Book Review: My Reflections

Daily Graphic Opinion Jul - 16 - 2015 , 08:57

“My Reflections,” a compilation of articles authored by Kofi Baah-Bentum, reveals an author’s realistic reflections on, and his passion for the functioning of democratic institutions.

A keen observer of the Ghanaian society, the author employs hilarious critique of the foibles of Ghanaians to drive home important lessons.

In “Ten reasons to remain Ghanaian”, Baah-Bentum, in a tongue-in-cheek manner, draws attention to some of the failings of leaders and institutions in the country.
Turning ideas upside down, he sarcastically lists all the failings that ironically make Ghanaians Ghanaians, and makes them continue to exploit the weaknesses of institutions unduly to their advantage.

These weaknesses include government institutions’ failure to enforce laws that forbid building on watercourses or their complicity in giving permits to some to do so, resulting in slums and attendant floods; the laxity of public servants in the provisions of services that citizens pay for to shore up government coffers; and the corruption of institutions that makes an adherence to doing the right thing a disincentive.

The disciplinarian in Baah-Bentum agitates for the rule of law and discipline in the country in “The Ghanaian, A Modern Day Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?”
In his reflections on the hypocrisy of Ghanaians, the author takes on Christians and Muslims.

The dominant religious groups in the country are the most devout and the guiltiest of all the ills and vices of society.

Indeed, almost all workers belong to one faith or the other, and expression of people’s devotion is seen in how shops, business concerns and tabletop enterprises are named.
But when it comes to cheating, lying and being deceitful, these religious adherents are at the forefront.

Governance, aid, tourism

The author’s combative spirit as a soldier rejects the docility of Ghanaians which makes them acquiesce to inadequate public service, bad and irresponsible governance.
“Where is our civic responsibility of holding political office holders accountable for their deeds? Yet this is a key requirement for the growth of every democracy,” he tells readers in his chapter on “Our docility; a virtue or a vice?”

In his satire on philanthropy, donor support and aid, the nationalist in the author does not mince words in taking on policy makers who never tire of their incessant demands for more aid from donors.

For him, the relationship of leaders of the country begging for more aid like Oliver Twist for development with donors is not a development partnership but a humiliation!
The author also indicts traditional rulers who are more than ready to confer traditional titles on foreign philanthropists of dubious character, just because of some miserly donation.

The strongest disapproval goes to rich indigenes of communities in Ghana who have the means to change their society, but opt to use their wealth for short-sighted and selfish realisations, such as marrying more wives, litigating and blowing dust on their people as they speed on untarred village roads.

“The way forward is to get our act together and resolve to do it internally, and yes we can, others have done it!” he states.

“Taking our tourism beyond vibes” will pass for a basic tourism development guide for the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Development Authority and all policy makers in the sector.

Simply and practically, he gleans from his experiences on his visit to other countries and puts the lessons that make tourism tick in other countries at the disposal of Ghanaians.

“Enough of Law: What about enforcement?” emphasises the short-sightedness of Ghana’s policy makers.

Instead of ensuring a dedicated government institution that projects into the future for solid policies and laws before societal challenges catch up on people, the Ghanaian sits and waits until overwhelmed by these challenges.

In a refreshing rendition on Ghana’s national cake, the author poses questions on the goods of society and how they are shared.
His thought-provoking reflections on the disproportionate sharing of societal goods is a warning to those who take the chunk to know that disproportionate sharing of goods breeds discontent and conflict.

Media, language, etcetera...

In three chapters, Baah-Bentum, the media practitioner, reflects on the media in the country, specifically the profession of journalism and how it seems to have taken a nosedive in “Who fouled our mediascape?” He makes a strong case for strengthening public broadcasting in “Strengthening our public broadcasting system”.

He tops it up with a hilarious reflection on the use of the English language, which is crucified, ‘nativised,’ and simply bastardised.

He proposes reading and practice of good English mechanics to get out of the woods of “Crucifying the Queen’s language”.

Other issues, such as the worth of one’s academic laurels in relation to finding employment; the import of one’s name; the challenging relationship between the landlord and the tenant; the influx of Chinese immigrants, and many more, are perceptively reflected on, succinctly discussed and reflections clearly conveyed.

Lighter issues such as sports and social relations as in Merry Christmas to our beer bar friends, Businessmen, stars and legends have been infused for those who want to look at the lighter side of life.

My Reflections has an engaging cover design; the silhouette of the human head in deep thought and an opening where one sees all the ideas and reflections coursing through.

The design and printing is sharp and clear.

It is an easy book to read, written in a style simple enough for every Ghanaian to enjoy.

The author’s pictures, drawings and comic strips used in some chapters enlivens his work. It is a very portable book that could be a worthy companion to travellers.
However, the author’s ideas of retirement seem not to include women in the world of work as if to emphasise the male-dominated world of work where only men retire!
The book could also do with tighter editing.

Reviewer’s email: caroline.boateng@graphic.com.gh