September 05, 2023 | In Articles
September 05, 2023 | In Articles
What is the "Ghanaian dream"? Depending on the state of the economy and other factors, this dream can differ from generation to generation or even person to person, but in recent times, most Ghanaian youth dream of walking down an aisle; this aisle is not bedecked with petals from a white flower with a member of clergy standing at the other end but is connected to a means of transport to another country in search of "greener pastures".
According to a recent Pew Research Centre (PRC) survey, over 75% of Ghanaians would leap at the opportunity to move abroad for improved living standards. Has this always been the case? How did we get here? What can we do about it? Do we need to do anything about it at all? What does it mean for the country? This topic triggers many questions, and this week, I'd like us to discuss this topic; you are welcome to use the comment section.
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18-08-2022
Ever since Corona (not the beer) hit a few years ago, the citizens of Ghana have been grappling with the immense burden of skyrocketing inflation. Ghana, once the model girl for development in Africa, is now being suffocated by public debt almost as vast as our annual economic output. Most citizens are enraged by what seems to be carelessness on the part of the people in charge of the public purse, to the plight of the general populace. Most people believe priorities are misplaced, with large sums of money to the tune of millions of dollars being funnelled into building projects- Recent news of politicians turning their homes into private "offshore" accounts begs whether these funds are being pushed into these projects even.
All this to say, Ghanaian youth are disillusioned and uncertain of the country's future and believe that corruption is woven so tightly into the fabric of their society. It does not help much when politicians continue to make light of the situation by passing comments like "l'argent n'aime pas le bruit, to wit, money does not like noise, sika mpɛ dede."
But then again, if the general sentiment is that our leaders are not being responsible in power, why should the youth take responsibility for the future of their nation? A future that is looking out of reach anyway?
A response to this is the frantic search for better opportunities in other developed countries. Is this right? Who can say for sure, but can we place blame? I don't think so. Some believe this is the only solution as even those with pure intentions who want to create genuine change struggle to break the barrier of systemic decadence; other aspiring reformists tell themselves, "Let's go and make the money and come and use it to change the country".
As a considerable portion of the workforce would leap at the opportunity to emigrate, Ghana is faced with losing its human capital. This brain drain can impact sectors crucial for national development, like healthcare, education, and innovation, which might lead to decreased economic productivity.
The Former Chief Justice, Ms. Sophia Akuffo, at the 11th Chief Justice Annual Mentoring Programme appealed to the youth to stay and build the country because “The nations that we look jealously on were all at one point or the other just like us. The standard of living that we long to experience is as a result of years of unrelenting hard work, selfless dedication and unflagging patriotism….Had some people not dedicated themselves to building those countries, they would have nothing for us to envy today.’’ Her message carries the important theme of investing in one's own country and actively participating in its growth rather than solely seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Whether we like it or not, this shift in perspective is necessary because, indeed, if we do not build our country, who will build it for us? While the allure of foreign opportunities is understandable, efforts to effect change from within should not be discounted.
It may be challenging to create change, but as young people, we have the power to make a difference; we can collectively create change in our nation by advocating for important issues, engaging in community projects, using social media activism, and joining youth coalitions. By taking action and making our voices heard, we can make a positive impact and inspire others to join us in creating a better future. Let's work together and be the change we want to see in our nation!
Now I am not mentioning youth coalitions as a Social Studies theory, or an 'Ideal World' solution. There have been instances where youth coalitions have played a pivotal role in bringing about significant reforms in countries. For instance; the civil rights movement in the US and Arab Spring in the Middle East.
But then again, if the general sentiment is that our leaders are not being responsible in power, why should the youth take responsibility for the future of their nation? (One that is looking out of reach anyway?)
There is a saying that change starts minor but can have ripple effects, but significant change in this country cannot even generate ripple effects.
How do we as youth collectively create change in our nation?
Do we need to form more youth coalitions ? Must we all become social media activists? Do we need to advocate more for issues that are important to us? Must we get out of the backseat of the affairs of our country and take charge of the future of our country?
Whatever we must do, we might have to because it is our land at the end of the day. Imagine inheriting a home from your parents that you don't feel comfortable living in, but after you renovate, it becomes your haven- Nation-building is similar in that we create a society we can be proud of.
Now I am not mentioning youth coalitions as a Social Studies theory, or an 'Ideal World' solution. There have been instances where youth coalitions have played a pivotal role in bringing about significant reforms in countries. For instance; the civil rights movement in the US and Arab Spring in the Middle East.
Do we need to take some notes from these instances?
Papa Kwesi Asare-Dokyi [Comment Reply]
I hear you loud and clear. Your words resonate with the frustration many Ghanaians feel. Renovating buildings is all well and good, but true change lies in "changing ideologies and mental reforms." as you have correctly said. We need leaders who prioritize education, equip youth with relevant skills, and break the cycle of corruption. Only then can "renovated" Ghana become our "New Haven." We must keep pushing for a brighter future, together.
2023-12-11 15:53:58
31.May.23 by Jessie W Ghartey
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18-08-2022
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Victoria
Papa Kwesi , this is a well written piece . “ If you renovate it , it becomes your New Haven” It’s rather sad that in Ghana, many youth are either unemployed, unskilled or are not even given the opportunity to work in places they qualify after many years of “education in Ghana”. The youth is encouraged to work on their own… be entrepreneurs… yet not many are fortunate enough to meet and be guided by the right mentors for them to have successful businesses. “Building structures” are valued much more than adequately equipping the youth for next generation advancing technology. Senior high schools are still drawing “tilapia” and “amoeba” whiles kids in the so called “developed countries” are learning skills with cutting edge technology, right from the onset . I think the renovation should be more of “changing ideologies and mental reforms”. It’s like you mentioned.. significant change still doesn’t create a ripple effect in Ghana. One still needs protocol to get admission if he/she wants to study some programs in Ghana . For one to even get posted for National Service/ Housejob, one needs to know some “person (s) in authority” to get your desired place of work . And the conditions of service, that’s another heartbreaking story for another day. Yet , the rich in society keep getting richer . Government postings have now become a “friends and family affair”. You wonder if there’s something you’re not doing right as an individual. Having to compromise on the very moral values you’re taught in your homes and religious affiliations _ honesty, faithfulness, accountability etc just so you can get something done has become the norm now . People decide who should be in power based on how much money they’re given . This is the average Ghanaian trying to survive in a harsh economy. And you still think such a person won’t jump at an opportunity to go live and work at a place with “better living conditions”? I’m not encouraging anyone to be at the backseat and leave things to chance. I know there are many upright individuals out there doing their best to reform society in their own small way. But with the current conduct of some Ghanaian leaders and individuals, the average Ghanaian will keep thinking that salvation is in abroad. If we want to really make any changes in the country’s current situation, it needs to start from up there… our minds . Our thinking . Reform the minds of upcoming student leaders that politics is not a way to become rich , but a platform to make significant positive change in society. That moral values still holds. That if anyone, if given the right knowledge, training , skills and guidance, can achieve anything they want to. Right here in Ghana . That funds being “hoarded” in rooms and foreign banks .. can be used to create the very job opportunities we go abroad to seek. That if our healthcare system is well equipped, they won’t have to travel abroad to seek “proper medical care” when we have many skilled Doctors in Ghana . That our education system can be reformed and upgraded to international standards… so one won’t necessarily require an “international degree” before they can get to work in certain places in the world . That a child born in some village in Ghana can know that he/she has opportunities for higher education in his/her home country …because government scholarship schemes are for the underprivileged and not for those who know people in power . That when we renovate Ghana , it can indeed become our safe haven . It starts from our minds . Then when our minds are reformed and we are well informed , we then do better . God bless mother Ghana .
2023-11-20 04:03:15