Leadership, Morals and the African Crisis

We live in a world that is insecure and full of uncertainties. While the western nations are threatened with terrorism, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, the continent of Africa is bedeviled with poverty, ethnic hatred, tribal wars, diseases, greed, corruption, political instability and moral bankruptcy.

Africa is faced with a plethora of problems, and these problems are not merely economic, social, environmental or even political issues, but the lacking of strong, courageous and progressive-minded leadership. By common understanding, leadership and government is all about plan and purpose, intended to bring about peace and order as well as to provide opportunities for human creativity to discover and fulfil their desires and dreams through those who are placed in positions of authority.

Ironically however, people who occupy leadership positions today in government, business entities, families and even churches and other religious entities seem not to comprehend the obligations of leadership. They tend to forget that the greatest task of the leader is to inspire, motivate and assist those under their influence to become all they can be. They cannot appreciate that fact that the primary goal of leadership must be to inspire people to live rightly to enable them achieve their purposes on earth. Instead those placed to rule and reign are negligent, ungodly and seek only for their own selfish whims. Leadership lapses are the bane of the intractable crisis facing Africa today. Leaders in African contemporary time seem not to embrace the fact that leadership is all about people and that they have the arduous task to mobilize, motivate and inspire people to achieve, succeed and reach their fullest potential that lies within themselves.

To many minds Africa does not lack real men and women who can lead. Africa is also not lacking the manpower, skills, talents, natural and physical resources to turn around deteriorating economic situations, create jobs, provide good health care, sound education for its citizens, develop and build infrastructure, restore order, confidence and hope, which means ingredients for creating a formidable nation exists in Africa.

The trouble with Africa, again, is not economic, political, socio-cultural and even moral per se, but the crisis simply is with leadership. Leadership with the political will and selfless dedication to galvanize a nation is in fact lacking; a strong, courageous and morally upright leadership that is transparent in its private and domestic, public and foreign responsibilities is absolutely missing on the continent of Africa.

Ghana, for instance has not enjoyed any long lasting peace and economic prosperity since independence, despite the huge monies bequeathed unto her and the enormous blessing of natural resources that God has endowed the country with. Ghana after independence started deteriorating following corrupt political leadership and military dictatorships that denied its citizens any sense of security and God given destiny. In short, Ghana’s leadership at all levels has failed the people because they have not fulfilled any of the responsibilities of leadership.

Africa today is ravaged with many problems, such as poverty, religious and ethnic violence, wars, injustice, HIV/AIDS and all is as a result of lack of insight, wisdom, vision and courage on the part of our leaders.

The police cannot be trusted for the personal safety of the people. Despite the enormous and huge houses of worship and churches planted at every corner of our cities and towns, religious conflicts, ignorance, intolerance and armed robbery are rampant.

Perhaps what Africa needs today are leaders who are servants; strong, compassionate and courageous leaders. Like King Solomon, African leaders require wisdom, discernment, character, integrity and vision to lead others.

African leaders must also be men of great vision and mission. They must have the kind of vision that is embraced by all and a mission that’s broad, as well as strategic with a strong value system that will drive their nation’s priorities and not personal priorities.

African leadership must establish core value systems that will dictate every decision and determine the nation’s priorities. More than these, African leaders must have strategy and develop plans with formidable teams to carry out the vision and mission for Africa.