Karim advocates for shared national culture to bridge generational divide

Story: Abdulai SAAKA, Accra

Social entrepreneur and executive director of the Maltiti Foundation, Ewura Adams Karim has challenged Ghanaians to address the generational divide in mindsets by fostering a shared national culture.

Speaking at the Leadership Renaissance 2024 conference, Karim argued that the lack of a unifying cultural foundation has created gaps in values and approaches between generations, hindering social cohesion and progress.

Karim began his address by highlighting the critical role of culture in shaping the attitudes and behaviours of individuals across generations. “When you have a culture and imbibe that culture in people as they grow up, they grow with it,” he stated. Drawing comparisons with countries like Japan, he noted that instilling values such as respect, honesty, and integrity from a young age ensures these principles persist across generations. “From the get-go, the person has it. By the time they grow, it’s there,” he explained.

In contrast, Karim lamented Ghana’s lack of a consistent cultural framework, which has led to fragmented mindsets among generations. “The mindset your father has on certain issues is completely different from the mindset your elder sibling has, and different from the mindset you have on the same subject,” he observed. He argued that this disconnect stems from the absence of a shared set of principles ingrained in individuals from childhood.

Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by this generational divide, Karim expressed optimism about the possibility of change. “It might be late, it might not be late. We can start at the basic level,” he proposed. He called for efforts to instill a common cultural foundation in the younger generation while encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding among existing generations.

Karim emphasized the importance of finding middle ground between generations to foster collaboration and harmony. “Let’s identify our differences and see how we can meet each other halfway,” he urged. Reflecting on his own experiences working with individuals of diverse ages, he shared his approach to navigating these differences: “When I’m relating with older people, there’s a way I go about it. When I’m relating with my peers or younger people, there’s a way I go about it.”

This adaptability, Karim argued, is key to bridging the generational divide. By understanding and respecting the perspectives of others, Ghanaians can build a more inclusive society where the strengths of each generation are harnessed for collective progress.

Karim’s call for cultural renewal goes beyond generational harmony; it is a vision for a unified Ghana rooted in shared values. By fostering a culture that emphasizes respect, integrity, and mutual understanding, he believes the nation can overcome the challenges posed by differing mindsets and create a foundation for sustainable development. The Leadership Renaissance 2024 conference, which brought together leaders and thinkers from various sectors, served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions on how Ghana can navigate its social and economic challenges. Karim’s insights added a powerful voice to the conversation, urging the nation to prioritize cultural development as a means of bridging divides and building a stronger, more united society.