No more politicians, just citizens!

Once again, the spectre of flooding looms ominously over Accra, starkly reminding us of the persistent vulnerabilities that plague the capital city. 

Citizens, filled with palpable frustration, direct their ire towards the political establishment, airing grievances about the impending spectre of ‘dumsor’ and the abysmal quality of sustenance provided to our students.

The chorus of discontent resonates deeply within the cramped confines of ‘trotro’, where the ordinary citizen confronts the tangible disconnect between political rhetoric and lived reality.

Yet, one must ponder: is the onus solely upon our elected officials for the myriad challenges we face?

Might it not be time for us to transcend the simplistic dichotomy of citizens versus politicians, embracing our collective and shared responsibility in shaping our society? 

As we delve deeper into the underlying issues at play, we must critically examine our roles within this intricate tapestry of governance and civic duty.

The blame game has divided society into victims and villains, a dichotomy that obscures the intricate interplay of responsibility.

Citizens, ensconced in the role of victimhood, readily assign fault to politicians for entrenched societal challenges, while the latter, preoccupied with electoral survival, often accept this blame, acutely aware that the issues at hand are not solely the products of political machinations, but rather reflections of civic apathy and inaction.

Architects

As citizens, we must confront our complicity; we are, in many respects, the architects of our predicaments.

The politician’s role is undeniably vital, yet it is imperative to recognise that they too are citizens first. It is incumbent upon them to engineer a framework for sustainable urban planning, which necessitates a collaborative ethos between governance and citizenry.

Whilst the flooding in Accra underscores a compelling, yet disconcerting reflection of our collective ethos as citizens, it is but a microcosm of a broader, entrenched systemic malaise.

We have abdicated our responsibilities, delegating the onus of stewardship to our leaders, while simultaneously, if not insidiously, participating in the very behaviours that exacerbate the challenges confronting our nation.

This complicity not only undermines our civic integrity, but also precipitates a gradual disintegration of both our societal frameworks and our identities.

The crux of the issue is the pervasive tendency toward scapegoating.

In truth, there is no singular person to blame; rather, we are all architects of our triumphs and tribulations.

A moment’s pause for introspection, coupled with a willingness to embrace accountability, can illuminate our collective journey.

Let's each act as a diminutive beacon of clarity in the shadowy recesses of our shared existence.

We may ultimately catalyse a transformation, where darkness yields to enlightenment in all its corners. 

Such a shift will acknowledge our interconnectedness and foster an environment ripe for growth and understanding.

We must transcend the confines of the blame game.

We find ourselves at a critical juncture, where the moral imperative to assume responsibility for our collective trajectory cannot be overstated.

The writer is a marketing & communication consultant.

E-mail: benonymullray@gmail.com