Ghana is a real gem, you know? This is because the country is rich in mineral resources such as gold, diamond, bauxite, petroleum, manganese, timber, cocoa, and others. Despite being small country, it's loaded with resources that make the country endearing to many nations.
We pride ourselves on these resources, which could have developed our nation, but poor leadership and the fight against even good leaders when they rise has often impeded the course of profiting even more from the nation's rich minerals.
As much as many of us know how we can easily develop and build a strong economy with such abundance of resources, it has not been the case. Our resources have failed us. Sometimes I wonder if it's a blessing or a curse for our nation to have so much yet not enough to show for it.
Ghana is reputed as the "Gateway to Africa." It's not just for show. The country was the first African country to break free from colonial rule back in 1957. The country's first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was a total inspiration, pushing for Pan-Africanism and unity across the continent.
His vision still resonates today; many Africans still want a united Africa. This seems like a long walk for Africa, but not something I would say is an impossible feat. After his demise, there have been other leaders who pushed forward the freedom for African unity, but all their endeavors failed.
Successive governments after Dr. Nkrumah have all played their roles towards nation development; there has been progress, though not as one that has had far-reaching effects. Most of their policies cease to last, and once they are out of power, the policies fade out because of different policies from successive governments.
Our resources have failed us, our leaders as well, and even other nations that had the capacity to help us, have only exploited us but one thing has still stood the test of time, and that's our beautiful culture. Ghanaian culture has stayed rich for years, and our tradition still goes on.
In our festivals, marriages, child christenings, and other events we continue to show the world about our culture. Our culture and tradition bind us and give us an identity as a people. Modernization has had its impacts on most cultures, causing people to change, but Ghana's culture still remains.
As people, we are always reminded of one thing; culture and tradition hold us strong. Our traditional leaders I would say have done well is passing on culture to younger generation. They do this by practicing and ensuring that cultural practicies are adhered to in all our festivals, at other events including marriages, funerals, child christening and more.
At home young ones are thought how to show reverence for the elderly in their speech and attitude. Even in the face of globalisation and external influences, Ghanaian culture has remained firm. This is because of how we have kept holding on to our heritage. The truth is our political leaders could have taken a cue from how we cherish our culture to have helped build our nation.
I believe our culture values forms a strong basis for nation building. Our culture teaches us respect, honour, solidarity, hospitality, trust, honesty and more. If we promote these things, shouldn't they reflect more in leaders who leads us in nation building and prosperity?