68 years post-independence: What should we be doing differently?
By: Rebecca Okine
On the historic night of March 6, 1957, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah stood before thousands of jubilant Ghanaians and declared, “At long last, the battle has ended! And thus, Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever!” These words signified the dawn of independence, a break from colonial rule, and the beginning of self-determination. Ghanaians were filled with hope, ready to chart their own path toward economic growth and development. However, nearly seven decades later, the question remains: Have we truly lived up to the promise of independence?
Ghana’s independence was not achieved by one man alone. While Dr. Kwame Nkrumah remains the most iconic figure, the efforts of other key personalities cannot be ignored. The Big Six: Dr. J.B. Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey, Edward Akufo-Addo, William Ofori Atta, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, and Kwame Nkrumah were instrumental in the fight for freedom. Their vision was clear: a Ghana that could stand on its own, utilize its rich resources, and become a beacon of hope for Africa.
In the years following independence, Nkrumah’s government made bold moves to industrialize Ghana. The construction of the Akosombo Dam, Tema Motorway, and state-owned enterprises were all part of his vision of self-reliance. However, political instability, economic mismanagement, and military coups disrupted the dream. Today, the challenges facing Ghana might be different from those of the 1960s, but they are equally pressing.
Despite our independence and the many promises made by successive governments, Ghana still grapples with significant challenges.
- Unemployment
According to President John Mahama’s State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2025, over two million Ghanaians are unemployed. This is a staggering number, especially considering the high number of graduates universities churn out yearly. Many young people struggle to find jobs, leading to frustration, migration, and sometimes crime.
2. Inflation
Inflation currently stands at 23% (according to the Ghana Statistical Service), making life increasingly difficult for the average Ghanaian. Prices of food, rent, and transportation have skyrocketed, stretching the budgets of families. Basic necessities that were once affordable have now become luxuries.
3. Cedi depreciation
As of March 6, 2025, the cedi is trading at 15.50 to the dollar, making imports more expensive and reducing the purchasing power of the ordinary Ghanaian. Businesses that rely on foreign goods struggle to stay afloat, and the cost of living continues to rise.
With these pressing issues, the question is: What should we be doing differently?
1. Change our mindset
Ghana’s biggest challenge is not just economic, it is also psychological. Many Ghanaians believe that success can only be found outside the country, leading to the infamous “jakpa” syndrome. While seeking opportunities abroad is not wrong, we must also believe in Ghana’s potential. Our attitude toward work, leadership, and patriotism must change. We need a mindset that prioritizes hard work, innovation, and self-reliance.
2. Speak positively about Ghana
It is common to hear Ghanaians speak negatively about their own country. While criticism is necessary for growth, excessive negativity only dampens national morale. Other countries have their problems, yet their citizens find ways to project positivity. We must learn to do the same. If we continuously speak of Ghana as a failed state, we subconsciously reinforce failure. Instead, let’s celebrate our progress and contribute to solutions rather than just pointing out problems.
3. Look within and become self-reliant
Ghana has everything it needs to succeed: fertile land, natural resources, and a youthful population. Yet, we continue to rely heavily on imports, from rice to toothpicks. Why should we import what we can produce locally? The answer lies in developing our industries, supporting local businesses, and prioritizing Made in Ghana products. If we invest in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, we can create jobs and strengthen our economy.
Sixty-eight years after independence, it is time for Ghanaians to take a hard look at where we are and where we want to be. The government has its role to play, but true transformation will come from a collective effort. Citizens must demand accountability, work diligently, and support home-grown solutions. As we mark another year of independence, let’s remember that the success of Ghana is in our hands. Dr. Nkrumah’s vision of a prosperous, self-reliant Ghana is still achievable. Independence was just the beginning; what we do with it is what truly matters.
