Since officially declaring its independence from British rule on July 4, 1776, the US government has shown unrelenting commitment to making the country the wonder of the world, a dream place to be and a place to dream.
The declaration made by the founding fathers that all humans are born free and equal and endowed with unalienable rights was a strategic cornerstone in ensuring a free society where every individual would live in dignity and help build the country without civil wars resulting from unwanted divisions based on race, ethnicity, religion, among others.
The result of these efforts is evident: from the dazzling lights of Times Square in the central business district of New York to the marvelous technological hub of Silicon Valley. We cannot help but admire the decades of hard work and unmatched talent put together to build such a magnificent empire. To that end, the American Dream has become not just a slogan but the soul of the country.
The 21st century United States
In the 21st century, the spirit of the founding fathers of the United States continues to shape the direction of the country’s leaders, whether it is President Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, or Donald Trump.
Even though they may differ significantly in their approach, for instance, while President Biden may choose to send numerous aid packages to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, President Trump may demand strategic resources as collateral based on official agreements, perhaps in the form of rare earth minerals necessary for technological developments.
However, whatever the actions are, the underlying motive remains the same: to make America the greatest country on earth, attractive to innovators, investors, and the best talents.
The pursuit of national interest is not just unique to the United States. This is also true for countries around the world, including Germany, Japan, France, Russia, China, and others.
In the process of making their countries great, some countries or people may be adversely affected. For instance, President Trump’s firm stance on deporting illegal immigrants, tightening border controls, imposing reciprocal tariffs on some countries, including Ghana, dissolving USAID and its projects, and pressuring automobile companies to establish their factories in the US may indirectly affect Ghana and other African countries.
However, these measures are not aimed at sabotaging African countries; they are simply strategic measures to fortify the greatness of the United States by ensuring that American taxpayers have value for their investments in the form of taxes.
What are our leaders in Africa doing to make our countries great?
The question that needs to be asked is: what are we doing as Africans to develop our countries? Are our dear African leaders still engaged in the politics of dependence? From buying black and white tuxedo suits from Italy to Philippe Patek watches from Switzerland, Mercedes Benz from Germany, and Land Cruiser V8s from Japan?
Are they still getting medical care from London, flying US-made private jets to borrow from China, or sipping their Italian cappuccino with their French croissant on the high-rise Marina Bay Sands in Singapore?
Or are they actively planning and working to make Africa great? prioritizing innovation, protecting the public purse, providing avenues for growth, and making the continent attractive for global investors and talents?
We, the citizens of Africa without political appointments
We also bear great responsibility in transforming our continent. It is our responsibility to hold our leaders accountable and contribute in our small way towards national and continental development.
Africans in the diaspora must rethink their approach toward the African continent. Instead of investing time looking down on our countries in Africa, let’s invest the knowledge and skills acquired abroad to build the countries of Africa.
Africa is our own. As Dr. Kwame Nkrumah rightly said: “We are not Africans because we were born in Africa; we are Africans because Africa is born in us.”
From the great pyramids of Egypt to the majestic Dogon Cliff Dwellings of Mali, the magnificent El Jem Amphitheater of Tunisia to the masterly Rock-Hewn Churches of Ethiopia, or from the Great Zimbabwe Ruins to awe-inspiring Goree Island in Senegal, the landscape and engineering pieces of technology depict a continent of wonder and talent.
Our solemn belief in being the cradle of mankind cannot simply be reduced to handouts and gift bags. Let’s join hands and build this continent.
If we don’t build our own countries, no one will build them for us, because, other than contractual agreements, the US government doesn’t owe Ghana and Africa anything. The primary duty of the US government is to safeguard national interests and advance the well-being of its citizens, as envisioned by its founding fathers.
It is time to abandon the entitlement mindset that makes us criticize the US government for doing what it considers right for its taxpayers and instead channel our energy into building our own countries in Africa.
Africa’s progress lies in our hands. Let’s Make Africa Great Again. Yes, we can.
