Ghanaian businessman and chancellor of the University of Cape Coast Sir Sam Jonah has observed that Ghana stands at a crossroads.He notes that the country is currently confronted with issues that go to the heart of "who we are'.He listed the issues inclduing 'steep economic decline, corruption, environmental degradation, particularly from illegal mining and the erosion of patriotism."Amidst all of these, we live in an emerging culture that prioritizes personal gain over collective well-being," he said."Trust in leadership is very low.
The latest Afrobarometer report by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) has revealed a historic decline in public trust in Ghanaian institutions, with citizens expressing deep concerns over the integrity of state entities, including the Electoral Commission's ability to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections."According to the report, public trust has eroded significantly in institutions such as the judiciary, tax authorities, the presidency, and Parliament, with particular skepticism directed toward officials perceived as corrupt. 'Three-fourths (74%) of Ghanaians say corruption levels increased 'somewhat' or 'a lot' over the past year.
And there is a deepening dependency mindset that threatens our national progress," he said in a write up titled 'How Ghana can successfully educate our population for the attainment of desired cultural values, peace and collective prosperity'.Sir Sam Jona further indicated that the mindset of dependency is pervasive in Ghana.Many Ghanaians believe that the solutions to financial, health, and societal problems lie not in application of mental resources nor hard work nor innovation but in prayer and divine intervention, he said.While faith is an integral part of our culture, ae stated, it becomes problematic when it discourages critical thinking, personal responsibility and accountability.
This mindset is reinforced from pulpits and accepted without question by many, including the elite."This belief system keeps the majority trapped in cycles of poverty, often exploited by unscrupulous figures who promise prosperity while siphoning resources and diverting focus from constructive solutions.