Leading Zelenskyy’s way

I was slightly bemused in 2019 when Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy popped up on international news channels, as the comedian contesting the presidential race in Ukraine, with seasoned politicians!

Well, my passing interest was because Ukraine was far removed from Ghana and we were also in full electioneering mode for our own 2020 General Election.

Fast forward to 2022, and my passing interest in Ukraine and its “comedian-turned-serious” leader, has peaked.

I was inspired, even as a Ghanaian, when Zelenskyy encouraged his people a week before Russia’s invasion on Thursday, February 24, 2022.

Since the invasion, Zelenskyy, true to character as comedian previously, has been giving pithy-one-liner responses and statements that is re-emphasising again for all the nature and character of bankable leadership.

Knowing perfectly well that he is a target of the Russians, Zelenskyy refused safe passage from the US to a heaven by responding, “I need ammunition not a ride”.

He is also quoted as saying that “When the Russians get to us, they will see our faces and not our backs.”

His words, and actions of donning military fatigues, taking coffee with fighters on front lines and walking the streets of Kyiv, which is under missile attack by Russia, has galvanised tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians to the war front, to defend their country.

Parallels

I have been trying to draw parallels between Ghana and Ukraine, which is currently repulsing Russia’s attacks, regardless of the fact that it might never happen in Ghana.

Imagine a superpower invading Ghana, for whatever reason...

Would we have the benefit of encouraging words from our political leaders, to assure us and set out hearts at rest?

I believe that our politicians would strive to hide whatever facts there are of that invasion.

When they are unable to do that any longer, there would be speeches, long ones.

The type that makes one wonder what was really said at the end.

And before our ports (sea and air), as well as borders are secured to prevent the invading force from getting in, there would be a wild scramble for those exits by the executive and its appointee ministers and others with close ties to them.

Concurrently, our MPs, “our dear honourables,” with their family and friends, and hangers-on, would be at already jammed airports, borders and sea ports, stepping over and physically manhandling each other to get to the airplane, ship or border post, fleeing before the invasion starts.
the judiciary would be in tow, in an orderly and stately manner, even in the midst of the chaos.

Tendencies

For “dear Ghanaians”, we will be exhibiting all our Ghanaian tendencies, until the invasive force comes upon us.

There would be no brave or conscientious one to pick up a gun to defend.

The wealthy would privately make arrangements to leave with their families.

Those with the knowledge about how to repulse an enemy force would rather not be involved, but mind their own business, fortifying their own homes!

There would be several conspiracy theories, with one MP of the opposition spicing it up with disclosures about government’s acts of commission and omission that brought about the invasion, and more discussions, talks, accusations and counter-accusations by the few ruling appointees and opposition members left behind, with a back-up plan on how to leave the country later.

Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy shows that leaders must be as the people.

They must not be far removed from them.

They must know and live their daily challenges.

They must with that knowledge, and although with no immediate solutions, have the right words to convince people to stick with them, even as they work towards solving challenges.

That is a leader I bank on, believe in and support, even when his or her policy is unpalatable.

For someone to live my experience means the person would have my interest.
Perhaps, Ghanaians are blessed with the leaders they deserve.

Writer’s E-mail: caroline.boateng@graphic.com.gh