Ghana at crossroads

– Harness young talent or continue to lose talent

By Prof. Samuel Lartey

Introduction

THIS feature presents a radical idea that remains relevant and evergreen: that, the path to success requires us to overcome self-sabotage by “acting as if it were impossible to fail.”

It is believed that people could unlock their potential by eliminating self-defeating thoughts, a concept that deeply resonant with Ghana’s ambitions to nurture a thriving, confident workforce.

In Ghana, with an economy that leans heavily on the drive and ingenuity of its youthful population, the teachings in this feature highlight a pathway to overcome self-imposed limitations and build a more resilient, empowered talent pool.

The Cost of Self-Sabotage in Ghana

Despite Ghana’s impressive strides toward economic development, self-sabotage continues to hinder individual progress and national growth. Ghana’s youth unemployment rate, estimated at 12.6% in 2023 (affecting roughly 1.2 million young people), reflects a significant challenge in converting raw potential into sustainable economic contributions.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, 28% of the population is aged between 15 and 35, yet many face barriers such as lack of access to practical education, resources, and networks necessary for meaningful employment. These barriers fuel self-doubt and foster an environment where talent often remains underutilised.

The feature has identified fear of failure and complacency as some of the primary drivers behind self-sabotage, advocating for consistent action and belief in one’s abilities. As Ghana moves forward, the Author provides a guiding light, encouraging its citizens to cultivate resilience and confidence.

Ghana’s Talent Landscape

1. The Courage to Act as if Success is Assured

The feature referenced Brande’s core admonition, to “act as if it were impossible to fail,” as a concept that could revolutionise the mindset of Ghanaian youth. In a country where stable employment is highly valued, and the entrepreneurial route often comes with social and financial risks, many shy away from innovation.

Yet, there are success stories in sectors like technology and fintech that show the potential of adopting a “failure-is-not-an-option” attitude.

In 2021, mobile money transactions in Ghana reached an astounding GH₵1.2 trillion ($100 billion), largely driven by young tech innovators.

Programs like the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), which provided over GH₵ 50 million (roughly $8.6 million) in 2022 to support new businesses, are critical in cultivating this attitude by offering mentorship and financial support.

By instilling Brande’s principle of unshakable belief, young entrepreneurs in Ghana could be empowered to act decisively, driving their ideas forward and building a resilient economy.

2. Strategic Self-Investment

Personal development is about self-belief, yet for many Ghanaians, financial limitations can easily morph into self-sabotage. Ghana’s inflation rate, which reached 40.1% in October 2023, compounds the economic pressures that discourage many from investing in skills development or entrepreneurship.

This financial environment breeds caution, and without a steady income, young talents may feel hesitant to invest in their potential.

However, even amid economic strain, affordable and accessible educational platforms are reshaping opportunities for self-investment. Online courses, workshops, and certifications often subsidised by the government and NGOs are empowering young people to build their skills and resilience.

Ghana’s focus on creating digital skills initiatives, like the eTransform Ghana project, seeks to reduce this barrier by equipping young people with high-demand digital skills. Funded by a $97 million World Bank credit, this initiative aims to develop a workforce with expertise in areas like coding and data analytics, nurturing self-development even in difficult economic conditions.

3. Discipline as a Tool to Combat Self-Sabotage

The Author advice on establishing discipline to counteract self-sabotage is especially relevant in a culture where resources and opportunities can be unpredictable. Ghana’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, launched in 2017, has expanded access to education for millions. While the program has sometimes struggled to meet demand, it highlights the value of discipline in personal growth.

By encouraging students to be proactive, adapt to resource constraints, and embrace learning with intent, the nation fosters a disciplined generation that aligns with the Author’s call for consistent, purpose-driven action.

However, educational access alone does not ensure professional growth. To fully capitalise on expanded education, graduates must be equipped with the practical discipline to adapt their knowledge to the job market.

Currently, 85% of Ghanaian employers report difficulty in finding qualified candidates. This highlights a gap that the narratives here aspire to address. A disciplined approach to personal development, coupled with a mindset of adaptability, can bridge the disconnect between theoretical learning and real-world application.

4. Learning from Setbacks in Entrepreneurship

Self-sabotage also manifests in how individuals interpret setbacks. For many young Ghanaians, especially those in entrepreneurship, challenges are often internalised as personal failure, discouraging further risks.

Embracing setbacks as natural and essential steps in the journey to success is an excellent way to make things happen easier. This lesson is critical for Ghana’s youth, who represent a significant portion of the workforce and economic growth.

Programs like the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), which provides skills training and job placements for young people, help foster resilience by offering a safety net that encourages risk-taking.

In 2023, YEA committed GH₵10 million ($1.72 million) to support entrepreneurship training, offering young Ghanaians the tools and reassurance to try again after a setback, aligning with Brande’s vision of resilience.

Forward-Looking Insights

In 2022, Ghana’s GDP grew at a rate of 3.2%, below the average for sub-Saharan Africa, pointing to a need for the country to leverage its human capital more effectively. Talent development, through overcoming self-sabotage, offers a path to accelerate this growth.

A World Bank report highlighted that Ghana’s youth could drive a major economic transformation if equipped with the right mindset and opportunities. Ghana stands at a crossroads: either harness the potential of its young workforce or continue to lose talent to emigration and underemployment.

By taking the lessons expounded in this article to heart, and acting with confidence, investing in self-development, exercising discipline, and viewing setbacks as stepping stones, Ghanaians can develop resilience.

With these values, young people in Ghana can contribute to the economy more effectively, fostering a cycle of growth that aligns with both personal aspirations and national development goals.

Conclusion

This feature offers more than just individual empowerment, it provides a blueprint for national transformation.

The call to act without fear, invest in one’s growth, and adopt discipline as a tool to overcome self-doubt is crucial for Ghana’s journey toward a thriving economy led by resilient, skilled, and confident individuals. Through the support of national programs, partnerships, and a culture that rewards disciplined ambition, Ghana can transform self-sabotage into self-empowerment, creating a future where every individual acts as if failure is indeed, not an option.