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Africa, African Heritage, African History, Cultural Heritage, Cultural Identities, Gandhi, GhandhiMustFall, History, Human dignity, Imperialism, Mahatma Gandhi, Race, Racism, University of Ghana
Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue at Legon Defaced
π€ I’m still trying to remember the Akan proverb that expresses my thoughts on this issue. I think it has something to do with the Opanin who sits home and allows children do or eat something; I just can’t remember…
But, really, who didn’t see this coming when the school authorities have “refused to do anything” about the general public’s displeasure with the statue, particularly since several of such displeased public, including highly esteemed notaries of the University community took the trouble to draft a petition which was signed by quite a number of people, myself included. It was not as though the points raised in favour of taking down the statue was not well documented historically. And it still baffles me that an Institution like the University of Ghana would even allow the erection of such a statue.
And what was the response of the professor?
βIt will be most unnecessary, most uncalled for and not in the supreme interest of Ghanaians and we must know what serves our interest best. Some people in India wanted diplomatic relations to be broken in Ghana over the way we sometime back spited them, but caution prevailed and they kept their cool to show that they understand diplomacy and the ups and downs of international relations and today the relationship is a bit better and we look forward to it being better still.β
Pulling down Gandhi’s statue unnecessary- Prof. Ocquaye
The demands were unnecessary and might affect diplomatic relations between Ghana and China. Whatever happened to the implications on Ghana and our history, especially considering that Ghana has historically been linked to the fight against imperialism and the pan-African struggle. Okay, so this is a professor of Political Science and Law; point taken. He speaks from his standpoint, and there is, afterall, freedom of expression of thought as enshrined in the Constitution of the land. But Professor Adomako Ampofo and Dr Obadele Kambon (both of whom I’m proud to have been tutored by) are both experts in their fields too in issues of race, imperialism and African cultures, identities and human dignity.
If you’re worried about the implications of removing the statue, think of the implications of not removing the statue on Ghana’s relation with our past and our future as a nation, and as a race. What does it say to future generations? Racism does exist. Colonialism is not over, and imperialism still lauds its lighter skin over and above the darker pigment of the melanated people of the African race. We all know that all too well by now thanks to global news. But the statue reaffirms racist notions and echoes the words Ghandi professed that links us as a people (both nationally and racially) to him. It tells us as a people that we are indeed inferior due to the colour of our skin. It tells us we are as a people one degree removed from animals, and as such have no other personalities to idolize and immortalize even in our “highest” educational institution. It tells us that if there is someone to look up to, it should be this man who had a complete disregard for us. It tells us that the very words we are imbibed with in the spirit of patriotism: “…and help us to resist oppressors’ rule with all our will and might…” “…I promise to hold in high esteem…and I pledge myself in all things, to uphold and defend the good name of Ghana…” is just a bunch of hogwash. Because really, the toil of our fathers will mean nothing to the little “Uncle Ruckus-es” that will grow up hating the colour of their skin, with no pride and no esteem to uphold.
So by all means, let’s keep the Ghandi statue since the pros far outweigh the cons. And in the meantime, it becomes evident that the sword may afterall be mightier than the pen, because over a thousand signatures means nothing and is but an unnecessary demand. So people will find their answers in little acts of violence – something I in no way support. So today Ghandi may be too blind to see the savagery he accused us of… tomorrow… Well…