Oil in Ghana: Lessons for Nigeria

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, Headlines Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

SIR: The recent commencement of the exploration of petroleum in commercial quantity in Ghana is cheery news for a country that had shown in the last decade some decency in democratic governance. There is little apprehension over how Ghana will handle this God-given resource.

Without oil, Ghana has already positioned itself as a model for other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Ghana about six years ago celebrated its third year of uninterrupted electricity supply. The country recently held an election that rubbished the power of incumbency which is the norm in Nigeria. Unlike in Nigeria and some other African countries, Ghana’s elected leaders are not separated from the people, they live in the same neighborhood, you don’t hear of arrogant display of wealth among government officials like we see in Nigeria.

The reason United States President Barack Obama in July 2009 visited Ghana other than any other African country but poignantly Nigeria, was her ‘strong democratic record’. Obama during the visit praised ‘Ghana’s own progress, governance and economic growth’ saying the country’s achievements were less dramatic than the liberation struggles of the 20th century but would obviously be more significant.
The Guardian in its editorial titled “Ghana as crude oil producer” of January 12, 2011 has provided all the admonitions that Ghana needs to enable it succeed in its new discovery. But it should also be noted that the country must learn some lessons from the Niger Delta crises in Nigeria. It is better that the oil producing community must be adequately catered for from the outset.

Ghana’s success story should shame those that have ruled Nigeria in the last three decades. It is almost certain that what Ghana will make of the oil discovery may likely relegate Nigeria to the back of the bench in the international community. Nigeria’s only pride apart from the self-made human talent, is her oil and once the developed nations of the world find a decent country to identify with, Nigeria is in for it.

It is however never late to make a change, Nigerian leaders must see Ghana’s story as a wake up call. They must stop their kleptomaniac traits and position the country on a path of greatness. Nigerians can also decide with the forthcoming election, on the direction they want the country to progress. They should vote credible leaders and defend their votes with whatever means. This is the only way Nigeria can still command some respect in sub-Sahara Africa.

-Guardianwp_posts