Global Journal of Human Social Science, F: Political Science, Volume 22 Issue 5

COVID-19 and Human Security: Western Populism, Chinese Strong State and Africa’s Submissive Populace © 2022 Global Journals Volume XXII Issue V Version I 59 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2022 F COVID-19, 30 respondents who represent 60 percent responded in affirmation (yes) to this while the rest (20 percent) who represent 40 percent were of the opinion that governments and health institutions of Africa have not been able to handle and control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the continent. Respondents who responded in affirmation (yes) explained that Africa governments and health institutions have been able to handle and control the spread of the pandemic because they adhered strictly to the COVID-19 restrictions. They also added that authorities of Kotoka International Airport in Ghana have been updating the government about the alarming rate of positive cases. The respondents who also reported that Africa governments and health institutions have not been able to control the pandemic on the grounds of lack of financial support, poor health facilities and over reliance on the western countries for aid and vaccines. Forty-Five (45) respondents representing 90 percent were of the opinion that African populace have been able to handle the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their reasons were given on the grounds of the restrictions that were imposed on them by the government. The rest of the respondents (5) who represent 10 percent however were of the opinion that African populace have not been able to handle the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their reason was given on the account of daily reported infection and fatality rate in African countries. On the accounts of Africa’s ability to control the spread and fatality rate of the COVID-19 pandemic, the respondents were of the opinion that proactive measures, more testing, adhering to social distancing, mandatory wearing of nose mask and strict adherence to the rest of the COVID-19 protocols are the reasons accounting for this. All the respondents (100 percent) were of the opinion that Africa populace have been able to submit to the COVID- 19 in relation to human security. Their reason was explained that the COVID-19 affected their lives, socio- economic activities and livelihood of the western countries and China and therefore offered lessons for African populace to adhere to the restrictions and save lives and livelihood. The havoc that the virus has caused the world economic giants in terms of agriculture, transport, socio-economic and political impacts left them with no option than to take their destiny into their own hands and adhere to the restriction and follow the necessary COVID-19 protocols to curtail the spread and escalation of the virus. IV. C onclusion Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are made: i. Euro-Americans or the western populace have not been able to control the infection and fatality rate of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to human security due to the complete disregard to the covid- 19 protocols and insistence of their right and freedom to go about their normal activities. Also delay in implementing lockdowns from their beginning of the pandemic and late discovery of COVID-19 vaccine account for the western world’s inability to control and defeat the virus. ii. China has been able to defeat and control the COVID-19 pandemic because of its strong state. A holistic and prompt approach to tackling the pandemic such as mandatory quarantine of 14 days after test and political will account for China’s ability to defeat the spread and fatality of the virus. Again, free testing for infected communities, employing digital network and the value for human life all account for China’s strong state and ability to control the virus. iii. The dreadful nature and the negative impact of the virus in China and western world made African populace to submit to the severity of the virus and put in place and adhere to the necessary protocols to contain and control the spread of the virus. Africa submits to its weak medical facilities and inadequate health staff in relation to the western world and China and implement strict adherence to the COVID-19 policies such as ensuring social distancing in cars and public places, mandatory washing of hands and suspension of social activities and gatherings. Africa’s submissive populace in relation to the COVID-19 and Human Security is what made the continent put the spread of the pandemic abase. V. R ecommendations Based on the findings and conclusions drawn, the following recommendations are made: i. Africa and western world could consider introducing mobile hospitals to provide door step health services and healthcare assistance to their populace in this era of COVID-19 and beyond. ii. Free testing and vaccination could be considered by governments of African and western populace as a measure to curtail the spread of the pandemic. iii. Human rights and freedom are fundamental and basic constitutional provisions. However, where it becomes necessary for your freedom and certain rights to be curtailed to protect human lives, it should be enforced especially in this COVID-19 era where the virus transmits very fast through movement and social gatherings. It is therefore recommended for strict enforcement of the social distancing protocols as this recommendation has worked out for Africa in general and Ghana in particular. iv. Regular and continuous testing and health screening could be encouraged and probably