Features
Pride of leadership
I Read Government. And I believe I know what governance is supposed to be. However, I don’t understand politics. I have tried not to give myself the headache of trying to understand what it is all about. I guess I have a fair idea about democracy and its nuances. I have a fi rm belief that every society must practise democracy to suit its peculiar culture, customs and norms, not what is dictated by foreign or external forces.
I have observed that global leadership is dictatorial. America is a typical example, where democratic processes inside of that country are followed to the letter, yet the US dictates what other countries must do. Then comes in Donald J. Trump. We all have seen what Trump did to the democracy America prides itelf in. On January 6, 2021, his supporters descended on Capitol Hill and vandalised the very cradle of that country’s democracy. When you elect a rabble-rouser President, what do you expect? Pride and arrogance of leadership cost him the presidency in last year’s election. Pride of leadership has caused the collapse of empires, dynasties and governments. Empires like the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, British and others have come and gone. Indiscipline of leadership in some cases drowned these empires. Some were caused by the powers behind the thrones. Many of those powers were wives, concubines, fathers or even siblings who wielded power over the emperors, kings or whatever fancy
nomenclature they went by. Sadly, many modern leaders have not learnt from the history of these empires and strut around as if they are the chosen ones of God to run people’s lives. And this is my worry. I keep saying that a disciplined child cannot be born of an undisciplined parentage. The calf watches the mother’s mouth as she munches the grass, not so? Ghana’s Minister of Finance has gained notoriety for disrespecting parliament. Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta chooses to go deliver the economic policy of government at a time convenient to him while the lawmakers who would approve or disapprove the policy sit on their haunches waiting for him. Simply put, this is pride of leadership. If our leaders cannot respect institutions of state and their protocols, what business do they have in leadership? This is not an attack on the person of the Minister, but he is an example of what is festering in our national life. President Nana Akufo-Addo is noted for his punctuality at state events. I remember he was to attend the 170th anniversary of the founding of the Presbyterian Training College at Akropong in 2018. Because of our offi cial lateness to events, I almost did not attend though some of us had a special invitation as old students from the Principal. President Akufo-Addo was there before the scheduled time. Former President John Mahama hardly respected time when he was in offi ce, but Prof. Atta Mills was a Pride of leadership
stickler for punctuality as President Akufo-Addo. I had the opportunity of covering an event involving former President Kufuor at Sekondi in 2002. He was late. When I asked my buddy, former President Jerry Rawlings, why he attended certain functions late, he only answered that it was all “for effect.” I did not know what that meant but I let it pass. It is perfectly in order for public offi ce holders to be late for any event because of the workload they carry or for whatever reasons. But it is a mark of good leadership, maturity and respect for others to send a message to the gathering that for XYZ reasons, you are unable to beat the time and that you should be given whatever number of minutes to be present. You win respect as a result. But what do our offi cials do? They saunter into the programme before ranting out apologies when those gathered are either tired, angry or agitated by this offi cial behaviour. No sooner had that budget statement been delivered than the Minister in charge of roads, Mr.
Kwasi Amoako-Atta, decided that all toll booths be shut down on the country’s highways. I am told this minister is himself a member of parliament and knows the Standing Orders and their protocols. How come he could order the closure of toll booths when the House had not approved the budget statement? Indiscipline, if you asked me. Or is it pride of leadership? Leadership must inspire. Leadership must be exemplary. Leadership must encourage others to want to strive for leadership positions in service to their people. Leadership must be honest with the people. It must show a commitment to serve and not run roughshod over the people. With this behaviour of some of our leaders, what do we expect of those who will come after them in future? Personally, I do not care how our public offi ce holders conduct themselves in their offi cial positions, but they must be mindful of the signal they are sending to the youth who are acclaimed as the leaders of tomorrow. Where is the tomorrow for them if we corrupt their today with our negative attitudes? Give the Devil his due. In spite of accusations of highhandedness, Salifu Amankwa brought a certain discipline to the Nkrumah Circle area of the capital. Discipline is the watchword here.
Ten years after he left and more years after his death, people were still afraid to walk over the lawns around Circle anyhow they pleased. Leadership must uphold discipline at all times. What are human rights when lawlessness pervades the very fabric of society? Ghana did not go before Nkrumah. And all of the leaders who have gone have left Ghana behind. So, this country will be there after we are all gone, but the Ghana we leave for the generations after us will determine how history and posterity will judge us.
Writer’s e-mail address: akofa45@yahoo.com
By Dr. Akofo K. Segbefia
ALL these forms of responsibility are sustained by one central pillar: spiritual and moral discipline. Without it, knowledge becomes pride, power becomes oppression, and freedom becomes chaos.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhari, Hadith 6114)
This control taqwā is the root of responsibility. Imam Al-Ghazali (1105) in Ihya Ulum al-Din wrote that the purification of the soul (tazkiyah al-nafs) is the foundation of all reform. A responsible man disciplines his desires, guards his words, and acts with sincerity, even when no one is watching.
We live in an era of temptation — social media, materialism, and moral relativism challenge our values. But men of faith must rise above these influences and remember that Allah is Al-Raqīb — the Ever-Watchful. Spiritual accountability anchors moral behaviour.
8. Emotional and psychological responsibility
Responsibility also includes taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being. Many men suffer silently under the burden of expectation — believing that showing emotion is weakness.
Yet, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم shed tears, expressed compassion, and sought counsel.
Psychologist Aaron Beck (1976) in Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders emphasised that emotional maturity begins with self-awareness, recognising one’s feelings, and managing them constructively.
Group counselling sessions like this are essential; they help men share, heal, and grow together. No man should walk alone; strength is not isolation, but the courage to seek support. Let us normalise counselling, mentorship, and brotherhood among men. For in unity, we find healing; in shared wisdom, we find growth.
9. The five questions of accountability
The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The feet of the son of Adam shall not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about five things:
- His life — how he lived it;
- His youth — how he used it;
- His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it;
- His knowledge — how he acted upon it.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2416; also reported in al-Darimi)
This hadith captures the essence of personal accountability — the cornerstone of responsibility in Islam. It reminds every believer that every blessing carries a duty, and every stage of life demands conscious action.
Let’s break it down:
- “His life — how he lived it”
Life is a divine trust (amānah). A responsible man lives with purpose, not pleasure as his goal. He invests his time in doing good, serving others, and seeking Allah’s pleasure. - “His youth — how he used it”
Youth is the most energetic and creative phase — and thus the most accountable. As Ibn al-Qayyim noted in Madarij al-Salikin, “The strength of youth is a blessing, and blessings invite responsibility.” Men must use their youth to build character, gain knowledge, and resist destructive habits. - “His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it”
Financial integrity is a key part of manhood. Islam demands transparency, fairness, and generosity. The Qur’an warns against wastefulness: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.” (Qur’an 17:27) A responsible man earns lawfully, gives in charity, and spends wisely. - “His knowledge — how he acted upon it”
Knowledge is meaningless if not practiced. Imam Al-Ghazali wrote that knowledge without action is a burden, not a blessing. A responsible man translates his learning into character, leadership, and service.
This Hadith teaches that responsibility in Islam is total and it covers time, energy, wealth, and knowledge. It’s not only about what we achieve, but how we live, how we give, and how we grow.
10. Summary
Responsibility, therefore, is not a single act but a lifestyle — one that touches every sphere of life:
- Educational responsibility empowers us to think and serve.
- Marital and family responsibility keeps our homes strong.
- Environmental responsibility safeguards our future.
- Civic responsibility builds our nation.
- Moral and spiritual responsibility sustains our integrity.
- Emotional responsibility maintains our well-being.
A responsible man is thus an educated mind, a loving heart, a disciplined spirit, and a servant leader. He is not perfect, but he is purposeful.
11. Conclusion
My brothers, as we look toward the future, let us remember the divine reminder:
“The believers, men and women, are protectors of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” (Qur’an 9:71)
Our communities are counting on us — our sisters, mothers, and children look to us for leadership and example. Let us not disappoint them. When we build responsible men today, we build a Ghana that is peaceful, prosperous, and principled.
Let us be men of knowledge and humility, strength and compassion, faith and fairness. And may Allah grant us the wisdom to lead ourselves before we lead others. Āmīn.
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katmanso Municipal Chief Imam, governance expert and certified counselor.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
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Today, I focus on Ghanaian/African migrants in Finland and their mental health. Mental health is an important subject and a huge problem in the world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realise their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.
Studies have shown that maternal and paternal distress are associated with reduced linear growth of their children. I recently participated in a seminar on mental health among (African) migrants in Finland. We all wondered about the prevalence or incidence of mental illness among migrants in Finland. It will be interesting to know the statistics about mental illness among migrants in Finland.
Mental health in Finland
In Finland, studies have examined how behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress. A correlation is shown between parent and infant psychotherapy on maternal mental health and psychological functioning and children’s welfare.
There are also research and other reports of social child welfare interventions where at times children are even taken away (child removals) from the parent or parents for safe keeping.
Experts say it is important how parents plan their leaves in order to renew or rebuild their mental strength to be able to take good care of their kids.
Anyway, studies are limited about parent-child psychological distress and situations where children are taken away from their parents among minorities, such as African migrants. It will be interesting to know the figures and other aspects of mental health issues among the migrant group(s) in Finland.
Health and migrant vulnerability
Health experts point out that migrant communities can be highly vulnerable to diseases, especially certain infectious diseases. Experts say those who came to Finland as refugees or asylum seekers and their family members are often in a more vulnerable position in terms of their health (see www.thl.fi).
Research and media reports have shown in many countries that there are structural or societal/cultural factors that result in quite high rates of infection or ill-health among migrants, when compared to the majority population.
It is suggested that for example language barrier, lack of information, the nature of the work of migrants in professions where working from home is not possible (for example during the Covid-19 pandemic), not accessing healthcare, etc. can present some of the factors for migrants’ vulnerability to diseases and infections.
Childhood disadvantage
Information about the issue. Such a situation was much evidenced to reduce stress and anxiety during the coronavirus situation.
Thus, these associations and institutions become networks that create an important social capital as well as outlets for sharing and gaining information or knowledge.
Finland is committed to the integration of migrants into the Finnish society, as I keep pointing out. A number of research studies from surveys and other in-depth enquiries have shown a trend of increasing efforts to integrate African and other migrants into the Finnish society.
As the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has pointed out, health and wellbeing are an important part of integration of immigrants in Finland (see www.thl.fi).
There have been studies on whether behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress and child welfare intervention by social services. Unhealthy behaviours and their associations with subsequent sickness among Finnish young and early midlife employees have been studied.
When it comes to this subject and/or the effect of adult psychological distress on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in Finland, there is limited knowledge.
We should hope for more information to augment understandings about adult psychological distress and effect on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in order to inform policy directions.
Such studies will help to create awareness among migrants in Finland about their mental health, its effect on them and their children’s wellbeing, as well as where to seek therapy.
Migrant associations, social networks, and information
Migrants associations are already doing much to help in education on mental health and have become important points for securing. Public agencies, migrant associations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Finland have been publishing information to help educate people about their health and wellbeing.
Generally, migrant associations formally create awareness among their members and other migrants usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interests and claims heard.
As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
By Perpetual Crentsil
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