July 12, 2013 marked the centurion birthday of Dr. K. A.
Busia, Ghana’s under - 3 years executive Prime Minister (1969-1079).
Although his tenure was short lived, the history of Ghana
can’t be written without particular reference and recognition of the immense
contributions he made to Democracy and development; prime of which include
enhancement of democracy, rural development, etc.
At a time in Ghana's history where Freedom of Speech is threatened
in the name of Contempt of Court, the 100th birthday commemoration
of the man nicknamed ‘the Symbol of Democracy’ is significantly striking.
His commitment to rural development is highlighted as he
first established the Rural development Ministry a move subsequent government
emulated. A concept if carried out properly, the Ashiaman protest over bad
roads would be needless; although such ministries exist.
As a doyen in
academia, he notably introduced the National Service Scheme for which
participants over the years have testified patriotism, hard work and efficiency
as an effect. Being the first to attain Professorial status in black Africa is
admirable.
Notwithstanding, the Achilles' heel of Dr. Busia’s
governance have been averred as the most essential decisions over time. Typical
of which is the ‘Aliens Compliance Order’, of which illegal immigrants were
deported. Today, presented with the same challenge of illegal immigrants, same
decision (deportation) is hailed by the Ghanaian populace as panacea to the
problem of dominance of illegal immigrants that have invaded our mining sector.
For the record, president Mahama in his book ‘my first coup d’état’ emphasized
it as ‘was against illegal immigrants’.
Furthermore, his stance of ‘Dialogue with apartheid South
Africa’ ultimately became the tool that emancipated South Africans; an idea
that was enlisted as crime for his removal from office.
In commemoration of Dr. Busia’s tenure, the youth in
particular owe it as a duty to imbue the treasured traits key to greatness as
demonstrated by Dr. K. A. Busia including humility, perseverance, tolerance of
opinions, highly moral, etc.
Ghana awaits great persons of the caliber of Dr K. A. Busia.
~ atiemo
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