Prof. Etse Sikanku, an esteemed Associate Professor of Journalism, Media Studies, and Political Communication, has urged Ghanaians to engage in a national dialogue on values, aimed at fostering a re-orientation and re-awakening of the principles that underpin the nation’s democracy and development.
He therefore called for a collective effort to reshape public attitudes and mindsets, calling it a cornerstone for good governance.
In an interview with Metro Inside Pages pegged to Ghana’s Independence Day, Sikanku laid out his vision.
“We need a dialogue on what defines us—identity, unity,” he said. “Traditional values like accountability and cohesion aren’t just nostalgia; they are a roadmap for a democracy that works here.”
“There’s a palpable link between our traditional values and the principles of democracy. We need an Afrocentric democracy, a Ghanaian democracy that fits our context and inherent beliefs.”
He highlighted traditional Ghanaian values such as accountability, unity, honesty, and togetherness, noting their alignment with democratic ideals. “We are a society that believes in accountability, unity, honesty, and working together within our traditional settings,” he explained. “These are consistent with democratic principles.”
He warned that Ghana’s political discourse sometimes becomes “inflammatory,” mixed with disinformation and misinformation and straying from the respect and decency long prized in local communities. To counter this, he proposed a “national reorientation” to revive civic culture and curb societal ills. “Our traditional principles could foster a democracy that’s progressive, transparent, and based on dialogue, politeness, not extremism,” he added.
Prof Sikanku also tied Ghana’s development to a broader shift in mindset, beyond mere economic gains. He suggested that nurturing patriotism and civic pride, particularly among the youth, could lay the groundwork for lasting progress.
In a nod to fiscal responsibility, Prof. Sikanku also praised President John Dramani Mahama for opting for a scaled-down Independence Day celebration. He described the move as a commendable step toward reducing expenditure and ensuring cost savings for the nation. “It’s a commendable step towards fiscal responsibility,” he noted.
By Adjei Dickens Ofori Asare
