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Opinion: The Actionability of Sustainable Development and Social Change: A Rural Community Perspective

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3 years ago

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After six hours journey across the rough, stony ground from Accra to the Ashanti Region in Ghana, I sat quietly under the sunshade in a social distance setting in adherence to the tenet of the covid-19 protocols. On this bright sunny day, I looked vacantly at local dancers, wearing fanciful apparel, handmade jewellery with beautiful, cheerful smiles, who came out in their numbers (both men, women, and children) to welcome us. Albeit, during a collaborative charitable water project commissioning for the people of Afoako, in a remote village in Kumasi, Ghana, and as I listened carefully to my friend and brother, Emmanuel Kojo Jones-Mensah (Entrepreneur and Founder of the KJM Foundation) opening speech, including several distinguished speakers, touching succinctly on every facet of the community and everyday life of the citizenry.

As fondly called, Kojo Jones spoke oratory briefly well on his unrelenting commitment to “positive social change” and make a case for every individual to access clean and potable drinking water in a sustainable environment. Prompted by his noble generosity, I carefully jotted down a few communicative, effective, and direct keywords. So pardon me if I write-read from my reflexive note because I wanted to be somewhat pithily.

I then pondered the Sustainable Development (SD) Interventionist phenomenon, its complexities, and the Situational/Participatory Leadership paradigm. Therefore, the critical question is, ‘how does a leader go beyond the status quo and set the agenda for effective change?’ Specifically, (i) what leadership characteristics support a change agenda’s development and forward momentum within an underprivileged community? And (ii) is there a single leadership style that lends itself to most generosity effecting change in a heterogeneous society?

Notably, I have read extensively on SD, Universal Basic Income (UBI), and Philanthropy in Africa and other developing countries vs. the Welfare Systems in the United Kingdom and several western regions. And despite the extensive literature that provides multidisciplinary logical guidelines for SD deriving theories from text and data, there’s still no universal recipe for successful intervention, supporting the development and forward momentum of the implementational agenda. Generally, the SD phenomenon is consistently fraught with contradictory and contrasting symbolic rhetoric. And this is particularly noticeable as change agents/leaders continue to lack a clear and comprehensive understanding of SD in community intervention, its antecedents, effective processes, or the ability to engage stakeholders in SD initiatives necessarily for improvement successfully.

Sustainability is a good thing but devoid of operational definitions; therein lies the ethical paradox. Nonetheless, as a scholar-practitioner, having the internal momentum to integrate theory, research, and practice is fundamentally essential for practical and useful SD. Accordingly, I aim to redefine and elaborate the term SD and its underlying philosophy toward “positive social change” and propose a new collaboration process towards an agile mindset that would awaken our consciences to do right in the present and by future generations yet unborn. Therefore, I adopt the approach that;

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Sustainable Development is emancipatory, period!
• Sustainability dictates that we must invest in the citizens’ future to liberate & free them from dependency to an end of hope & light and assured inheritance for their future generations to generate wealth and wellbeing.
• Create a changing environment that is dynamic and enables a plausible wealth creation mechanism that is revolutionary.
• An elaborate evolution that induces a paradigm shift; equity, thus, agile community mindset and forward-thinking cocreation cohorts (actionable, community development trust, cooperatives, microfinance, etc.).
• Meaning, central government handouts and spoon-feeding charitable work are beneficially unsustainable.
To be sure, emancipation is the true definition of CHANGE; sustainably, a Stewardship and a Servant Leader must aim to unite and liberate, based on the concept of “freedom.”

Put merely, SD’s role is to mitigate these paradoxes and provide a rapprochement to cope with the ecological catastrophic (sustainability) while preserving economic growth (development). Transformational and community leaders must seize the moment, facilitate holistic mapping, ensure diversity of thought, organize, and turn emergent possibilities into reality collectively.

A young fellow once asked; When would he know to make a move to step out on his own?. The answer was “yesterday,” you have to “want” it because the most difficult decision to make is the decision to do it now, the ability to be intentional and resilient. Getting the underprivileged communities involved to “help push the peanut up the hill” that’s giving back to society- that’s the future. And that confer a powerful source of legitimacy on leadership, which must be open and dynamic, responsible decision-making, defying-the-odds; staying-the-course; succeeding through resilience and robustness, tolerance and flexibility, and navigating an uncertain environment for the common good. Each transformative readiness gives rise to continuous improvement, fostering a compelling case for more robust, iteratively cross-border, and multidisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders from governments, academia, businesses, and civil society.

As we advance, African nations and their rural communities must take charge of their future and entirely in the pilot’s seat of their individual and collective Social, Political, and Economic integrational ambition. Arguably, this can be facilitated and accelerated by sustainable community development, inclusive workforce development, innovative initiatives, investment, education, natural capital stock, and resource management, setting their trajectory to commandeer the benefits they define and desire collaboratively. In conclusion, a scholar once explains pragmatism as; ‘any difference that makes no difference is no difference.’ Be pragmatic and public-serving.

– By Evans Jakpa-Johns

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Evans Jakpa-Johns is an entrepreneur, psychologist, and PhD Management student.

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People & Lifestyle

Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity

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12 hours ago

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April 27, 2024

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The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.

This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.

Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

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This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.

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People & Lifestyle

#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy

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12 hours ago

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April 27, 2024

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stonebwoy king promise and kelvynbwoy

The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.

Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.

The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.

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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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1 day ago

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April 27, 2024

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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2 days ago

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April 26, 2024

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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2 days ago

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April 26, 2024

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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2 days ago

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April 26, 2024

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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