Accra: The Ghanaian attitude towards time management is notably appalling, giving rise to the misnomer, 'Ghanaian and/or mostly African time.' This phenomenon is deeply rooted in the social fabric of society and poses a threat to productivity and development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the notion of 'African time' has become a hindrance to socio-economic growth, reducing business reliability and fostering poor work-related outcomes such as decreased job satisfaction and eroding trust within groups and organizations. This mentality has permeated every aspect of Ghanaian society, becoming normalized even among those in authority who should ideally be tackling this issue.
Historically, before the advent of mechanical clocks, time was measured using less precise methods such as the position of the sun or devices like water and candle clocks. With the invention of mechanical clocks in the 14th century, time could be divided into fixed hours, minutes, and seconds, allowing for more precision and uniformity. Despite this advancement, the Ghanaian society still struggles with time management.
Sarah Fletcher, an actress and producer, emphasizes the importance of time, describing it as an ontological and epistemological issue embedded in the organization of society and the recording of history. Fletcher notes that time is a resource and capital that can be saved or lost, yet is cleverly hidden behind structures of power in the world.
Dr. Sylvia Tamale, a Ugandan University Professor and African feminist activist, has advocated for embracing 'African time,' yet this approach has been juxtaposed with the European standard of punctuality and productivity. The prevalence of 'African time' in Ghanaian society reflects a lack of respect for time, which has become a barrier to development.
Instances of African time mentality are evident across various sectors in Ghana, including politics, healthcare, education, and even religious institutions. Public events often feature well-arranged programs that are not adhered to, with the term 'prompt' frequently being used but rarely followed. Political events, despite having time allocations, suffer from the same lack of punctuality.
Notable exceptions include the late Major Courage Quashiegah and late Colonel Charles Agbenaza, who were known for their adherence to time, likely influenced by their military backgrounds. Togbe Adza Osei VII, Paramount Chief of Akoviefe Traditional Area, has also highlighted the inseparability of time and development, citing politicians as the worst offenders in time management.
The call for a shift in attitude towards time management is growing, with suggestions to abandon the 'African time' mentality and embrace the precision offered by mechanical clocks. An attitudinal change and a reset in mindset are seen as crucial steps to breaking this cycle and fostering development in Ghana.
