In a recent opinion piece on Joy FM, Ghanaian writer Kwame Sowu lamented the rise of avaricious elitism and intellectualism in the country, which he believes is eroding respect for leaders and institutions. According to Sowu, when education, wealth, and position only serve to benefit a select few, people begin to question the value of these institutions. He argues that this phenomenon is particularly damaging in politics, where leaders often abandon their supporters once they attain power.
Sowu contends that intellectualism can be just as corrosive as elitism, as it often serves to defend privilege rather than promote the greater good. He notes that brilliant individuals may use their knowledge to justify arrangements that primarily benefit themselves, rather than working to create more opportunities for others. In politics, this can lead to a disconnect between leaders and their supporters, with the latter often feeling abandoned or exploited.
The writer argues that this betrayal is not limited to politics, but also affects religious and traditional leadership. He believes that congregations should not have to sacrifice their well-being to support their leaders, and that traditional leaders have a responsibility to serve their communities, not just their own interests. Sowu calls for greater accountability and transparency in leadership, as well as a renewed focus on service over personal gain.
Sowu's critique of elitism and intellectualism is not a rejection of education or competence, but rather a call for these qualities to be used for the benefit of all. He argues that qualifications and knowledge should be demonstrated through practical benefits, such as better organization, fairer opportunities, and functioning services. Ultimately, Sowu believes that leaders should be judged on their ability to serve others, not just themselves.
The consequences of failing to address these issues are significant, Sowu warns. When leaders prioritize their own interests over those of their followers, it can lead to widespread disillusionment and a loss of faith in institutions. This, in turn, can create an opening for opportunistic populists who claim that knowledge and experience are irrelevant. Sowu argues that the solution is not to replace selfish intellectuals with reckless populists, but rather to insist that ability carries responsibility.
Sowu calls on leaders to prioritize mentoring, explaining, and building institutions, as well as widening access to opportunities. He also argues that followers have a duty to hold leaders accountable and to refuse to excuse greed or selfishness, even when it is cloaked in the language of party loyalty or traditional authority. Ultimately, Sowu believes that elitism and intellectualism can only be justified when they serve the greater good.
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a new approach to leadership in Ghana, one that prioritizes service, accountability, and transparency. Sowu argues that a leader's greatness should be measured by the number of people who can stand taller because of their leadership. By insisting that ability carries responsibility, Ghanaian leaders can work to rebuild trust and create a more just and equitable society.
Key points
- Avaricious elitism and intellectualism are undermining leadership in Ghana by prioritizing personal gain over service to others.
- Leaders in politics, religion, and traditional institutions have a responsibility to serve their communities, not just their own interests.
- Education and competence must be demonstrated through practical benefits, such as better organization, fairer opportunities, and functioning services.
