Renowned gospel artist and pastor, Dr. Sonnie Badu has voiced his concerns about leadership and development in Africa, urging leaders to adopt a new approach.
During an interview on Rhythmz, Dr. Badu called for drastic changes to tackle deep-rooted issues. “You would have to clear everybody in Africa and recreate something here,” he stated, reflecting on the persistent problems the continent’s been facing.
Dr. Badu cited a recent incident involving comedian Michael Blackson stating, “You just read what Michael Blackson said happened to him. Now, this guy’s an international figure and everything he says carries a lot of weight. What he’s done is damage Ghana big time because what it’s going to do is tell everybody, don’t go and invest in Ghana,” he explained, underscoring the potential impact such statements could have on foreign investment.
He stressed that the issue is prevalent across the continent. “This is Africa, so it’s not just happening in Ghana. It’s happening everywhere,” he said, criticizing the short-sightedness of many African leaders who prioritize personal gain over long-term development. “Where people think about their pockets first before impact,” he remarked.
Comparing African leadership to that in Western countries, he noted that the latter plan far into the future, even at the cost of immediate benefits. “When you go to the white man’s land, they plan things 200 years ahead. Even if they don’t make nothing, even if it doesn’t benefit them. They would rather benefit their children to come,” he observed, contrasting this with Africa’s tendency to focus on short-term gains.
He warned that if the current trajectory continues, future African leaders could inherit a continent lacking in opportunities. “There’s going to be a time in Africa where one will become a president, but there’s nothing to look up to because we have sold our birthrights,” he cautioned, stressing the need to rethink the continent’s development strategy.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of competent leadership. “We just pray that the right people will occupy certain spaces because there’s something that comes with promise and fail,” Badu said, acknowledging the common pattern of leaders failing to deliver on their promises. “This is Africa indeed,” he added, encapsulating his frustration with the current state of affairs.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
