal goals and success; family unity; social cohesion; organizational objectives; educational aims; and in the broader sense, national development in an atmosphere of peace, stability, equity, freedom and justice. Leadership then serves as the framework within which the leader translates positive values, traits, ingenuity, rules and productive behaviours to achieve set goals and objectives of the entity so governed. Leadership therefore demands conscious and pragmatic strategies to affect a change process for a desired result to be achieved. It must be said that the achievement of national growth is neither mythical nor a chance-based situation but through the effect of good leadership.

Indeed, family and social cohesion will become elusive in the absence of an effective leadership personality. This explains why leadership spans every aspect of life starting from family, business, and national as well global governance systems. As an academic discipline, leadership studies gained prominence in the 1960s, attracting much attention in the last two decades. Great leaders across the globe have earned accolades not on mere chances of luck but based upon the application of principles and ideals all of which have contributed to the institutionalization of leadership studies in the academia. Frankly, Leadership as a field of study will continue to attract students as the world gets more complicated with the emergence of new economies, governance systems, growing family life responsibilities, enormous socio-cultural challenges and environmental concerns among others. It therefore takes people with positive leadership traits and passion to make the deserving impact in any given society.

The Creation of Political Dynasty in Africa
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines dynasty as “a succession of rulers of the same line of descent”. This practice was prominent centuries ago but now, it has outlived its usefulness especially in our pursuit of democratic governance. Unfortunately, most African leaders cannot do without the thought of building political dynasties - a major bane to our development. Typically, most of our leaders rule for as long as they live with power transferred to their kindred only after their death. Instances of this situation are not uncommon. President Faure Eyadema ‘succeeded’ his father Gnassingbé Eyadéma who ruled Togo for thirty-eight years - the longest serving president in Africa! Same can be said of Gabon where former president Omar Bongo Ondimba took power in 1967 and had his third re-election in November 2005 until he died in June 2009. Like Togo, the presidency of Omar Bongo is ‘succeeded’ by his son Ali Bongo Ondimba.

Why would some leaders pursue ‘dynastic’ rule? At least two conditions may account for this unfortunate scenario. The first factor is to control state institutions in order to entrench corruptible practices. When leaders hold on to political power for far too long, they control state institutions charged with the responsibility of fighting corruption and injustice. As a result, such leaders virtually become immune to the legal systems so long as they remain in power. They become untouchable and unaccountable to the state thus controlling state resources in the manner that suits their egos and selfish interest. Job appointments especially those made into higher institutions of the state are extended to family friends, kinsmen and political cronies who hold sacred allegiance to the leader. They become the demigods of the states. Usually, such leaders unleash venom to critics of their corrupt practices. In Africa, journalists and political activists who have often been critical of these excesses have always suffered gross human rights abuses and sometimes death.

The second factor is simply an obsession with power. Having the entire state apparatus under their control for a few years nurtures an unbridled desire to remain in control even after the expiration of their mandatory regime. Power certainly corrupts. It is strange that even under democratic dispensations the supposed democratic leaders circumvent due process and change constitutions just to extend their stay in power. This is the kind of power obsession characteristic of most African leaders! Why must people think that they and their lineage are the only one who must rule? There surely must be a paradigm shift to this line of thought in Africa.

Any Way Forward?
Yes! Admittedly, there are a few leaders whose leadership ideals have yielded positive results. The story of Nelson Mandela who after suffering 27 years of jail term under the apartheid system; becoming the first black president of South Africa; and stepping down after serving only one full term of the presidency will continue to inspire African leaders and cause them to refrain from the pursuit of political dynasties. Nelson Mandela of South Africa has indeed ignited a passion for leadership excellence and his sterling leadership traits in the perspectives of global politics will continue to be a benchmark especially in the African context where political leadership is often associated with corruption, nepotism, and general failure to deliver social justice and economic advancement to the good people that they govern.

Today, the call for transformational leadership in Africa is gaining favourable responses. Nations that have risen above their challenges were led by transformational leaders. These are the people who recognize the enormity of challenges confronting their countries and exemplify selfless leadership to actualize the dreams and aspiration of the people. We must celebrate African leaders who did not follow the trail of dynasty by stepping down upon the expiry of their terms in office. We need to continually applaud such leaders who transfer power especially to the opposition parties upon their electoral defeats. They are the statesmen!

However, transformational leaders do not come by chance. Leaders must be nurtured through educational curricula, coaching and mentoring leadership activities among others. Ghana needs to incorporate leadership studies into her educational curricular especially at the tertiary levels so that students will learn and appreciate positive leadership traits and values. Since it is most of the students at the tertiary levels who later in life assume leadership positions in the country, it would be better if they acquire the right leadership mindset and skills even before they encounter the reality. The story must be told someday soon that the new crop of African leaders are selflessness and they have the right mindset and a sense of purpose to pursue the interest of the poor masses who live in a continent blessed with abundant resources. Africa must surely get there. Yes we can and we will!

--- The writer, Adama Bukari, is a full-time author/publisher and the C.E.O of Exceed Media Ltd, a company that delivers superior services in publishing, media consultancy, business communications and advertising. He is also a motivational speaker and the editor-in-chief of JUVINILE INSPIRER; a youth magazine which seeks to deal with youthful inertias. Currently, he is studying Master of Philosophy in Global Leadership at the Institute of Professional Studies, Legon.