I Was a Student, I Was Young, and I Was Hopeful, but…
Dear Nyaaba,
I earned me a place in the prestigious University of Ghana, as you very well know, and as soon as my “shito” had settled I had acquired the militancy and momentum of student politics. Though often dismissed as ‘idealistic’, it was these sentiments that informed our every action. It is from those also that we owe, these days, our “realism”.
Unlike many other groupings, the amorphous group of radical activists, did not discriminate; one only needed a passion and a good repertoire of impressive language and the ability to deliver same in the Marx-esque or Rawlings-esque manner.
I qualified. Easily.
Nyaaba, the early 1990s marked a turning point for Ghana. The country had transitioned from decades of military rule to constitutional democracy in 1992 under the Fourth Republic. For many Ghanaians, including students like myself at the time, the period was imbued with hope. We envisioned a future where democratic governance would translate into sustained economic growth, improved infrastructure, and equitable access to basic services. However, over three decades later, much of this optimism has been eroded by the stark realities of limited progress in critical areas.
Ghana has been lauded for its political stability. Peaceful transitions of power and a relatively vibrant democratic culture set the nation apart from many of its West African neighbors. However, stability alone has not translated into widespread progress.
Corruption remains endemic across successive administrations, with scandals such as the PDS energy sector debacle, and the COVID-19 expenditure controversies illustrating a worrying lack of accountability. These persistent issues undermine public trust and divert resources away from development priorities.
In the 1990s, Ghana was one of the first African countries to adopt structural adjustment programs, aiming to liberalize the economy and reduce fiscal deficits. While these reforms initially spurred growth, the long-term outcomes have been disappointing.
Today, Ghana’s economy is heavily reliant on primary commodities such as gold, cocoa, and crude oil. Despite periods of impressive GDP growth, including the discovery of oil in 2007, these gains have been unevenly distributed. Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with the World Bank estimating rates at over 19% as of recent years. Furthermore, Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio has reached unsustainable levels, culminating in a return to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout in 2022. This cycle of borrowing and debt distress reflects a lack of robust fiscal discipline and long-term planning.
Nyaaba, Ghanaians in the 1990s dreamed of a country with reliable electricity, quality healthcare, and accessible education. While there have been pockets of improvement, the reality for many remains grim.
- Energy Crisis: The persistent “dumsor” (erratic power supply) that plagued the country in the 2010s severely hampered productivity and remains a sporadic issue.
- Healthcare: Healthcare infrastructure is unevenly distributed, with rural areas suffering from chronic shortages of facilities and medical personnel. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep systemic weaknesses.
- Education: While initiatives such as the Free SHS policy have increased access, quality education remains elusive, with many schools lacking basic resources and infrastructure.
Ancestor mine, the early 1990s saw a Ghana rich in natural resources, from dense forests to fertile lands. Today, environmental degradation threatens the nation’s future. Illegal mining (galamsey) has devastated water bodies, deforestation is rampant, and climate change impacts are worsening food insecurity.
These environmental challenges are compounded by weak enforcement of laws and a lack of political will to address destructive practices.
Nyaaba, the cumulative effect of limited progress has fueled social discontent. Many Ghanaians, particularly the youth, feel disconnected from national development. This frustration has driven a significant “brain drain,” with talented professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. While remittances have become a lifeline for many families, this exodus deprives Ghana of the skilled workforce needed for transformative development.
I was a student in the 1990s, filled with hope for Ghana’s future. Three decades later, the country has made strides in democracy and occasional economic growth, but these gains are overshadowed by persistent corruption, economic mismanagement, and limited improvements in quality of life. The Ghanaian dream of progress remains largely unfulfilled for the majority.
To reverse this trajectory, Ghana must embrace a new ethos of accountability, prioritize inclusive and sustainable development, and invest in human capital. Only then can the hopes of the 1990s finally be realized.
The Honourrebel Siriguboy
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