Ghana Beyond Aid And The Dignity Of The Ghanaian

It is a noble idea to envision a country that does not live at the mercy of others; a country that is made by the collective efforts of its citizenry. Since President Akufo-Addo introduced the phrase, "Ghana Beyond Aid" in our body politic, several people have given it an interpretation that suits their orientation, or political understanding. Let me attempt to explain what the phrase means with my limited knowledge.

To begin with, Ghana beyond aid does not mean, the country will not or never accept donation or gifts from others. It also does not mean that we shall not or never be confronted with a need; we shall at a point in time. I must also point out that, in all our perceived self sufficiency, we shall have inadequacies in some aspects of our lives. Ghana beyond aid does not mean we shall never lack or never be in need. Even the United States Fiscal Service accepts donations, presents, among others.

What does it mean to have a country beyond aid? Simply put, it means a country that through conscious efforts, policy interventions and programs have become emancipated from the total dependence on others for the management of their economies. These are countries that seek to improve the living conditions of their citizenry through the improvement of their economies and the enhancement of the capacity of their people.

From the above, you would agree with me that Ghana beyond aid is not a pie in the sky, but a doable and a realizable vision or idea. If we assume that it cannot be done, or engage in cynicism or skepticism, then we are saying that Ghana can never emancipate herself from poverty and economic hell, and that we are not capable of turning our country around and make it one of the best in the world.

Looking at the policies the government is implementing, if we stay focus and keep our shoulders to the wheel, we shall achieve a self-sufficient Ghana. If we are able to add value to our mineral deposits, diversify our economy and add value to our agricultural products; if the planting for food and jobs thrive, if we win the fight against galamsey, and get more land for intensive agricultural activities, if the paperless port policy works, if we are able to make the one district one factory project a reality, if we are able to cash in on the digital property addressing system and rope in more of the workers in the informal sector of the economy so as to increase revenue, if we are able to cut down on corruption, and the office of the special prosecutor excels, if through the free SHS more of our children are educated and made better and versatile, and above all if we change our attitudes and behaviours and become more responsible to our country, then we would be on the express road to attaining a GHANA BEYOND AID.

I supportghanabeyondaid
God bless Ghana!
Dr. Kingsley Nyarko
(Executive Director, Danquah Institute)