BY LOU SIFA

President Trump’s use of a profanity in the Oval Office on 12 January 2018 to characterize Africa, Haiti and El Salvador sent a shockwave throughout the world, especially in Africa. Several African nations expressed their outrage and anger. The Pan-African organization blasted the president by writing in a statement issued the same day: “The African Union Mission wishes to express its infuriation, disappointment and outrage over the unfortunate comment made by Mr. Donald Trump, the President of the United States of America, which remarks dishonor the celebrated American creed and respect for diversity and human dignity.”

Why then has Osei Badu-Nkansah, a son of Africa who takes pride in being a “true African brought up in the days of Kwame Nkrumah,” titled his recently-published book To Close the “Shitholes” Africa Must Change?

In this exclusive interview with The African Magazine, the author explains.

The African Magazine: Why this title? Didn’t you find President Trump calling African nations “shitholes” offensive?

Osei Badu-Nkansah: Believe me, it was not easy listening to the news about Trump’s characterization of the continent. For about two weeks, many people worldwide, rightfully expressed their anger in powerful words. So, when the dust settled, and the anger subsided, I looked back and asked myself painful questions, one of which was: “Would anyone characterize Dubai as a “shithole?” If not, then what do we Africans need to do to avoid being characterized in these derogatory terms?”

Many African countries took off very well after gaining independence, in the 1960s for the most part. Africa could then boast top schools that included Achimota College in my home country of Ghana, Fourah Bay College in neighboring Sierra Leone, or École William Ponty, in Senegal; not to mention good hospitals and factories, comparative economies, and so on. Take a look at the situation then and now, and ask yourself why?

The African Magazine: So, what’s the answer?

The only truthful answer is what the book is all about: a call for us to look into massive changes, to turn the “shitholes” into gold holes. The book shows the world the greatness of Africa, outlines some of the key issues, and provides solution prescriptions to put Africa on the path to real development. The book is built on the theme of Jimmy Cliff’s powerful song, Footprints: “Let us retrace our footprints one more time, let us walk the circle once again, and let us turn the pages one more time … to find the rock on which we can stand…”

The African Magazine: You are an African man living in the U.S., thousands of miles from home. How familiar are you with these issues?

I am so fortunate that my job in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) took me to many places worldwide, including many African countries. So, having traveled, worked and lived in many African countries, I got to know first-hand some of the key issues facing the continent and for which I have offered enduring and challenging solutions. Transforming Zain to Airtel alone took me to nearly 24 countries in Africa. I also successfully provided technical leadership in two major LTE 4G projects in Ghana and Nigeria: Surfline and nTel, respectively. So, I am very familiar with the issues facing the continent. I once enjoyed our past and saw the green light at the tunnel, but now I see corruption, lies, deceptions, waste, diminished opportunities for the youth, degradation of schools, roads, factories societies, and massive scramble for the assets of the continent.

Drawing on my first-hand experience as an African who is proud of his roots and passionate about the continent’s future, I offer in this book several bold ideas conducive, in my view, to Africa’s exit from underdevelopment. The book covers our rich history, our enviable geographic features, and beautiful spots in select cities. It also exposes the evil of corruption, the uncontrolled scramble for Africa by the Chinese, the painful deceptions by so-called “Prophets,” and degraded social systems. It also provides thought-provoking and challenging solutions that I believe will enlighten the reader, be he/she an expert on African issues or not.

As is often said, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. I therefore invite the reader to have a taste of the solutions I have put forth in this my second book.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK