By Prince John Evans Escoba-Donkor
A silent but potent crisis that thrives on silence rather than conflict or starvation exists throughout the huge and diverse continent of Africa—a truth crisis.
The uncomfortable truth is that truth is frequently ignored, sugarcoated, or completely muted in many African societies—not because it is inaccessible, but because many people would prefer not to hear it.
Social interactions are driven by the need to keep the peace, the fear of offending, and the fear of being shunned for “saying too much.” The truth frequently becomes the first casualty of social cohesion in every setting—from the home to the workplace, from political podiums to religious pulpits.
A generation of leaders who thrive on dishonesty has been paved the way by this subtle but enduring dislike of speaking the truth. They have discovered that the general public frequently favours consoling lies over harsh realities—not because they are naturally dishonest, but because they have thoroughly studied their people and are skilled in the art of political theatre, where there are many promises, little accountability, and more illusion than action.
This phenomenon is a manifestation of societal complicity as well as a leadership failure. When people do speak the truth, they are frequently accused of being disrespectful, disobedient, or even treacherous.
People who can fabricate stories are frequently praised by their communities rather than those who reveal unpleasant truths.
Because of this, African leadership has, in many areas, devolved into a show based on what the public wants to hear rather than what they need to know. Instead of telling the facts, leaders now tell stories. And due to cultural conditioning rather than ignorance, the populace has accepted these stories.
Progress, development, and governance have all been significantly impacted by this cycle. Corruption is frequently minimised. Announced projects are seldom completed.
Draft policies are never put into effect. However, many people still hold onto their beliefs because it’s simpler to believe than to face a difficult reality.
It takes more than just capable leadership to end this pattern. It calls for a rebirth of honesty—a cultural change. Communities must accept the truth even when it is challenging, awkward, or unpopular. It calls for us to reinterpret respect as having the courage to speak out against injustice rather than being silent.
Africa has plenty of skills and potential. What we lack is a culture of truth-telling that holds everyone accountable—from the lowest levels to the highest office. The continent’s future rests not only on foreign help or economic reforms but also on our ability as a people to demand the truth instead of being afraid of it.
Let us rise, not as a people who merely clap for charismatic speeches, but as citizens who question, challenge, and insist on the truth—because only through truth can we truly transform.
