When it comes to anything concerning Ghana, I can go on and on because deep down I love my country and love to think I am a patriotic citizen (or used to be).
Yesterday, on the 6th March 2024, Ghana celebrated its 67th independence celebration and I did not know how to feel. In fact, I was not in a celebratory mood – which is very valid. The deteriorating state of the country would not allow me to celebrate our so-called independence. This is not to say I am expecting a perfect Ghana – there is no perfect country, not even the developed ones but after 67 years of an independence our forefathers fought for so tirelessly, you would think that the black man was indeed capable of managing his own affairs. Is this really the case? I have always said Kwame Nkrumah must have definitely been on something that night because as we have seen and still seeing, that is definitely NOT TRUE.
Ghana has been more retrogressive than progressive for the past decades not because we don’t have the capabilities but because of the greedy and wicked people we call leaders. It is pathetic and such a shame! In 2024, our education, health and welfare system as a country is in total disarray – most people are on a survival mode. One of the few things we still boast of as a country is peace which is true. But till when? And is peace an indicator of a progressive economy?
Yet every 6th March, there is a parade where long speeches are made yet little to no action. Aren’t we tired of this charade? We as young people especially are being robbed of our future in a country where the life expectancy is age 64. So imagine being in your early 30s (like myself and most of my friends), employed but earning chicken change as a single person. So imagine wanting to start a family and, own a house (which is almost impossible for young people with the ridiculous prices of houses and building materials) and live a decent life in present day Ghana – almost impossible. So the probable solution for most people is to leave the country – the brain drain problem which never stops but our so-called leaders are not bothered!
This evening, I hosted a Twitter space discussion on the ‘Impact Ghana’ account and it was similar to the views I had on the state of the country. Someone made a point on extending grace in our conversations as Ghana is just 67 years young. I believe two truths can co-exist. Yes, we are 67 years young but we could do far better than we are doing currently – especially our government and citizens alike!
I am not a happy Ghanaian and I did not feel like celebrating independence day which I didn’t. I don’t have anything against those who did because they may have had reasons to celebrate whereas I didn’t. I hope one day, I have a reason to celebrate but until then, I hope for a better Ghana and as someone passionate about my country, in one way or the other, I intend to contribute my quota towards its progress!
Gertrude says...... 