By Lord Fiifi Quayle

Ghana, once Africa’s most promising country now finds itself struggling to survive . As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves: what does it take to create a nation where innovation flourishes, entrepreneurship thrives, and every citizen feels empowered to pursue their dreams? Drawing insights from the recent success of Ivory Coast, often deemed Africa’s best-kept secret ; we can glean valuable lessons that could propel Ghana to new heights.

• Harnessing Agricultural Potential

Ivory Coast’s rise has been largely attributed to its agricultural sector, particularly cocoa production. Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, has the potential to replicate and even surpass this success. By investing in sustainable agricultural practices, modernizing supply chains, and enhancing farmer education, Ghana can boost productivity and profitability. This requires a deliberate effort from both the government and private sector to provide the necessary resources and infrastructure, ensuring that farmers are not just surviving but thriving.

• Diversifying the Economy

While cocoa has served as a backbone for Ghana’s economy, the time has come to diversify. The Ivorian experience highlights the importance of expanding into sectors such as technology, tourism, and manufacturing. By fostering an environment conducive to innovation—through tax incentives, regulatory reforms, and investment in education—Ghana can cultivate a dynamic economy that offers opportunities across various industries. The establishment of technology hubs and incubators can nurture local talent, giving rise to startups that can compete on a global stage.

• Investing in Human Capital

Education is the bedrock of any successful nation. To build a Ghana where anything you try works, we must prioritize human capital development. The Ivorian government has made significant strides in improving educational access and quality, resulting in a more skilled workforce. Ghana can follow suit by reforming its educational system to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and vocational training. By aligning education with market needs, we can equip our youth with the skills necessary to succeed in an evolving job market.

• Strengthening Governance and Institutions

A robust and transparent governance framework is essential for fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. The Ivorian model demonstrates that effective leadership and accountability can attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. Ghana must continue to strengthen its institutions, combat corruption, and ensure that policies are implemented effectively. By building trust in governance, we can create a stable environment that encourages both local and foreign entrepreneurs to take risks and invest in new ideas.

• Fostering a Culture of Entrepreneurship

Cultural attitudes towards risk and failure play a significant role in shaping a nation’s entrepreneurial landscape. In Ghana, we must cultivate a mindset that celebrates innovation and views failure as a stepping stone to success. This can be achieved through community programs, mentorship initiatives, and success stories that inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. By creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages experimentation, we can ensure that Ghanaians feel empowered to pursue their passions and turn their ideas into reality.

• Embracing Regional Integration

Finally, Ghana must leverage its position within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to foster regional collaboration and trade. The success of Ivory Coast has shown that regional integration can unlock new markets and opportunities. By working together with neighboring countries, Ghana can create a larger economic bloc that benefits all member states. This cooperative approach can lead to shared resources, joint ventures, and a more resilient regional economy.

Building a Ghana where anything you try works is not merely a dream; it is an achievable reality. By learning from the successes of our neighbors, investing in our people, diversifying our economy, strengthening governance, fostering entrepreneurship, and embracing regional collaboration, we can create a nation that inspires innovation and empowers its citizens. The time is now for Ghana to rise as a beacon of opportunity in Africa—a place where dreams are not just imagined but realized.

GHANA IS WORKING AGAIN