In a thought-provoking article, Ghanaian author Jarga Kebba Gigo has urged Africans to strive for greatness, drawing inspiration from the successes and failures of nations like the United States and China. According to Gigo, while America has achieved remarkable progress over its 250-year history, Africans can learn from its experiences and create their own path to greatness. He emphasizes the importance of conscience, learning, and tolerance in achieving this goal.
Gigo highlights the need for Africans to develop a strong culture of cameras to boost learning and working standards, while also promoting a smart balance between work and leisure. He cites the example of America's failed attempt to ban alcohol, which disproportionately affected white children, and its ongoing struggle with cannabis legalization, which has had a disproportionate impact on black communities. Gigo argues that Africans can learn from these experiences and create more effective policies.
The author also emphasizes the importance of education, particularly for children, and argues that every child deserves access to at least a high school education. He suggests that an independent institution dedicated to children's rights could be established at the national level to ensure that children's needs are met. Gigo also criticizes the notion that women's rights are prioritized over those of children, arguing that the right to education is a fundamental human right.
Gigo encourages Africans to take action, rather than waiting for external solutions. He suggests that opposition leaders, billionaires, or NGOs can introduce bills or establish programs to promote education and children's rights. He also argues that the United Nations can be a platform for African countries to propose and advocate for positive change, rather than simply voting on resolutions.
The author also touches on the issue of economic opportunities, arguing that capitalism and machines have created a situation where less than 10% of the world's population can supply the entire world with products, leaving the rest to scramble for service-oriented jobs. He suggests that a more equitable system is needed, one that prioritizes access to education, work, and products for all.
Gigo's vision for a better future involves the creation of a global system that prioritizes human rights, education, and economic opportunities. He argues that this can be achieved through a combination of technology transfer, national-level technology building, and a global culture of social responsibility. He also emphasizes the importance of leadership and accountability in achieving this goal.
Ultimately, Gigo's message is one of hope and empowerment. He encourages Africans to take control of their own destiny, to learn from the successes and failures of others, and to strive for greatness. He argues that with the right plan, leadership, and commitment, Africans can create a brighter future for themselves and for generations to come.
Key points
- Gigo urges Africans to prioritize education, conscience, and social responsibility in their pursuit of greatness.
