Ghana’s Independence Day, celebrated on March 6th, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s history. As the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to attain self-governance from British colonial rule in 1957, this achievement was a testament to the vision and determination of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
On that historic day, he declared, “The African man is capable of managing his own affairs, and Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever.” These words embodied the spirit of self determination and inspired many African nations to pursue decolonization and liberation from colonial rule. However, over time, these very words have taken on an ironic tone, as it appears that many Africans have lost sight of the purpose behind their struggle for independence. This disillusionment has led to growing calls, reminiscent of Nkrumah’s vision, for a “second independence” for Ghana. These demands have become increasingly urgent in light of the numerous challenges facing the country.
Despite being blessed with abundant natural resources—including gold, oil, timber, fertile land, and vast water bodies—Ghana continues to grapple with significant socio-economic and political difficulties. The stark contrast between Ghana’s vast natural wealth and its struggling economy is deeply concerning.
The nation’s economic landscape has been marred by rampant corruption, infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, and poor governance. Yet, political leaders remain comfortable, flying in luxury jets and seeking medical care overseas while simultaneously claiming to have built “world-class healthcare facilities.” They send their children to foreign institutions while boasting about the supposed excellence of Ghana’s educational system.
Is this not both ironic and hypocritical?
After 68 years of independence, Ghana still struggles to recognize the importance of environmental conservation. Once a source of good health and prosperity, the environment has now become perilous due to illegal mining activities, often backed by the very leaders entrusted with protecting the nation’s resources. My country, Ghana, turns 68 years of self-governance today, while the Federation of Malaysia, which also gained independence in 1957 (on August 31st), will turn 68 in five months. Malaysia, with a population of 36 million and fewer natural resources compared to Ghana, has a GDP of $399.7 billion (2023), while my resource-rich country remains stagnant at a GDP of $77.4 billion (2024).
Malaysia’s per capita income stands at $36,000, while Ghana, with all its resources, stands at just $7,450. Yet, our leaders remain comfortable with their usual rhetoric. While Ghana, with abundant natural resources, has a minimum wage of GHS 19.00, Malaysia, relying primarily on palm oil, has a minimum wage of $2 per hour. How, then, has Malaysia managed to secure a 96.2% literacy rate with just palm plantations, while Ghana, with all the necessary resources, lags behind at 80.1%? The answer lies in leadership— one that is dedicated, selfless, and committed to serving with meticulous accountability.
Despite Ghana’s wealth and relatively small population compared to Malaysia, Doctor to patient ratio in Malaysia is 1:400 and Ghana our beloved has Doctor to Patient ratio stand at 1:6355, youth unemployment remains one of the country’s biggest challenges.
While students continue to attend school under trees, CEOs of state institutions receive monthly salaries of GHS 100,000, yet the ordinary citizen is expected to survive on a meager GHS 715.19 after toiling for 30 days.
While ordinary Ghanaians live in dilapidated homes, leaders reside in luxury mansions at the expense of the poor. As we proudly celebrate 68 years of so-called independence, many Ghanaians still lack access to potable water, forced to share contaminated sources with animals.
This is not the Ghana Nkrumah envisioned.
While we continue to benefit from Nkrumah’s legacies, some keaders prefer to leave their own legacies in the hands of God, focusing on projects like cathedrals and Hajj villages rather than addressing pressing developmental needs of the citizens. The Black Star in Ghana’s flag no longer symbolizes hope. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah dedicated his entire life to serving this country yet could not boast of any personal property as a politician.
Today, however, politics has become an enterprise, a surest means! where individuals enter public service with the sole intention of enriching themselves. Within just three or four years, politicians amass wealth comparable to that of business magnates like Elon Musk, if I am not exaggerating, while the average Ghanaian remains destitute despite working tirelessly all day. Yet, we still celebrate 68 years of independence in the face of such glaring inequality. This is not Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana, and our leaders are fully aware of this!
We cannot genuinely celebrate our 68th independence when young people are forced to choose between obtaining a PhD and securing a Dutch passport simply because of economic mismanagement and poor leadership. Instead, we are marking 68 years of corruption, mismanagement, and theft. Ghana’s 68th Independence Day should not be a moment of celebration but rather one of deep reflection. It is an opportunity for leaders and citizens alike to reassess the country’s trajectory and renew their commitment to true independence—one characterized by accountability, responsible governance, and sustainable development.
Without these fundamental changes, Ghana risks remaining a nation rich in resources yet impoverished in
progress.
#Reflect
#Review
#Reset
Source: Francis Delali Paa Kodjo Sosu
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