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Taking a cue from a country where modesty and simplicity are its hallmark in governance
Modesty, is a God-given principle that helps a person or an institution to keep safely on the convenient path as the person or the body makes strides in the presence of the Almighty God. Modesty in actual sense, thought and behaviour, will help prepare mankind to make a sacred temple covenant. Similarly, simplicity in its true meaning, connotes uncomplicated, simple and elaborate method that can be understood, apply or done easily for the purposes of progress and development.
Being modest and simple begin with how one sees himself or herself and the place in the world. By being aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, you can avoid pitfalls of arrogance and start life more modestly. Just try to see yourself the way others see you by asking your closest friends how to perceive you. In effect, modesty and virtue, are qualities that are universally recognised as essential for the proper development and success of individuals and nations. It is important to impact in the youth these values so that they grow up into responsible and productive members of their communities and the nation in general.
POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES OF MODESTY AND SIMPLICITY
Some of the attributes of modesty include simplicity in the way of doing things, living within ones means not spending more than what comes in, be content with what you have and thinking about the long- term rather the short-term. It is said that a person is modest when he or she is considerate and does not boast or brag, so it is to developing nations across the world. The watchword is “Cutting your coat according to your cloth”.
I have decided to take my readers to the realms of theory just to prepare their minds to appreciate the importance of modesty and simplicity in our everyday lives and how they reflect on governance in countries that are well developed so that those of us in the developing world can learn and apply them for our own good and progress.
VIDEO ON SWEDEN AND THEIR WAY OF LIFE
Just recently, a cousin of mine domiciled in the United States of America who has been feeding me with educative materials including video clips across the world to educate, inform and entertain me of happenings across the globe, sent me one of his interesting videos about Sweden which since time immemorial, has adopted modesty and simplicity as their way of life which are working perfectly for them as a nation.
The video is about how this Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal inland and inland lakes, with vast boreal forest and glaciated mountains, are running their august parliament as well as effective governance in a more matured, modest and simple way that have inured to their progress and advancement. Even though this country with a total population of a little over 10.35 million as of 2020 is fairly rich and industrious, it has been able to put in place certain mechanisms to cut down cost of public spending in order to rake in more funds to meet its developmental goals and that is working perfectly and effectively for them.
SHORT HISTORY ABOUT SWEDEN
To get a true picture of Sweden since I have never been to that country in my lifetime, I have done a little research about that country just to educate and carry my readers some of whom are just like me along to have a feel of that country. As I stated earlier, Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with its eastern capital located in Stockholm which is built on 14 islands. It has more than 50 bridges as well as medieval old town, Gamla Stan, royal palaces and museums. Although the country is relatively wealthy, 16.2 per cent of its people are at risk of falling into the poverty bracket. Even though English is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world, it will be of interest to know that while about 80 per cent of the people understand English perfectly, they hardly speak the language, except their mother tongue, Swedes.
The vast majority of enterprises are privately owned. We are told that the country’s economic success is due to stable economic and political institutions which allow the people to focus on producing wealth. Swedish society is based on equality and individualism and the people are proud of their nation and its accomplishments which they termed Lagom, which means “Not too much, not too little…just right” a word often used and heard in Sweden. The country has a profound respect for integrity.
MODESTY AND SIMPLICITY IN SWEDISH PARLIAMENT
Having given the geographical location of Sweden, I will now go back to the video clip to show how modest and simple their parliament is being run to cut cost. The five minutes’ video titled, “The country where Members of Parliament don’t get free coffee, talks about drastic reduction of the way of life of the MPs as far as their living conditions are concerned. It talks about the whole parliament having three cars which are used for official work. Besides, MPs are expected to use public transportation during sitting hours. We are being told in that video that until 1957, the MPs were not being paid for their jobs and could not raise their own salaries. Apartments are provided to MPs from outside Stockholm which is one room apartment. Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight and if any of the MPs wants to bring a visitor to his or her apartment to stay overnight, the MP must pay for it. Any trip abroad by MPs must cost a maximum of 85 per cent of his or her salary. If an MP rents a car, he or she must choose the shortest possible route. Swedish MPs have no secretaries or assistants and they have to plan their own schedules.
THE JUDICIARY AND POLITICIANS IN SWEDEN
Parliamentarians who have missed more than 60 per cent of their voting occasions must repay from their salaries. There are no lifetime pensions for former MPs. In the case of judiciary, the criminal justice system is well organised and judges have no right to official cars. There is no immunity from criminal prosecution of politicians. Regional politicians do not receive salaries because their work is considered public good as such is unpaid. Public Service in Sweden is neither prestigious nor lucrative. The video ended by explaining that all these rules and many others, are designed to make Sweden a functioning democracy.
AFRICANS MUST LEARN FROM SWEDISH EXPERIENCE
Seriously, what we need to ask ourselves as Africans is that, is it not relevant to adopt some of these rules in our institutions of governance to cut down wastage, cost and conserve foreign exchange and other meagre resources to advance economic progress on our continent? If a nation like Sweden which is fairly rich in resources and capital, is operating modestly and simple, why can’t we in Africa learn from their experience? Africa is suffering because our leaders are selfish in character and do not think about the interests of their peoples. The limited resources at their disposal are being plundered to satisfy their personal interests and that of their closest associates while their citizens continue to live in abject poverty and misery.
OUR OFFICE HOLDERS MUST SHOW LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
Over here in Ghana, as we continue to battle with the current economic crises which have brought untold hardships to the people, there are quite a number of institutions of governance which are feeding fat on the people. Our institutions of governance are not being considerate with the citizens and continue to impose all kinds of taxes and levies to worsen the plight of Ghanaians while those in positions of authority continue to enjoy.
The Swedish example must inspire us including other African countries to adopt measures to cut down cost and protect the public purse.
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By Charles Neequaye
THE state of feeling rejected, could be a terrifying experience especially for those who have become used to fame. If not properly addressed, it could lead to depression and the consequences, could be disastrous.
When you are on top of your game in whatever profession you find yourself such that you become famous, a lot of people try to associate with you. The phone never ceases to ring and one is tempted to feel loved and very important.
When a disaster strikes and the fame or the money which was the source of the attraction fades away, the circle of friends and fans begin to shrink and the phone will start to stop ringing until the call stops voting completely.
You will be shocked at how people you considered friends, will no longer be calling you or pay casual visits as they used to. You will begin to notice that messages you leave after calling them and not getting a response are not replied to and that is when you begin to know who your true friends are.
One of the most popular movie stars was an actress called Sharon Stone. In an interview with one of the media houses that was published, she spoke about how people who should have come around to encourage her in her moment of depression, shunned her. The calls stopped coming.
This is what the Bible admonishes that the arm of flesh will fail you and therefore we should put our trust in God. It could be a very frightening experience and can easily lead to depression.
Human nature being what it is, people will want to get close if things are okay. Everybody wants to associate themselves with interesting things, famous people, rich people etc for mainly selfish reasons.
We need to develop the habit of putting our trust in God and relying less on human beings. The lesson we have to take along in life is that, no one marries his or her enemy so how come people who took vows that they will love each other become so hostile to each other that they want to go their separate ways in life? Such is the reality of life.
It is therefore prudent for people to recognise that, life is full of uncertainties and so there is the need to prepare your mind for uncertainties so that when they occur, they do not disorganise your mental sanity.
A lot of people have experienced situations where people who they could have sworn will never betray their trust have disappointed them when they were through challenging moments.
If there is one thing famous people should desire, it should be the ability to identify who are true friends are. Countless stories abound regarding incidence of celebrities who have lost their shine and their wives divorcing them soon after.
It is sometimes useful as a famous or rich person to sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage to safeguard or protect yourself from any future unpleasant surprises.
People can be very pretentious these days, it goes both ways. There is this real life story where a man married a divorced wealthy woman and convinced her to sell her house so they could build a new one together, with the excuse that people are gossiping that he is being housed by a woman.
The woman agreed and they put up a new building. After a few years the man asked for a divorce, only for the woman to realise that the land on which the building was situated, was bought in the man’s name.
This can drive a person insane, if you are not mentally tough and this happens to you. When people hear that you are homeless, a lot of your so-called friends will stop calling, so that you do not become a burden on them.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
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‘But, er …. I don’t even know your name’.
‘Paul. Paul Allotey. I’m Sarah, by the way. Paul, why don’t you leave me here, since this is the last important thing I’m doing today’.
‘Okay. Now Sarah. I was just thinking. You will be here at the cafe for about an hour. By then it will be about twelve thirty. Then, you would be thinking of buying yourself some lunch, to eat here or to take home. So if you would please allow me, I will take you to one of the nicest eating places in town, and after you have sorted that one out, then I can drop you home. Just that one errand, then I won’t bother you again’.
‘You are not bothering me at all. You are being very kind to me. And I just realised you are a mind reader too. The last item on my agenda was lunch’.
‘I’m so glad I appeared at your doorstep, just in time’.
‘Okay. Now Paul, since you say the cafe is a comfortable place, let’s go in together, and you can do your work while I get my application done’.
‘Okay, Sarah. Thanks. Let’s go’.
We got back in the car at eleven forty-five.
‘So where are we going, Paul?’
‘To Royalty restaurant. It’s a twenty minute drive away’.
‘So, do you enjoy your job?’
‘Most certainly. I won’t change it, not even to be President. And am I right to say that you are preparing to enter the university?’
‘That’s my plan. I hope it works’.
‘It will, if you are determined, and disciplined. You look very much like a disciplined person’.
‘Thank you very much’.
We arrived at Royalty in twenty-five minutes, ‘You are joining me for lunch, Paul’.
‘Thanks for the honour, Sarah. But the bill is on me’.
‘Aren’t you taking on too much for one day?’
‘I never do anything that is bigger than me, Sarah’.
Over the next hour and a half, we discussed fashion, local and international politics, and sports, as we ate and relaxed. Finally, he drove me to the shop.
‘I will never forget you, Paul’.
‘I’m glad to have been helpful. But if you don’t mind, I’ll say it again, your husband is extremely lucky. You are really beautiful’.
‘Thanks again. But do you mind if I call you sometime in the future?’
‘Certainly not. Let me write it here. I will not ask for your number, for obvious reasons. But I will be looking forward to hearing from you. And hopefully, I will see you next month, when I call to drop your bill’.
‘Okay Paul. See you then’. What a lovely day, I said to myself as I opened the front door. I closed the shop and got home by seven. I went straight to the bedroom, stood in the mirror and took a good look at myself. ‘You are a very beautiful woman, Sarah. Never forget that’. I will not forget that, again.
Over the next several weeks, Martin and I had very little to do with each other. In the morning he ate his breakfast and after a shabby ‘I’m going’, he left. He came home around eight at the earliest, ate his dinner and, already soaked in beer, went off to sleep.
He spent the greater part of the weekends at the club house with his friends, playing tennis and partying. My mind was focused on furthering my education, so I didn’t complain to him, and didn’t bother to inform my parents about what was happening. I had decided that I would only take action if he lifted his hand against me again. I spent my free time reading all manner of interesting stuff on the internet, and chatting with my sister on WhatsApp.
One evening, he came home at about eight, rushed to the bedroom and rushed out. An envelope, obviously containing money, dropped out of his pocket, and I picked it up and followed him. I was going to call him and give it to him, but I noticed that there was a young woman in the car, so I went back in, counted it and put it in a drawer in the hall. He came back after some ten minutes.
‘Excuse me, I dropped an envelope containing money. You must have seen it’.
‘Yes, I saw it. Actually, I followed you, and was about to call you and hand it over to you when I realised that there was a woman in the car, so I came back in. I counted it. One thousand cedis.
‘Well let me have it. I have to be going’.
‘I will let you have it if you will tell me who the woman in the car is, and why you are going to give her that amount of money’.
‘Listen, if you waste my time, I will teach you a lesson you will never forget. Give me the money now!’
‘Here’s what we will do, Martin. I know you will give money to her anyway, so I will give it to you, if you will withdraw the threat you just issued. But I want you to know that I will be taking some steps from tomorrow. Things are getting out of hand’.
‘Okay, I’m sorry I threatened you. Can you please give me the money’. I handed it over to him, and he ran out’.
The following morning, I waited for him to finish having breakfast, and told him I wanted to have a word with him urgently.
‘You better be quick. You know I’m going to work’.
‘Well, I want to inform you that I will inform my parents, and your parents, about the situation in this house. As I said yesterday, things are getting out of hand. You spend most of your time drinking. You get drunk every evening, and through the weekend. And you are also spending your time and money on a prostitute’.
‘How dare you? One more stupid word from you …’
‘Am I lying, Martin? You have just started life, yet you are behaving like a rich, elderly man who has already seen his children through university, and can afford a life of fun. As I said, I’m going to inform our parents. Maybe your parents can straighten you out before it is too late’.
‘Look, we can talk this evening. It’s nothing like what you are saying’. He walked away, shocked.
That evening, I was expecting to have a meaningful discussion with him, but his mother called early in the evening to offer me some ‘advice’. Her son had called to say that certain developments at home were disturbing him so much that they were beginning to affect his work.
And, ‘as a loving mother to her daughter’, she was advising me to submit to my husband, and support him in prayer, and not ‘drive him from home’. Men would always be men, and she was telling me ‘from experience’ that no matter how much time Martin stayed away from home, he would always come home to me.
She had been a young wife before, so she understood the challenges I was facing. So I could be assured that if I followed her advice, all would be well. And, of course, she didn’t allow me to tell my side of the story.
Martin came home very late, and very drunk. And from the next morning, he carried on as before. With some hesitation, I called my dad and told him all that had gone on.
‘Well, my daughter. I’m not going to say “I told you so”. I was only trying to protect you. So here’s what we’ll do. Continue doing the best you can, and try not to give him any excuse to harm you, but if things continue to deteriorate, I will take you back.
A couple of days later, my cousin Dinah arrived in Accra from Brussels, having completed her medical course. With Martin’s agreement, I went to Koforidua and spent a couple of days. I spent most of the time chatting about her experiences in the US, but we also discussed my relationship with Martin, and she endorsed Dad’s decision to take action if Martin’s behaviour did not change after two weeks Elaine informed Mom and Dad. We endorsed Dad’s decision to take action if there was no change in two weeks.
Dinah returned with me to Takoradi. Her plan was to spend a couple of weeks, and return to Accra to be posted. I called Paul Allotey, and asked if he would meet her for lunch and, if possible, show her some interesting spots. Delighted, he suggested that we meet at Royalty the next day.
I told Martin about it, to remove any possibility of future disagreement over ‘going out with men’.
‘It’s fine with me’, he said, ‘if, of all the people who could show your sister round this town, you chose a borla man. Doesn’t that indicate the kind of person you are?’
‘ First of all, Martin’, I’ve spoken to him a few times, and he comes across as a decent guy, so I think it is rather unfortunate that you are writing him off when you don’t know him’.
By Ekow de Heer
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