Associate Professor at the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ), Professor Etse Sikanku, has called for a renewed national conversation on values essential to deepening democracy in Ghana.
He said such discussions would help reshape public attitudes and mindsets while promoting good governance.
Speaking in an interview on Metro Inside Pages to commemorate Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, Professor Sikanku emphasized the need to revisit conversations about the values Ghanaians hold dear and what it truly means to be Ghanaian.
“This is a good time to talk about what it means to be Ghanaian, to revisit the discourse on national identity and unity. There is a palpable link between our traditional values and the principles of democracy.
“We need to create an Afrocentric democracy, a Ghanaian democracy that considers our context and inherent beliefs,” he stated.
Drawing similarities between Ghanaian traditions and democratic systems, Professor Sikanku noted that Ghanaian society values “accountability, unity, honesty, and collaboration,” principles he described as being “consistent with democracy.”
He advocated for the reintroduction of civic culture as part of a national review to help curb societal vices.
The professor also expressed concern over the current state of political discourse in the country, stating that it does not reflect the values of respect and decency rooted in Ghanaian tradition.
In his view, Ghana’s traditional values remain crucial to fostering a progressive and transparent democracy. He urged citizens to embrace respectful dialogue rather than the sensationalism and extreme partisanship that have characterized the media space in recent times.
He further explained that national development depends not only on economic factors but also on a shift in national mindset and attitudes, particularly among the youth.
During the interview, Professor Sikanku also praised President John Mahama for authorizing a scaled-down version of the 68th Independence Anniversary celebration to cut costs.