Sacrificing one for the greater good or greater greed – Exploring moral dilemmas in Ghana

Once upon a time, in the summer of 1884, a harrowing story unfolded at sea. Four brave English sailors found themselves stranded in the vast South Atlantic on a small lifeboat, far away from any sign of land. Their ship, the Mignonette, had tragically sunk during a violent storm, leaving them with only two cans of preserved turnips and no fresh water.

Among the crew were Captain Thomas Dudley, First Mate Edwin Stephens, and Sailor Edmund Brooks. The fourth member of their party was the young cabin boy, Richard Parker, a seventeen-year-old orphan on his first long voyage. Little did he know the horrors that awaited him.

For days on end, the four sailors anxiously scanned the horizon, desperately hoping for a passing ship that could rescue them. Initially surviving on meagre portions of turnips, they managed to catch a turtle on the fourth day, providing some nourishment. However, their situation worsened when the remaining turnips ran out, leaving them without any sustenance for eight agonising days.

By this time, young Richard Parker’s condition had deteriorated drastically. Against the advice of his companions, he had succumbed to the temptation of drinking seawater, which only exacerbated his illness. Lying weak and helpless in the corner of the lifeboat, Richard appeared to be nearing death’s door.

It was at this dire moment that Captain Dudley proposed a chilling suggestion—drawing lots to determine who would sacrifice their life so that the others might survive. However, Brooks firmly objected, and thus, the lots were never cast.

Days passed, and still, no sign of rescue appeared on the distant horizon. Faced with the grim reality of their circumstances, Captain Dudley, with a heavy heart, motioned to Stephens to look away while he whispered his terrible plan. Richard Parker had to be killed if any of them were to survive. With a prayer on his lips and a penknife in his trembling hand, Dudley took the life of the young cabin boy, piercing his jugular vein. Brooks, no longer able to stand by in his conscientious objection, joined in the gruesome act. For four unimaginable days, the three remaining men sustained themselves on the flesh and blood of their deceased shipmate.

Miraculously, salvation arrived on the twenty-fourth day of their nightmarish ordeal. As they were partaking in their macabre breakfast, a ship emerged on the horizon. The three survivors were finally rescued from their watery prison. However, their relief was short-lived, as they soon faced the harsh consequences of their actions. Upon their return to England, they were swiftly arrested and brought to trial. Brooks chose to cooperate with the authorities and became a key witness for the prosecution. Dudley and Stephens openly admitted to their horrifying deeds, asserting that they had resorted to cannibalism out of sheer necessity.

Now, imagine yourself as the judge in this haunting tale. How would you rule? Set aside the complexities of the law and consider only the moral question at hand—was it permissible for the sailors to kill and consume the cabin boy in order to survive?

This gripping story serves as a poignant starting point to delve into the moral dilemma of sacrificing one for the greater good. It prompts us to ponder whether imposing significant taxes on the wealthy to improve the lives of the less fortunate is morally justifiable. Similarly, the question arises as to whether taking the lives of a few violent extremists for the sake of peace can be deemed morally acceptable.

Interestingly, the Bible presents two parables about the lost sheep, found in Matthew 18:12 and Luke 15:4, depicting a loving shepherd who leaves behind 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost. This narrative, taken literally, raises an intriguing question regarding its compatibility with the idea of sacrificing one for the sake of the greater good. Can this act of prioritising the lost sheep over the majority be seen as contradictory?

When considering moral choices, it is important to assess the potential impact and outcomes of our actions. The distinction lies in the perceived balance between the intended benefits and the costs or harm inflicted.

In the context of Ghana, a country grappling with its own moral dilemmas, the concept of sacrificing for the greater good or greater greed takes on a complex significance. Throughout its political landscape, we witness instances where the sacrifice of individuals is purportedly justified for the advancement of the nation. But are these sacrifices truly motivated by the pursuit of the greater good, or are they veiled by underlying motives of greed and self-interest?

Take, for example, figures like Daniel Domelevo, the former Auditor-General, or Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng, an eminent heart surgeon, and politician. Both individuals have faced scrutiny and controversy, raising questions about whether their sacrifices and removal from their respective positions were driven by genuine concerns for the greater good or by ulterior motives.

In the realm of politics, the moral compass becomes even more precarious. Is it morally acceptable to sacrifice the lives of innocent people to secure electoral fortunes? Such actions, if revealed, would undoubtedly be met with widespread condemnation and outrage. Yet, in the pursuit of power and political agendas, the line between morality and expediency often becomes blurred.

As Ghanaians, we must critically examine these instances where sacrifices are made in the name of the greater good. Are we truly prioritising the well-being and progress of the nation, or are we succumbing to the allure of personal gain at the expense of others?

These moral dilemmas not only challenge our individual values but also demand collective introspection as a society. It is essential to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance to ensure that sacrifices made are genuinely in service of the greater good and not driven by greed and self-interest.

As we navigate the complexities of our nation’s moral landscape, let us continually question and evaluate the actions taken in the name of sacrifice. Only through honest reflection and a commitment to upholding moral principles can we strive for a Ghana where sacrifices are genuinely made for the betterment of all its people.