LET’S BECOME ACCOUNTABLE

In 2012 there was a minor controversy in the football world after FIFA or UEFA declared that Lionel Messi had broken Gerd Muller’s record for the most goals scored in a calendar year- 90. The issue arose when the Zambian Football Association claimed that one of their players actually surpassed that number by scoring 94 or thereabout some years ago. The matter, however, was dropped after Zambia was unable to prove their claim. They couldn’t produce the necessary records and evidence to support their argument. Eventually, Lionel Messi was able to add another world record to his already crowded collection of world records.

Yet again, Africa was undermined and brushed away by the West in her quest for global relevance. The point of this story is to prove how much our lack of accountability has been slowly killing our hopes, visions and aspiration in this part of the world. We are not able to account for so many things. From budget plans to implementations and even corrupt practices of top and lower level government officials. We are unable to account for so many things. We have neglected the importance of keeping records and maintaining them and this parasite has eaten deep into society and is killing our continent.

Bringing it to our level, we as individuals also have high tendency of forgetting how important it is to be accountable. This shows in the way we spend our money, treat our friends, families and neighbors and even our approach to work. Not to be too religious, but even the bible tells us about a Hebrew boy called Daniel. Daniel was relevant for over 60 years and for 3 different administrations in ancient Babylon partly because of his accountability. Daniel was not negligent. He was very attentive to detail and he was accountable for his actions and even his friends.

If you want to cause positive change for Africa or even in your own life, you have to understand the importance of being accountable. If things are to get better, it will definitely have to start with you. Don’ think you are too little or irrelevant to do something big in your own little way. Become accountable and teach other to become accountable too. It’s not too late for life to become better for us. God bless you!