A section of Ghanaian citizens have expressed profound dissatisfaction with the nation's current state, despite being 69 years after independence. Many Ghanaians who spoke to Asona Dehyie Kwateng described the celebrations as 'unimportant,' citing a stark disconnect between the symbolic freedom won by the founding fathers and the harsh economic realities facing the modern-day populace.
The prevailing sentiment among most of these critics is the missed opportunities among the youth. They pointed to the high rate of unemployment among university and training college graduates, the skyrocketing cost of rent, and the deteriorating state of essential infrastructure including roads, schools, and hospitals as evidence of systemic failure.
Many of these respondents drew a comparison between the "golden era" of Ghana’s founding fathers and the 21st-century presidency, arguing that the visionary leadership of the past has been replaced by political interests that prioritize family and party over national development.
"When you compare Ghana to other nations that gained independence at the same time, it is clear we have lagged behind. Our leaders lack a long-term development plan, which is why the things Kwame Nkrumah built are being allowed to collapse." They lamented.*Sot; The Residents*
Adding his voice to the discourse, philanthropist Maxwell Opoku Agyemang shared insights from his international travels, speaking to Asona Dehyie Kwateng he questioning the management style of Ghana’s leadership. He expressed particular concern over the collapse of vital industries, such as the tire factory in the Western North Region, which once provided jobs and economic stability.
Mr. Agyemang criticized the nation's current urban planning, noting the dangerous trend of placing industrial hubs and fuel depots within residential areas in cities like Accra and Kumasi.
"We need a long-term vision. Right now, every political party comes into power and does its own thing, destroying the continuity of our progress," Mr Agyemang stated.
He, has therefore made a passionate appeal to the Ministry of Housing to utilize vast tracts of available land across the Eastern, Central, and Ashanti regions for dedicated industrial zones and affordable housing projects.
He suggested a collaborative model where the government builds houses on these lands and allows citizens to achieve homeownership through flexible payment plans spanning thirty to fourth years.
"We must move away from the current ad-hoc management of resources. By the time we reach our 70th Independence anniversary, the government must have a solid, long-term plan in place. I mean something that opens industries for the youth and provides decent housing for our people," he pleaded.
