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Ayo Johnson is a reputable Africa Specialist. He has provided Expert Analysis on many Breaking News Items; on issues relating to democracy in Ghana, Zimbabwe & South Africa, continuing conflicts in Somali, Angola, Congo, Guinea, Uganda,  Mauritania, Chad, Madagascar and Sudan to mention a few.

We are delighted to have Ayo on Myweku to share with us his thoughts on a wide range of issues including corruption in Africa, developmental challenges and the historical theft of Africa’s artifacts.

MyWeku: You have been described as an “African Specialist”. Where does your interest in Africa come from and how would you describe the focus of your work?

AJ: It can be a daunting prospect being looked up to in this esteem as a specialist. It is far more soul searching and humbling when an industry recognises you as such. But doubly hard when you know that there is a degree of expectation as I advocate for the continent and represent millions whose voices will never be heard. When I comment on LIVE Break News situations, it must be appreciated that the speciality in my chosen fields of African development needs to be sharp, focused, combined with dedication, passion and a true appreciation of the feelings of the common man and woman living on the ground in a specific African country.

My interest in Africa comes from a deep seeded passion from wanting to see a better and progressive Africa. Ever since I was a teenager my mind was filled with the plight of a desperation, negativity, meagre narrations and poor analysis from some of the world’s major TV networks. It was this frustration as an arms chair analyst back in my early days; that propelled me to peruse the work and role I play today in addressing pressing issues that face the continent of Africa.

MyWeku: You wrote an interesting article on your blog, Africa Speak International that suggested that the Presidents of Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana and Congo were raising the bar against corruption. Is this an assertion you can evidence?

AJ: Corruption has been a major contributor to Africa’s damaged image and shattered confidence both domestically and internationally.

When African leaders take bold steps to combat corruption and express it publicly; it is usually a step in the right direction in repairing Africa’s battered reputation. It also sends a clear message that corruption is dangerous and should not be condoned. It puts on notice those who are still involved in corruption that their actions would soon be unravelled and the full weight of the law will be applied ensuring that they are brought to justice. Most importantly is that African governments strengthen civil society, to monitor and question those officials who have been entrusted with the public purse to build infrastructure.

We must recognise when the Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma became the first Head of State to declare his assets to the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia went one step further offering financial incentives for whistle blowers to expose corrupt officials. The Ghanaian President John Atta-Mills refused to accept gifts and presents from anyone; fearful that that the acceptance of such gifts might trigger a degree of expected favours in return; and President Joseph Kabila of the congo fired hundreds of people accused of corruption from State Ministry and other government department

MyWeku: How would you describe or define what African development means to you today?

AJ: African development is a call for Africans to regain control of their own destiny, for the continent to be governed by Africans with a vision and a rallying call for greater participation from the general populace.

African development must mean a Provision of education and health care to all citizens; an enhancement of Basic Human Right that have eluded the vast majority of the continent’s inhabitants.

Africa must command respect by speaking with one voice. Africa must use its size, vast numbers, precious minerals deposits and vast lands for agriculture to negotiate hard with the rest of the world for terms that can benefit all.

MyWeku: In your work with the BBC, CNN etc I suspect you are often called in to give an opinion when something bad has happened. Does the continued focus on negative news and little by way of positive news not affect the image of the continent? Do African commentators on major news networks feel a special responsibility to project some of the more positive news that come out of the continent?

AJ: Disappointingly news from the African continent that is spewed within the Western media can be biased, one sided and focus the negative. Positive stories of accomplishments never make the headlines. These are hard facts that would only change when Africa chooses to have its own 24 hour global news outlet; calling the shots and delivering the news that matter to the rest of the world. We currently have no station of this description that can match the CNN’s or the BBC’s of this world. That is a real shame.

The focus of my work encapsulates the entire continent by providing balance narrative when there is need for hope. Above all my aim is to portray a positive image at all times. The notion of being a specialist in any given discipline calls for wisdom and understanding of current issues; above and beyond most common understanding.

MyWeku: It was widely believed (wrongly or rightly) by some that President Obama, perhaps due to his African ancestry will look favourably on Africa. One year on do you think Africa’s fortunes and relations with the USA have improved or worsened under the current US presidency?

AJ: Africa now finds its self in a very unique position. The clambering of multiple investors from different corners of the world for access to its resources; means that Africa can now choose amongst multiple investors. The Chinese have a dominant and commanding lead with Europe close behind and the USA a distance third.

The influence that USA had in Africa is steadily declining. Africa is now voting with its feet changing suppliers and forming new relationships that should benefit the continent.

MyWeku: Creativity across Africa often gets buried under the weight of a fierce expectation to accumulate academic degrees. Often the “non-academics” who are often at the vanguard of low tech innovations are accorded little status. Do you believe that to be the case and if so what can we do to change that mindset? Don’t we need more William Kamkwambas? (William Kamkwamba’s Windmill story was first broken by Afrigadget here)

AJ: Africans are very talented and you only have to visit the continent and walk amongst those in rural Africa; to see how local people sustain themselves with the most creative ways despite very trying circumstances.

The dividing line between rich and poor will have to be narrowed providing free education at all levels. The resulting effect is that talented individuals whose efforts seem invincible today can become recognised tomorrow leading to better rewards.

MyWeku: Here at Myweku we do our utmost to promote the arts. What are your thoughts on lost or looted African Artefacts many of which can be found in European museums today?

AJ: Theft is Theft in any language and under any Law on this earth. It is Simple; if it does not belong to you there are no arguments that justify the continued retaining of Africa’s heritage. They must be returned. But African governments must become far more vocal in requesting back the recovery of these precious items.

There are so many pressing issues facing the African continent that most African governments don’t have the appetite or money to lobby and access the International courts for access to it lost treasures. Things are changing the Egyptians have been the most vocal. Lately they have been chasing and seeking out their lost treasures where ever they may be stashed in the world.

MyWeku: Thank You

Nii Thompson

Photo Courtesy: African Speak International