During my university days, I found myself faced with a project submission deadline and several other tasks. Determined to complete my work, I decided to stay up throughout the night before the deadline. Aware of my situation, my roommate reminded me to lock the door before going to sleep when they noticed everyone else preparing for bed. I acknowledged their reminder and assured them that I would take care of it.
However, as sleep engulfed me unexpectedly, I forgot about the urgency of locking the door. It seemed inconceivable to me that I would leave it unlocked before sleeping. It wasn’t until around 4:00 am, when I woke up to use the washroom, that I realized my carelessness—I had left the door unlocked. Fear washed over me as I realized I had left my room vulnerable to theft. Thankfully, my laptop and phone were still on the table, but I remained troubled, unsure if anything had been taken.
This incident serves as an example of the negligence of gatekeepers. Gatekeepers are individuals who control access to something. In John 10, gatekeepers are depicted as servants entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring what enters and exits the kingdom of God. Those who enter through other means are described as thieves who seek to destroy. In modern times, gatekeepers play a crucial role in controlling access to high-profile individuals, banks, and other institutions with valuable assets and resources.
As African youth and Christians, we are the gatekeepers of our family systems, culture, education, media, science, businesses, and government. These pillars form the foundation of our society. A pillar represents a reliable and essential support structure. When we fail to uphold these pillars, the fabric of society begins to crumble. Consider the impact of an African society adopting a government system solely based on Western practices. How would individuals cope with the need to unlearn their upbringing? Our culture holds the history of our people, and if it becomes infiltrated by Western influences, how will future generations navigate their identity? As Marcus Garvey said, “A people without knowledge about their history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”
This blog aims to delve into the thought-provoking topic of Africa’s struggles with relinquishing its pillars of society. Together, we will explore the complexities, struggles, and potential solutions Africans and Christians face as they navigate the ever-changing currents of society. Let us embark on this journey together and uncover the doors that gatekeepers may be failing to secure. Is there not a cause worth exploring?
In my childhood, my parents strictly prohibited us from watching movies. However, my siblings and I would secretly watch them on our small mobile phones. I vividly remember the embarrassment and scolding I received from my mother when she caught me watching a movie with sexual scenes. She shared the incident with everyone in our compound house, highlighting the strictness of the average African parent. Although I couldn’t comprehend her actions at the time, I later understood her concerns about the influential power of the media, which she had little control over.
Today, the media plays a crucial role as a societal pillar, responsible for informing and educating the public. It has been referred to as the 4th Estate due to its role in democratic governance and even in declaring coups and emergencies. Unfortunately, recent reports have highlighted the presence of adult content in movies meant for children, and major platforms freely provide content that undermines traditional African marriage values. The media tends to prioritize sexual content and has contributed to the sexualization of fashion and the propagation of incorrect images of Africa and its people.
The media sets the agenda for the issues we face today, and it raises questions about the individuals controlling these spaces and their values. The pursuit of viewership and numbers often leads media houses to engage in any form of content. We have regulations to protect our digital space, but enforcing them has become complex due to the rapid growth of the media and our struggle to keep up.
I believe in freedom, but not absolute freedom. The prevalent freedom mentality among Ghanaians has driven content creators to engage in illicit activities. Striking a balance between freedom and responsible media practices is crucial. We must find effective ways to enforce regulations and safeguard our digital space, protecting the well-being of our society. In Africa, marriage is the cornerstone of the family structure, with children being seen as blessings that come with marriage. However, recent statistics from the 2021 Population and Housing Census reveal a concerning increase in the dissolution of marriages and divorces. Marriage counselors attribute this rise to the influence of Western marriage ideals. Another aspect crucial to sustaining the family system is childbirth, but there is also an alarming increase in abortion rates. This can be attributed to relaxed regulations, the influence of Western culture, and declining moral standards.
In addition to these challenges, there are emerging issues surrounding gender identity, abortion legalization, and other human-invented concerns that threaten the institution of the family. It is disheartening to witness debates about whether individuals are born as one gender but identify as another, or whether the rectum can serve as a sexual pathway. Such conversations, previously associated with the West, are now being pushed onto Africa.
As Christians, we have a responsibility to stand firm in our faith and protect our values. The LGBTQ+ discourse poses a substantial threat to the family structure that Africa has thrived upon. Our strength as a continent lies in the unity and resilience of our families. Allowing the erosion of our family system or succumbing to an identity crisis, as seen in Europe, would be detrimental. It is crucial to recognize and resist these destructive influences.
Abraham Lincoln defined government as being “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” However, many governments in Africa have failed to address the basic needs of their citizens. They have prioritized meeting performance targets set by the Western world in exchange for loans, aid, and foreign approval. This approach has caused significant harm, undermining the true essence of independence.
Speaking out against the infiltration of the Western world into African politics has become a risky endeavor, with those in positions of power fearing victimization. Consequently, African countries are experiencing the consequences of Western-style governance, leading to coups, youth unrest, protests, and political instability. The African way of governance is being invaded, yet indifference seems to prevail.
The challenges faced by various pillars of African society have become a norm, and acceptance of the status quo has become commonplace. However, it is essential to recognize the threats and work towards preserving our cultural values, family systems, and independent governance. By doing so, we can secure a prosperous future for Africa and its people.
Culture defines a way of life, encompassing food, clothing, language, governance, and traditions. African culture, distinct from the Western world, reflects our history, migrations, and struggles against colonization. Losing key cultural elements like language or morals means losing one’s identity and adopting a new culture. Unfortunately, in the past two decades, Sub-Saharan Africa has witnessed declining moral standards and a loss of self-confidence. Our African identity should instill confidence, but it faces challenges from the modernized Western way of life. People leave Africa and choose not to return, often abandoning their language and altering their appearance, posing a threat to African identity. These trends are fueled by inadequate education, Western-dominated social media, and a lack of self-assurance within Africa and the African diaspora.
In the book “The Dominion Mandate” by Pastor Mensah Otabil, I found valuable lessons to address the complexities and challenges mentioned above. As Christians, we understand that God’s purpose for humanity, as stated in Genesis 1:26-28, is to have dominion over the earth. This means taking control and making positive changes. To achieve dominion, we must first be fruitful, then multiply, and subdue our spheres of influence.
Being fruitful involves addressing societal challenges, particularly in education. We can develop educational content that instills positive values and beliefs in the young African generation. By promoting problem-solving skills, we can empower Africans to take influential roles in media, business, science, and education, advancing God’s agenda and achieving the Africa we desire.
Multiplying and replenishing requires expansion and filling gaps. We must invest in human resources, and training trainers to pass on our culture and maintain it. Creating new business opportunities for like-minded individuals will help neutralize threats from the Western world. We should not be idle or wait for threats to arise before taking action. Christian pan-African politicians are needed to protect our laws and enact new ones that safeguard our people in changing times.
Ultimately, we must exercise control and influence in government, education, culture, family systems, science, business, and the media to uphold our success and create the society we desire. We are in challenging times, but by applying these principles, we can achieve the desired transformation.
Shalom!
-By Fellow Prince Obeng
Central Leadership Program 