THE GHANAIAN WAY OF DOING BUSINESS

Have you ever encountered a trader or any other sort of business man or woman who left you wondering why they were into selling or into any sort of sales business? Have you ever been badly treated or rudely addressed by any trader either in the market or at any particular shop or in the course of buying something or making an enquiry? Have you ever had to witness a trader mistreat a customer for no reason?

Quite sadly, that is the Ghanaian way of doing business!

Clearly in Ghana, the statement: “The customer is always right”, means nothing to most shop owners, market women and men including other business enterprises. Most of our business or market men and women lack the fundamentals of any business enterprise which is good customer care. There are some who are doing quite well in that field but I am addressing those doing otherwise.

It is sometimes really annoying( and I believe a lot of people share this sentiment) when you have to wait at a shop whiles the owner or sales person takes his or her time to attend to you especially when you have something urgent to attend to. Some of these people even go to the extent of behaving rudely, talk back or even attack customers both physically and verbally although the verbal abuse is quite common especially when you demand to be served.

Contrary to what we witness back home in Ghana, the story in the western or foreign and most developed countries is totally different. The way and manner in which customers are treated makes a product so attractive even when you have no need for it at that time. The kind of language and the behaviour of shop attendants in most developed countries will encourage you return to that shop after leaving and subsequently make recommendations to others. Back home, all you will feel is regret for ever stepping foot into a shop based on how you get treated and after wards swear never to step foot there ever again.

Most shop owners in the country especially our small businesses are so rude and lack basic communication and marketing skills. They all seem to have an inner pride that tells them they are in no need of anything from anyone. After all, they have enough to eat at home and have enough money on them and do not need your little purchase for no reason.  Can a business exist without the patronage of humans? Even if that business is to serve animal needs, it is a human being who will come in to make a purchase.

For some shops, as soon as you make an inquiry or conduct window shopping, it is automatic that you make a purchase. Other shop owners do not even pay attention to customers. It is shocking to go into a shop with the aim of making a purchase only to meet the shop owner or attendant, busily talking on phone or even chatting with friends. This is really annoying! Sometimes you make an enquiry with the aim of purchasing afterwards and no one seems to care. Is that not shocking? How do we expect our businesses to grow if we exhibit nonchalance at work?

Others are also into classification. They look out for customers who look presentable and presumably well-to-do and channel all their energies towards treating such really well and persuading them to buy. You will marvel at the praises they will sing just to lure such people to buy from them although disappointing at times.  For those whose appearance tells otherwise, forget it! The best you can get is to be ignored and the worse, a sack from the shop accompanied by insults. What most business owners fail to recognize is that, however insignificant a person may seem, they still count in the world of business especially if a sale is recorded at the end of the day.

Why should anyone operate any business which basically involves human interaction when they are not cut out for that?

As a country, we are all experiencing a hard economy and all these are linked to our attitudes towards work and life although we fail to recognize this. It may be that you are working for the government, a private individual or even for yourself. It is your attitude towards your work that makes the difference. Those who are most of the time guilty are the self employed. They often feel they are under no obligation to no one and can do whatever they like but they should bear in mind that although they are under obligation to none, they have an obligation to themselves. That obligation requires that they succeed in whatever endeavour they find themselves and that is ultimately dependent on the contribution of others however insignificant a person may be. We cannot do without each other. We all need one another to survive and to make it. One person’s irresponsibility today becomes the pain and suffering you experience tomorrow. That is the truth about life and about coexistence.

For today, it seems only to be an individual you mistreated but the testimonies of that individual may go a long way to destroy your business however insignificant he or she may be. I know a lot of people can attest to this statement. There are some businesses that have been in existence for years without making any progress. Consider some of the factors I have outlined above and you will find an answer to it- Customer Care!

Some people define business as the amount of commercial activity or patronage that exists at a particular time. Are you then in business of none of these exist however successful in terms of making sales or unsuccessful in terms of making none, it may be? Others also define business as a situation or event that is characterized by difficulty, fuss or unpleasantness and all these are normal human behaviours. The marks of a successful business man or woman is being able to rise above all that and this can only be achieved by guarding your emotions and personal attitudinal problems. Leave your bad attitude at home and put up a good one at the work place; at least we will find a better use of our pretenses.

We always want to compare ourselves to the developed countries but the little things we can do to rise up to such levels are always ignored or taken for granted. What do you think is the secret of the successes these countries have made? They started from the very little things we ignore. They put on their best attitudes at work and served with all their hearts. Please if you do not have the heart to tolerate people and also do not have the heart to accept and welcome people from all works of life, it will be better to step aside and allow those with the calling to do so. If you are thinking of opening up any business enterprise but also know of your poor interpersonal skills, it will be better to put a hold on that until you can get someone who can manage your business very well.

Anna Esi Hanson (nnhanson2@yahoo.com), Takoradi.

Published: Daily Graphic  (12^th. Oct. 2010).

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: A MIRAGE IN AFRICA

In as much as we fight for freedom of speech in Ghana and Africa, the fact remains that for most people, it is a mirage. As humans, we all have our fundamental rights to life, association, property, among others and most importantly, our freedom of speech. This particular freedom cuts across all the various rights that we have as humans and hence is of grave significance. This freedom gives us all the right to voice out our opinion especially on issues that affect us. From so many indicators, these freedoms or rights that we do enjoy are all subject to various influences; as Africans and Ghanaians, this is subject to our culture.

Although we make noise on our various media about freedom of speech and have fought over the years to exercise this particular freedom to the maximum, we know very well that in truth, this can never become a reality for a group of the populace mainly women and children. Perhaps through continuous education, this dream will become a reality although the evidence remains that education has still had no impact on some people in our society.

As Africans, our culture enforces respect for the elderly by the relatively younger generations. Based on this particular cultural heritage, it is difficult to challenge an adult although the temptation may arise but the fear of the consequences alone does not propel one to take such a risk. Our culture as Africans requires the younger ones to keep quiet when elders are talking and in some cases, leave the premises. Women are expected to keep quiet and not utter a word until their opinion is required. Indeed, our culture makes the African world one dominated by men and that has been the case until quite recently through education and perhaps changing trends, African women have become more vocal.

In line with modern times, people have become bolder each day. Gone are the days when only the grey hairs met to deliberate on issues concerning society. These days in all decision making, the younger generation is actively involved and so are women. Now, the younger voices can be heard loud and clear. With all that is happening, this courage is only limited to some of our public and private organizations; when it comes to our typical home settings, this freedom of speech stops right at the entrance to most homes. Parents still dictate for their children however old they may be. It is difficult for the African child to challenge his parents or elders since it is considered a taboo and a great form of disrespect when a child talks back even if the issue concerns that child. Any child who dares is branded as disrespectful which calls for severe punishment to the extent of some parents mainly the fathers disowning their children.

The African child or better still the Ghanaian child is brought up to be quite timid compared to children in western countries who are more vocal and forthcoming in their opinions. Even in the school environment where comparatively, some tolerance is expected, the same trend exists. With all the education most teachers and lecturers claim to have, they practice this same trait in the school environment.

Students are forced to accept whatever their teachers or lecturers put forward without making any suggestions however viable. Any student who opposes is blacklisted and most often, consequences are grave; students are deliberately failed in exams for challenging something a teacher or lecturer said. How far will we carry our outdated culture? I thought education was mainly to impart knowledge? Can knowledge be found with only one person preferably the older generations? Can a young mind not come up with equally innovative ideas? Has the western world not proved that already considering how many young brains have come up with so many inventions especially in the world of IT? How can the African child go beyond the cultural barriers and equally excel when we are still bound by some of our archaic cultures?

The effects of this archaic culture are unfathomable. We often meet people who are naturally timid, cannot look one in the eye and are sometimes hesitant to voice out their opinion. During job interviews, a lot of people are scared of answering questions and expressing their views however brilliant the idea or submission may be. In the classroom, a lot of students exhibit this same timidity in the way and manner in which they answer questions. Most often, such students have brilliant ideas but are too scared to answer since at home, their opinions are best left to themselves. How do we expect such students to excel when they have low self esteem?

Currently on most of our television stations, we often watch various reality shows and on these shows are judges. It is sometimes rude and annoying when contestants are prevented from voicing out their opinions just because a judge feels it is inappropriate for contestants to talk back; often, contestants are addressed rudely. The irony of this is that, these ideas were copied from similar shows that had been organized in the western countries but the difference is that in the original countries, contestants are allowed to speak freely. If we are replicating parts of some people’s cultures, we might as well copy all the positive ones and put a stop to the remix carried out back home in Ghana. This story is no different in most governmental and private institutions where employees are not allowed to express their opinion on certain decisions taken that might affect them for fear of losing their jobs. Even in some hospitals, patients are not allowed by some doctors to contribute to decisions affecting their health. That shows the gravity of this issue. If we are embracing freedom of speech and expression, we need to do so in totality.

It has been several years down the lane when people fought to abolish some of our outmoded cultural practices but clearly, we are still enslaved by some. We all talk about colonialism and neocolonialism although other forms of slavery still exist in our various homes and organizations both private and governmental. The younger generation is still being enslaved by the older generation, by families especially. When will we allow the young ones to spread wide their wings and fly?

A lot of women and children advocacy groups and human rights activists have toiled over the last decades to ensure equal rights among women and children but again, in our homes, the story is no different. Women are not allowed to express their views on pressing issues. Some husbands keep their wives in bondage mentally and physically and prevent them from taking any initiatives; they deliberately make their wives so reliant. For some men, their wives are just to cater for the home and nothing else. For this reason, some wives are not allowed to take up any jobs although the contribution to the maintenance of the household through these jobs can be immense. With all these happening, we still have the audacity to talk and complain about slavery and colonialism when people are being enslaved in our individual homes.

In some homes with house helps, it is unbelievable when you sometimes hear the dilemma and hell most house helps have to endure. What makes it more depressing sometimes is when you consider the type of households that these crimes take place. Most often, these things happen in the homes of the so-called educated elite in society. Clearly, most people just past through the educational systems without receiving any form of education. Education is to impart knowledge and give us a better understanding of things; something that should make us all better citizens and better humans.

Some people are still so deep-rooted in their culture that nothing will ever make them change, not even when the heavens come down. Our culture was made by us and not the other way round. It is subject to change and time has taught us that. Our culture is a necessity since it defines us but the elements that go contrary to the fundamental human rights of any individual should be disregarded.

Women and children are always the vulnerable and most of these archaic cultural practices go against them. Things are changing around us and we need to change positively. If we are embracing various aspects of the western culture, we need a holistic approach. If we are screaming for freedom of speech and expression, it should be to the advantage of all especially the vulnerable in society. In line with all rights come responsibilities. We ought to take responsibilities for our actions. Just as we are crying for freedom of speech and expression, we should be careful of whatever we say. Where your right ends is the starting point for someone else’.

Published: Daily Graphic (17^th Nov. 2010).

THE BEST COMES FROM THE WEST

Very often, we hear people especially from the Western region of Ghana and also from the western parts of the world make a certain statement: ‘The Best Comes from the West’. Having heard this repeatedly, it has somewhat become a cliché. We say this without realizing the truth in it, even for the indigenous people of the Western region of Ghana.

The question now becomes: How true is this assertion? Is there at least one bit of truth in this? Have you ever thought about this?

The answer to the questions raised is a big YES! The best truly does come from the west, from the western region of Ghana for that matter. Proudly enough, Ghana is found in the western part of the African continent.

As a developing country, Ghana like most developing countries relies on certain basic resources for its growth and development. Let’s talk about our mineral resources and other natural resources including the human resources. The gold we talk so proudly about as Ghanaians are mainly mined in this region. The manganese, and other ores are just but a few of the minerals found within the rich soils of this region. A greater percentage of these minerals mined within this region forms part of the country’s major mineral exports and raw materials. Talk about the forest resources (forestry): timber, rubber plants, the palm trees, etc for construction and exportation. All these are found within the western region. Again let’s not forget one of our major exports; yes, our rich cocoa. All these thrive very well on the rich soils of the western region of Ghana. Let us not forget the latest; one of the major and best finds in the history of our great nation Ghana; the new hope for our development; the new stride into good times to come; our latest treasure – the oil. This is something that we currently talk about each day because we know what that means to the development of our dear nation, our economy and its people. What about the tourist attraction sites and golden beaches? It will be a crime to talk about all these without mentioning our harbor. This was once a major source of employment for a lot of people and was a major port for exports and imports. Let’s not forget about the fisheries. The railways were once also a pride of the region, providing a means of transportation for people and also carriage of goods. For the human resource contribution, there is one great name that always comes up: Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah! The father of the nation is just but one of several people from the region, whose contribution has brought honour to us all.

These are just a few classical examples of the resources that western region has contributed to our economy and development.

Sadly enough, with all that this region has got to offer, nothing much can be said about her terms of infrastructural development. This region has got everything and yet has nothing! It has absolutely nothing to show for all the contributions she has made to our economy. How many major towns can we boast of within the region? What major infrastructural development can we talk of?

One cannot overlook the individual contributions of the other regions of the country but if we are sincere enough, we can attest to the fact that nothing much is being done for the western region considering all that she has to offer.

In the past, the harbor was the main source of employment for most people. These days, things are different. A lot of the youth cannot gain employment in this sector. Job creation and availability is a major problem confronting the young people of the region. This has made a lot of the youth unemployed, somehow contributing to the urban drift into the already overpopulated national capital, Accra.

Most of the roads linking the food producing centers within the region to the regional capital and other cities within the country are all in deplorable conditions. The road network within the region is so bad that it discourages a lot of motorists prying these routes and hence makes business and movement difficult. The question is: what are the opinion leaders, chiefs, district and municipal chief executives doing about this? Were they not chosen to fight for the interests of their respective areas of jurisdiction? Clearly, the efforts being made by these responsible agents is nothing to write home about.

There are a number of mining activities within the region involving well-known mining companies. What are they doing as part of their social responsibilities? What is the government also doing about this? These companies pry these routes all the time with their huge vehicles and equipments. What is being done about these bad roads?

We always talk about our share of the national cake. Which cake are we talking about? We also say: ‘He who does not work must not eat’. Clearly, Western region is working and rather overworking itself but it’s not being fed at all. This region is supposed to be at the peak of its development in terms of infrastructure as compared to all the other regions considering its contribution but sadly enough, that cannot be seen at all. There are no jobs, the road networks are in bad shapes and it lacks a lot of major amenities.

This region is being treated unfairly. It is high time the government pays more attention to the needs of this region. We should not always act like parasites and suck up all that we can but should have a mutual relationship. From all that this region has got to offer, it must also receive in return. The region deserves a facelift. More jobs should be created to create employment. The road networks should be improved. The region needs good schools, hospitals and other social amenities.

The governmental agencies and other non-governmental agencies responsible should sit up and do their work. They should not only consider their personal interests but should consider the group. True development should be collective/holistic. We all have to take this matter seriously because the day we stop enjoying all the good things this region has to offer is the day our economy collapses. It is only fair that the region receives what it truly deserves for its contributions.

From now onwards, let us not just say it. We should truly mean, understand and realize that: The Best, indeed Comes from the West- the Western Region of Ghana!

THE YOUNG JOB SEEKER’S DILEMMA: ‘EXPERIENCE’, THE DISQUALIFIER

There seems to be a common trend these days by companies/organizations both public and private in their announcements of vacancies. All seem to quote a minimum number of years of experience, usually two years. As a young graduate and speaking for all unemployed and young, this is really frustrating. This is because the experience usually quoted automatically cuts off all young school leavers and rather paves way for those who are already in the system and working.

In our various tertiary institutions and other non-tertiary institutions within the country, students are eager to complete their programmes of studies in order to search for jobs as the ultimate to make a meaningful living for themselves and for their families. Upon completion, these young graduates now come face to face with a reality. This is the reality that most institutions/organizations are ready to employ only the already cooked/baked bread. These are people who have several years of work experience. No one wants to consume the half/partially baked loaf.

Is this a new strategy to keep the young out of the system? We always hear people talking/ making speeches about youth empowerment but how probable is this empowerment if we keep on reading all job opening announcements with a minimum experience of two years?

The question now becomes, who should train who for whom to scoop up? Which company/institution is then responsible for the training of the young unemployed? Is there another institution or most likely a shop for the sale of this experience? If we are requesting for all this experience, how then will the young unemployed gain any form of experience if companies are not prepared to train them? Who should consume the partially baked loaf?

In most developing countries and even some institutions/organizations within the country, provisions are made for recruiting young unemployed to give them some form of on-the-job training before they are given positions within the company. I believe this is a bold step in the right direction. By this, people are provided with some form of knowledge and of immediate relevance to their jobs and competences. Even those currently in the system with all the credentials and years of experience reached this arena with an opportunity given to prove themselves. Why then should it be a problem to employ someone without much experience?

I believe it is time for most agencies within the country to review their employment qualifications to enable the young unemployed confidently apply for employment in an institution of choice. There are a lot of good brains out there who are being denied the opportunity to prove themselves. If this culture of ‘experience’ continues, a time will come where people will find alternatives to this problem and that will not auger well for us all as a nation. This experience fever is really dampening the spirit of most young people out there.

There is a time and season for everything and everyone. Yesterday was someone’s day to prove his worth; today someone is making a point somewhere. What about tomorrow? We keep saying the youth/young are the leaders of tomorrow but how can they lead if they are meeting resistance everywhere? How can they lead if they are met with obstacles in the form of ‘experience’ all the time? How then can they take charge of the future if they are not being allowed to unleash the talents in them? How can they gain any experience if no one wants to employ them?

In as much as we believe in the skills and knowledge base of an experienced person, we also know that sometimes this experience is not always enough. We should not ignore the abilities of a young and energetic mind. We should learn to encourage young minds and open up to fresh ideas. We should encourage dynamism.

Even at the work places, a lot of young brains are being stunted since the older colleagues are not giving them the chance to explore new ideas and to prove themselves. This is the problem confronting us a nation and it needs immediate attention. We should be open for a change if we truly want to see development. We should not see news things as a threat but should rather be prepared to learn and understand its relevance especially if it leads to progress and development.

From all indications, they system has been designed to the disadvantage of the younger generation.

This is an appeal on behalf of the young and future leaders of this country; an appeal to the various institutions/organizations both public and private within the country to review their employment qualifications/specifications policies to make room for those who are yet to obtain some experience. We can only gain some experience if we are given the opportunity to try our hands at something. 

ETHNICITY AND TRIBALISM: SUBSTITUTE FOR RACISM

Sometime ago, I watched the Oprah Winfrey’s show. This was about racism and how far America had come since then. In this special edition, people were trying to trace out their roots/past. It was really exciting to watch especially considering the fact that some black Americans traced their past to some typically white American states and even families. In the course of the programme, there was something she said that caught my attention: ‘The current generation of Americans is the most colourblind’. Colourblind in this case was with reference to race. Yes, the almighty RACISM.

After watching this, I began relating this to our beloved country, Ghana and even our continent. Can this statement be related to us? Although in our case we might not find the word racism appropriate but how about substitute words like ETHNICITY/TRIBALISM? Is the current generation of Ghanaians the most colourblind when it comes to ethnicity/tribalism? Be your own judge!

Within our country, this is a subject that most people discuss but do so cautiously. This is so because it is a very sensitive issue, one that evokes a lot of mixed feelings. People have all sorts of prejudice against various ethnic groups. I sometimes wonder what the true crime lays in belonging to one ethnic group or the other. Is it a crime to be an Ashanti, Fante, Ewe, Frafra, Dagaaba, Ga, Akyem, etc? We do not come from the same ethnicity and so what? Was it by choice? Absolutely not!

Yes, all ethnic groups have their histories, some interesting than others but as is called, history and hence belongs to the past. It has happened already and cannot be reversed. We should all be proud of who we are and wherever we come from because that defines us.

In a world with a history of how people fought tooth and nails just to gain equal rights and acceptance as human beings, why then should this continue to be a problem among us Africans and Ghanaians?

We know of the colonial days of how our people were taken captives into foreign countries and enslaved. We also know of how with time, they fought to abolish this. Yes, although some westerners found slavery amusing, we also know that others never endorsed this and so fought hard against it. Finally, slaves were given equal rights and citizenship. It has been several years down the lane but with such issues, time is of essence and although the stigma is not completely lost, a lot of progress has been made. That is why we find ourselves socializing and making good friends with foreign countries. Why then can’t the Ghanaian do the same?

I am a Fante and do not find it amusing sometimes when I hear what others think and have to say about Fantes. Within the southern part of the country, people have various prejudices against each other. For our people from the northern parts of the country, the situation is worse. People whether out of sheer ignorance have all sorts of crazy impressions or ideas about them. Some of these are founded but sometimes hearsay alone is not enough. Alternatively, people from the northern part also have some ugly impressions about those from the southern part. Yes, I acknowledge the fact that people have had bitter experiences and hence these prejudices but how much longer must we hold on to these bitter ordeals and keep reminiscing? We call a part of Ghana south or north for geographical reasons; must these same labels be tagged on to people?

I have been privileged enough to have lived in the Upper West region of the country and I must say I know no difference at all. Whether in Wa or in Takoradi, I am at home. In fact, I enjoy my visits to the Upper West a lot because I enjoy their good company whenever I visit and do have a lot of friends there. I have come to love and respect these people and for that, never hesitate to defend their ethnicity whenever the opportunity presents itself. Basically, I am a Ghanaian, which is all that matters to me. A lot of us do have friends and even best friends from different ethnicities, are they as the stories say they are? A lot of us do travel far and wide, are all the stories about the various ethnic groups true? People do have good stories of the help they have received from people outside their ethnicity and also the hell they have received from those within their ethnicity, can’t lessons be learnt from these?

Although we do not stop to consider the effects of these labels of ethnicity on our existence, it is in actual fact more deadly than the most deadly disease or virus even known to man.

Talk about intermarriages and one cannot phantom the damage ethnicity/tribalism has caused. I am sure if a survey were to be conducted, we will be amazed to find out the root cause of most broken homes, failed marriages, promiscuity, infidelity, etc, is as a result of forced marriages originating from tribalism. Is marriage not supposed to be about making compromises? Is it not supposed to be about finding someone who cares enough, someone whose company you find comfortable, someone who is responsible? Can all these qualities only be found within one ethnicity?

Looking at our businesses, how many viable business ideas have been lost on tribal grounds? If we want to attain the development that we want as a nation, we should not carry these tribal sentiments into our work and businesses. Unqualified labour is used all the time due to this problem since people find it safe considering their own. What has become of the statement: ‘The devil you know is better than the angel you do not know’? What has become of ‘giving the benefit of a doubt’?

Even in our mundane politics, the story is no different. We vote for people from our tribes/ethnicity all the time although we know very well their abilities and inabilities. The end results of this, your guess is as good as mine.

Extending this to religion, the question becomes: what is the essence of religion and spirituality? In religion, we are told that all are one in the sight of God but how practical is this? At church/mosque, we all sit together as one. No one knows or thinks of racial differences. Is that all hypocrisy? There is no need to pretend because as we always say: God is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. He knows it all and sees it all. We must be true to ourselves.

From our personal experiences, we know the damaging effects of this disease, why then must we preach these same words to our children. Why must we pass on this terrible disease to our children although not hereditary? Children can never tell the difference. They are only able to do so based on what we tell them. They grow to tell the difference from the information we feed them. If we are teaching our children to grow up into good and responsible citizens, must we then teach them to set tribal barriers? Are we teaching our children to set boundaries? We are causing ourselves more harm than good.

In a world where all are striving to live together in harmony, let us try to do away with these outdated tribal sentiments. Whether a Fante, Ga, Ashanti, Akyem, Frafra, Dagaaba, Fulani, etc, God created us all equal. It is not up to us to rate ourselves supreme or more significant than others. What do we gain from being ethnocentric? If you are such a person, especially educated and still carry and preach this message; that is rather unfortunate!

Just as Oprah said, let us all bring up a generation that will look beyond racial/tribal sentiments. That will be the best legacy you can ever leave or pass on to your child.

We always look out for remote causes to our problems but the solutions are all around us. We try to find faults in anything. Must we find faults where there is none? To find fault with people, we quickly resort of tribalism. Where does he/she come from? Then the follow up becomes: No wonder!

We must be careful not to pass judgment on what we do not understand. We should not create division when it is not needed. When you die, whether an Akan, Ewe, etc, we all shall go six feet into the grave.

Tribalism is only of relevance when you want to establish your root and so we should all be proud of who we are and where we come from. Beyond that, I do not see the relevance. After all, we are all Ghanaians, Africans, human beings and God’s children. We must learn to coexist and tolerate each other.