Empowering People Forgotten by Vanity and Greed

Power is intoxicating, but it is temporary, and when it fades, only character and human connections remain, a lesson underscored by Professor Kingsley Moghalu’s reflections on Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

The story of Ken Ofori-Atta, who occupied one of the most powerful ministerial positions in Ghana for over six years, now appears isolated at his moment of greatest vulnerability, with no loud public demonstrations of solidarity, prompting questions about the use of power.

Leadership is not about accumulating wealth or consolidating influence within the immediate family and close circles, but about empowerment and lifting people, irrespective of blood ties, political allegiance, or personal benefit, a fact overlooked by those who confuse governance with family enterprise.

When policies hurt more than they help, and access is restricted to elites, the public quietly withdraws its emotional investment, and when trouble comes, silence follows, as seen in the apparent indifference of the majority towards Ken Ofori-Atta.

There is a dangerous lie many in power believe: “If I accumulate enough wealth while I can, I will be safe forever,” but wealth cannot replace community, trust, love, or a good name once it is lost, and power does not last forever.

This lesson is not just for politicians, but for CEOs, pastors, traditional leaders, public servants, and anyone entrusted with authority, to build bridges, empower people, return calls, stay human, and remain accessible, using power to lift, not intimidate.

By Evans Mawunyo Tsikata and Ebenezer Lartey

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE