Manasseh Azure Awuni has called for a collective shift away from ethnic prejudice in Ghana’s public discourse, urging citizens to judge leaders on merit and conduct rather than origin.
Reflecting on global political examples, the investigative journalist drew parallels with milestones in the United States and New York, arguing that Ghana must rise above tribal considerations.
“In 2008, the most powerful nation on earth elected the son of a Kenyan immigrant as their president,” he wrote, referencing Barack Obama’s election as U.S. President.
Awuni continued by highlighting a recent development in New York politics. “Yesterday, New Yorkers, whose annual budget is about the size of Ghana’s GDP, elected a Muslim who was born in Uganda to parents of Indian descent as their mayor.”
He stressed that a Ghanaian has no justification to be treated differently based on ethnic background.
“There is no reason a man born in Ghana to Ghanaian parents should be discriminated against because of his ethnicity,” he cautioned.
According to him, scrutiny should be directed at capability and conduct, not origin.
“By all means, scrutinise his character and his role in public office. Hold him accountable for his deeds or misdeeds, but leave out where he comes from.”
Awuni urged the country to emulate nations that celebrate diverse leadership.
“Let’s learn from the good examples of the Americans, British, and other progressive European and North American nations.
“We cannot celebrate people of Ghanaian descent who rise to high public offices in the UK, U.S., and elsewhere, while discriminating against our own here.”
