Commercializing Money Rituals in Ghana

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Ghana Cedis
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Ghana CediIt is true that money is one of the lubricants that are needed for survival. For this reason, people do what is right to acquire money. However, there is a worrying trend where people who proclaim themselves as juju men plight their trade even on some of our television networks. This act is a source of worry because of so many reasons.

Not too long ago, it was a shame in our society even for people to suspect that another person?s riches were associated with rituals. Such people where shone by community members even without any evidence. Hard work and respect for moral values were held in esteem. For this reason, people did not simply celebrate others as a result of their wealth. Ascertaining the source of one?s earnings was indeed accepted by all. Money was not the only criterion for describing a person as successful.

This cannot be the same in modern Ghanaian society. The get rich quick syndrome has eaten deep into our thinking as a people and has narrowed our explanation of success to having money. How people acquire riches do not really matter to us. May be, this could explain to some extent why corruption scandals in Ghana are on the rise. What does the phenomenon of juju money tell us? To the extent that people can call themselves ?money gods? and have other people to buy into such practices raises concern about our values as a nation. We are simply endorsing laziness and stifling critical thinking in our country. The show of spiritual powers, particularly money rituals is now a common practice and a competition on our television networks. The mind boggling question is why this upsurge in advertisement for the money rituals? It is true that the media are business entities and must make profit to stay in business. But is it also true that some of the media outlets in Ghana are clouded by their desire for profit to the total neglect of the dangers that their over projection of the so call juju men would create. The reliable publicity for these people would get many people especially the youth to accept this kind of media content. The devastation this would cause is costly as the youth may develop without critical minds. If this happens the hopes that we nurture daily would be a hallucination since people may opt for the easy way.

Even though verified information to explain this phenomenon is not available, it is also not clear whether the present economic difficulties in the country could bear responsibility for this. The truth is that our country witnessed more difficult economic situations but the money rituals were nowhere sanctioned by the media.

The present generation has an opportunity to turn things round. However, the challenges that would come on the way could push the young brains to accepting mediocrity. Ghana is blessed with an ocean of intellectuals ready to take their own destiny. And this is backed by the increased demand for higher education. But for this to happen, there must be deliberate moves to create the enabling environment to support the thousands of young people who graduate from the universities each year. The limited opportunities in our country appear impediments especially as the state seems to be helpless although the expression job creation remains an anthem in the mouths within government. Sincerely speaking, there must be a limit at which money rituals advertisements get space in our media. This practice is heinous than arm robbery. Accepting this media content by the public going forward is not good for our country.

Zuberu Aliu.

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