Power of appreciation: Way forward for nation’s development

It is said that “a nation which does not honour its heroes/heroines is not worth dying for.” 

The Methodist Church Ghana at its 12th Biennial/50th Conference held at Winneba in August 2022, honoured 80 prominent people for their distinguished and meritorious services.

These people have contributed their quota in the area of the renovation of Methodist schools, some of which are over 100 years old, the building of new classroom blocks, hospitals, the donation of hospital equipment, ICT centres, Manses and chapels.

Surprisingly, among the 80 people honoured were Muslim and other non-Methodists. These people were commended because they did not see their contributions as something for the Methodist Church, but rather as contributing to the needs of the entire society.

Church

The Church appreciating such individuals will place high demand on them to even do more.

In truth, the government alone cannot solve the infrastructural deficits of this nation without the help of individuals and other institutions like the church.

What will elicit this is when we learn to appreciate individuals and institutions for the little they do. The ripple effect will be the crescendo of selflessness and dedication that will seize the hearts of many citizens to help our beloved nation, just as our forebears did with their toil and blood.

Moreover, the youth will be encouraged and motivated by this act of appreciation to sacrifice their time, energy, knowledge and resources at the altar of the nation, being assured of the fact that their names and services will not be consigned to oblivion.

Culture

The culture of hunting for people’s mistakes to insult them must stop. Instead, we must learn to appreciate people for the least they do; knowing that deserved appreciation is better than insults.

It is disheartening to be criticised always and to never receive any commendation, despite all the sacrifices made.

This is painful because human beings, by nature, like to be appreciated more than to be criticised. We must capitalise on this craving to move our nation forward. Who knows! Perhaps, our readiness to criticise others and institutions for perceived wrongs and unwillingness to appreciate them for their merits is the cause of our woes as a nation.

This is because the insults on radio and TV stations, as well as on social media are too hurtful and they dampen the spirit of sacrifice.

Called upon

We are all called upon as journalists, communicators, media houses, organisations and churches to emulate a good example of awarding people for their immense contributions.

The government will have to leverage this culture of appreciation to get individuals, institutions and companies to help solve the infrastructure needs of communities, something that is difficult for the government itself to undertake at this time of high inflation, indebtedness and economic upheavals.

The writer is Director, Youth Development Ministry, The Methodist Church Ghana.