Last week, we posted an op-ed article that Bono (lead singer of the band U2 and widely known philanthropist) wrote for the New York Times. It praised the work that the Ghanaian government has done in creating a country that is suitable for their residents to live in, and it highlighted the achievements Ghanaians have made, calling the country a leader amongst other African nations.
Some readers responded to the piece honestly, claiming that while they believed that Bono's words were kind, he skimmed over the issue of slavery altogether. It's true that the article doesn't discuss the issue of trafficking on Lake Volta, or the issue of slavery at all. What the piece does do, though, is highlight the positive things about the country, allowing readers to optimistically view the strides Ghanaians have made in transforming their homeland. This, in turn, permits readers to want to invest in the country, seeing that its residents are making positive changes to improve their lives.
The critics do have a point that the issue of slavery does need to be addressed. Fortunately for them and for Touch A Life, President Obama visited the Elmina Slave Castle on the Cape Coast and acknowledged in this CNN article that "the capacity for slavery still exists." Though the article, again, doesn't address the issue of trafficking on Lake Volta specifically, it indicates that the President is not naive to the fact that injustices continue to occur on a daily basis. Visiting the slave castle gave him the opportunity to remind American and Ghanaian citizens alike that humanity is still capable of treating one another poorly, and that is something that must be stopped.
Ultimately, it's wise for the critics to observe that the key components of slavery are missing in Bono's piece. Trafficking clearly is a huge issue in Ghana, and especially on Lake Volta. But where we must start is from a place of positivity. We must first align with the Ghanaians themselves, allying with them and earning their trust. We must praise and acknowledge the work they've done and the progress they've made thus far. Then, and only then, will we be permitted to point out the flaws in their governmental systems that allow human trafficking to persist. Then, and only then, will their eyes be opened to the injustices occurring within their country. If we never praise the positive and only focus on the negative, we will never be permitted the opportunity to confront the Ghanaians on the issues present in their country. Our cries will fall on deaf ears.
