By Mercy Nimo
The Chancellor of Central University and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil, has called on African societies to abandon beliefs and practices that have hindered the continent’s progress and consciously adopt better approaches to drive positive change.
Addressing students of Central University during an institutional lecture at the Miotso campus in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, he emphasized three fundamental principles—precision and accuracy, future-mindedness, and the culture of cause and effect—as critical areas that Africans and their leaders must focus on to transform the continent.
Precision and Accuracy
Speaking on the challenges facing Africans, particularly Ghanaians, Rev. Dr. Otabil noted that there is little adherence to orderliness, especially among the younger generation. He advised students that “one cannot be haphazard and expect to bring about change.”
He stressed that if Central University is to serve as a microcosm of a developed Africa, it must instill a culture of precision and accuracy. He explained that these qualities are not innate but are cultivated through the discipline of mathematics, which enables proper organization and calculated decision-making, ultimately shaping society.
He further stated that for a nation to achieve precision and accuracy, it must enforce and uphold laws.
“This will not erase our culture, but once people begin to see cause and effect, they will start desiring more accuracy and precision, which will, in turn, impact everything,” he said.
Future-Minded Culture
The Central University Chancellor also emphasized the importance of creating a future-minded culture, where each generation prioritizes the well-being of the next. He stressed that Africans must be committed to securing a better future if real change is to occur.
“If we truly cared about the future, we would not engage in illegal mining (galamsey), nor would we mismanage our natural resources,” he remarked.
He cited historical examples, including the transatlantic slave trade, where some African ancestors sold their own people into slavery due to short-term thinking and a lack of foresight.
Rev. Dr. Otabil criticized the tendency of Africans to blame colonialism while overlooking the recklessness of their own ancestors. He noted that while colonial injustices are widely acknowledged, the failure of Africans to think ahead and make strategic decisions continues to hinder progress.
“The white man’s creed still exists, but so does the recklessness of Africans. We cannot survive unless we change,” he stated.
He urged both individuals and state institutions to be mindful of their choices and create a culture that benefits future generations. He further explained that societal pathology influences leadership, as leaders emerge from society itself. Therefore, a culture of responsibility and foresight must be fostered at all levels.
Cause and Effect
Rev. Dr. Otabil also highlighted the importance of understanding cause and effect, a principle many Africans fail to recognize in their daily lives, work, and overall mindset.
He criticized the “magical thinking” prevalent in African societies, where people believe events happen without logical explanations.
“One of the earliest lessons of civilization is cause and effect. Even the Bible teaches it: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. We reap what we sow.”
He urged Africans to abandon superstitious beliefs and embrace practical solutions based on rational thought and scientific research.
To illustrate, he pointed out how some Africans place faith in incantations rather than training, strategy, and teamwork in sports. He also mentioned how sudden deaths are often attributed to spiritual causes, rather than examining medical factors like high blood pressure or diabetes.
“We cannot master our environment if we continue to live in a world where cause and effect are ignored,” he stressed.
The Chancellor further admonished Africans to be conscious of processes and methods, urging them to:
Be aware of their surroundings and learn how to progress step by step.
Be time-conscious, as time and labor are crucial for mass production.
Avoid the “African time” phenomenon, which significantly reduces productivity.
He also acknowledged that colonialism, neoliberalism, and imperialism continue to exploit Africa’s weaknesses. However, he emphasized that Africans must take conscious steps to correct these weaknesses by embracing effective principles.
“At the heart of our challenges are some fundamental assumptions, and I believe these three considerations—precision and accuracy, future-mindedness, and cause and effect—can help us overcome them,” he concluded.
A Call for Transformation
The Vice Chancellor of Central University, Professor Bill Buenar Puplampu, who chaired the event, expressed gratitude to Rev. Dr. Mensa Otabil for his passionate and insightful message.
Quoting Romans 12:2, he reiterated the importance of transforming minds to achieve behavioral change.
“What we have heard today has the power to renew our minds and influence our actions for the future,” he stated.
He encouraged students and attendees to apply the principles shared by Rev. Dr. Otabil within their circles, ensuring that their individual efforts contribute to positive societal transformation.
The institutional lecture, themed “How to Bring About Change in Africa: Some Fundamental Considerations,” provided thought-provoking insights on the necessary mindset shifts required for Africa’s development.
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