Trust in leadership is very low – Sir Sam Jonah

 Ghanaian businessman and chancellor of the University of Cape Coast Sir Sam Jonah has observed that Ghana stands at a crossroads.

He notes that the country is currently confronted with issues that go to the heart of  “who we are’.

He listed the issues inclduing ‘steep economic decline, corruption, environmental degradation, particularly from illegal mining and the erosion of patriotism.

“Amidst all of these, we live in an emerging culture that prioritizes personal gain over collective well-being,” he said.

“Trust in leadership is very low. The latest Afrobarometer report by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) has revealed a historic decline in public trust in Ghanaian institutions, with citizens expressing deep concerns over the integrity of state entities, including the Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections.

“According to the report, public trust has eroded significantly in institutions such as the judiciary, tax authorities, the presidency, and Parliament, with particular skepticism directed toward officials perceived as corrupt. ‘Three-fourths (74%) of Ghanaians say corruption levels increased ‘somewhat’ or ‘a lot’ over the past year. And there is a deepening dependency mindset that threatens our national progress,” he said in a write-up titled ‘How Ghana can successfully educate our population for the attainment of desired cultural values, peace and collective prosperity’.

Sir Sam Jonah further indicated that the mindset of dependency is pervasive in Ghana.

Many Ghanaians believe that the solutions to financial, health, and societal problems lie not in application of mental resources nor hard work nor innovation but in prayer and divine intervention, he said.

While faith is an integral part of our culture, he stated, it becomes problematic when it discourages critical thinking, personal responsibility and accountability. This mindset is reinforced from pulpits and accepted without question by many, including the elite.

“This belief system keeps the majority trapped in cycles of poverty, often exploited by unscrupulous figures who promise prosperity while siphoning resources and diverting focus from constructive solutions. The dependency mindset manifests in other ways, too. Citizens contribute generously to build churches while schools and hospitals remain in disrepair. This mentality, that prayer alone will solve our problems, must change if we are to foster genuine development.

“No serious observer of our society can deny that a large number of our people believe that an effective way of solving our financial, health and other societal problems is not by thinking and working but by appealing to the Almighty. Where else will the notion be taken seriously that a strong economy, food security or the eradication of preventable disease can somehow be achieved not by the use of our brains but by praying to God and casting and binding demons? And yet this absurdity gets nodded to by a large number of people, when it is delivered from pulpits in our country. Let’s be clear; the responsibility for the development of this country is solely ours,” he said.

He however said it isn’t only about religion.

“The challenges we face in governance are profound and deeply rooted in a rather tragic mindset. Currently underway is a virtual crisis in Parliament that has led to the indefinite suspension of sittings. Issues at stake, go beyond mere procedure and protocol. a deeper crisis lurks beneath: the erosion of integrity, patriotism, nationalism, within in our body politic. Indeed, when public office becomes a pathway to personal wealth rather than service to the people, we set the stage for undermining of our sovereignty. And when the legislature, the very embodiment of democratic law, ethics, and virtues, exhibits signs of malaise, our sense of optimism as a nation plummets.

“Corruption has become so pervasive that many Ghanaians consider it as an intrinsic part of culture, and not to be corrupt as a social anomaly. I know of one academic who briefly entered politics with a clean and virtuous mind only to be soon alienated and characterized as unfortunately ‘unbusinesslike,’ a refined euphemism for ‘non-corrupt.’ Apparently, a businesslike politician is one who considers every policy objective as an opportunity to pursue self-interest and considers dollars and property accruing to family and friends as a measure of successful policy implementation. Days of altruism and selfless national service closely associated with the immediate aftermath of Ghana’s independence have receded far into the distance. Where are the Kwame Nkrumah’s? And where are the likes of Mensah Sarbah, who when he was going to be rewarded monetarily for his service to the Aborigines Rights Protection Society, declined accepting the cash, saying serving his people was great reward by itself.”

Below is the full write up

How Ghana can successfully educate our population for the attainment of desired cultural values, peace and collective prosperity

– Sir Sam Jonah, OSG, KBE, Captain of Industry & Thought-leader

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, we gather here today at a defining moment in our nation’s history to share thoughts on the topic “How Ghana can successfully educate our population for the attainment of desired cultural values, peace and collective prosperity.”

This topic resonates deeply with me, as it should with every Ghanaian everywhere. It speaks to the heart of what makes us who we are — our identity, our heritage, and our collective aspirations.

Ladies and gentlemen, before we get into the meat of the topic at hand, it is important for us to have an honest conversation on where we are as a nation. The promise, and euphoria, that characterized Ghana’s independence over 60 years ago has to a large extent, not been fulfilled.

Ghana, our homeland, stands at a crossroads. We are confronted with issues that go to the heart of who we are: Steep economic decline, corruption, environmental degradation particularly from illegal mining and the erosion of patriotism. Amidst all of these we live in an emerging culture that prioritizes personal gain over collective well-being. Trust in leadership is very low. The latest Afrobarometer report by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) has revealed a historic decline in public trust in Ghanaian institutions, with citizens expressing deep concerns over the integrity of state entities, including the Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. According to the report, public trust has eroded significantly in institutions such as the judiciary, tax authorities, the presidency, and Parliament, with particular skepticism directed toward officials perceived as corrupt. “Three-fourths (74%) of Ghanaians say corruption levels increased ‘somewhat’ or ‘a lot’ over the past year.” And there is a deepening dependency mindset that threatens our national progress.

The mindset of dependency is pervasive. Many Ghanaians believe that the solutions to financial, health, and societal problems lie not in application of mental resources nor hard work nor innovation but in prayer and divine intervention. While faith is an integral part of our culture, it becomes problematic when it discourages critical thinking, personal responsibility and accountability. This mindset is reinforced from pulpits and accepted without question by many, including the elite. This belief system keeps the majority trapped in cycles of poverty, often exploited by unscrupulous figures who promise prosperity while siphoning resources and diverting focus from constructive solutions.

The dependency mindset manifests in other ways, too. Citizens contribute generously to build churches while schools and hospitals remain in disrepair. This mentality, that prayer alone will solve our problems, must change if we are to foster genuine development.

No serious observer of our society can deny that a large number of our people believe that an effective way of solving our financial, health and other societal problems is not by thinking and working but by appealing to the Almighty. Where else will the notion be taken seriously that a strong economy, food security or the eradication of preventable disease can somehow be achieved not by the use of our brains but by praying to God and casting and binding demons? And yet this absurdity gets nodded to by a large number of people, when it is delivered from pulpits in our country. Let’s be clear; the responsibility for the development of this country is solely ours.

But ladies and gentlemen, it isn’t only about religion. The challenges we face in governance are profound and deeply rooted in a rather tragic mindset. Currently underway is a virtual crisis in Parliament that has led to the indefinite suspension of sittings. Issues at stake, go beyond mere procedure and protocol. a deeper crisis lurks beneath: the erosion of integrity, patriotism, nationalism, within in our body politic. Indeed, when public office becomes a pathway to personal wealth rather than service to the people, we set the stage for undermining of our sovereignty. And when the legislature, the very embodiment of democratic law, ethics, and virtues, exhibits signs of malaise, our sense of optimism as a nation plummets.

Corruption has become so pervasive that many Ghanaians consider it as an intrinsic part of culture, and not to be corrupt as a social anomaly. I know of one academic who briefly entered politics with a clean and virtuous mind only to be soon alienated and characterized as unfortunately ‘unbusinesslike,’ a refined euphemism for ‘non-corrupt.’ Apparently, a businesslike politician is one who considers every policy objective as an opportunity to pursue self-interest and considers dollars and property accruing to family and friends as a measure of successful policy implementation. Days of altruism and selfless national service closely associated with the immediate aftermath of Ghana’s independence have receded far into the distance. Where are the Kwame Nkrumah’s? And where are the likes of Mensah Sarbah, who when he was going to be rewarded monetarily for his service to the Aborigines Rights Protection Society, declined accepting the cash, saying serving his people was great reward by itself.

Rather than emulate the selfless spirit of our heroes, governance is replete with scandals, which get worse by the day; and governments do not only spare the corrupt within their own bracket, we hardly hear of disciplinary action against public officials traceable to executive graft, corruption, self -aggrandizement, or unexplained wealth. Even when investigating past officials from the other camp, don’t we exercise restraint for fear that when we squeeze them too hard, they may retaliate, should they return to power? Indeed, nowhere is the abysmal failure of accountability structures more evident than in the reckless assault on the natural environment through illegal mining. The devastation caused to our water bodies, forests, and people’s health is immeasurable. But to all this, government after government have looked away and shamelessly displayed insensitivity, especially in election years.

The way forward is to transform our mindset—a fundamental shift in paradigm; indeed, a new awakening that prioritizes community, country and citizenship. If Ghana is to compete in the global marketplace of ideas, we must reform our educational mindset. Schools should not be places where students simply memorize answers to pass exams; they must become environments that inspire problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. We need a shift from a focus on grades to nurturing leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs capable of transforming our economy.

We ought to be troubled by the recent government decision to institutionalize the purchasing of past examination papers for distribution to students. This must be a very low first. Regrettably, this decision in itself formalizes our reliance on rote learning and memorization at the expense of content comprehension and innovative thinking.

We are training our future leaders to repeat or rehash the past; to rely on shortcuts, and to fear failure rather than embrace learning. We are training them to cut corners to replicate and recite, instead of understanding, innovating and producing. We are lowering the standards of our children’s education.

At the entrance of a university in South Africa the following message was clearly posted for contemplation:

“Destroying any nation does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long-range missiles. It only requires lowering the quality of education and allowing cheating in the examinations by the students.”

Patients die at the hands of such doctors.

Buildings collapse at the hands of such engineers.

Money is lost at the hands of such economists & accountants.

Humanity dies at the hands of such religious scholars.

Justice is lost at the hands of such judges…

“The collapse of education is the collapse of the nation.”

What we need is a mindset of innovation which can only be triggered by practical learning and thinking on our feet.

Dr Kwame Nkrumah, our first president, clearly understood the need for a mindset change. This he sought to instill through the Young Pioneer Movement, which was a call on our youth to serve Ghana with courage, tenacity and loyalty. The Young Pioneers sang a song, the lyrics of which go:

O, Young Pioneers, Let us unite and serve the land,

With courage, strength, and loyalty, For Ghana, our dear homeland.

O, Young Pioneers, We shall march with hearts so true,

With Nkrumah’s vision guiding us, To build a future bright and new.

We shall strive for freedom’s cause, With dedication and with pride,

For Ghana, we’ll uphold the laws, With unity and love as our guide.

O, Young Pioneers, With one voice and one hand,

Together we shall forge the path, To make Ghana great and grand.

With discipline and with resolve, Our work shall never cease,

For Ghana’s progress we will serve, And build a land of peace.

These words weren’t merely ceremonial; they sought to instill a sense of duty and selflessness in young Ghanaians, inspiring a generation that would serve the motherland with pride. It is this spirit we critically need at this time in Ghana’s history.

The concept of national service while commendable must be looked at critically to ensure the building of character in all our youth. In this regard, I strongly suggest that we model our national service on similar ones in Finland, South Korea, Israel and other nations where all graduates and persons aged over 19 serve in the military for a year. Objective observers commend this as a strategy for building discipline, confidence and resilience in the service personnel.

This is commitment to country. This builds character, and the good sense to look out for one another. This instils accountability. This national service nurtures leaders. And my God; we need leaders in our young men and women now more than ever. Leaders, not followers, who will ensure the right thing is done where and when it must be done.

Returning to the matter of environmental degradation; even as I speak there are tv documentaries showing illegal mining being brazenly conducted near highways in the Amenfi district of the Western region of Ghana. Open destruction of the environment with impunity, while law enforcement looks on virtually petrified or with their hands tied.

This culture of permissiveness in the face of blatant corruption and environmental degradation must end. We must demand more from our leaders, and ourselves. We must foster a culture of integrity where public office is a sacred trust, not a shortcut to wealth. Leadership must be seen as an opportunity to protect and secure Ghana’s future for subsequent generations; not a pathway for self -service, and the reckless dissipation of resources meant for our children and generations yet unborn.

For the sake of this nation, this situation can no longer be tolerated. A total re-education is necessary to curb the indiscipline, insensitivity, corruption, greed and lack of patriotism. This education must start with a mindset transformation.

Nations that made the transformation from poor and distressed to prosperous and peaceful recognized that a change in mindset is foundational for the achievement of desired values such as patriotism, discipline, integrity, and collective responsibility.

They have recognized that while policies and infrastructure are essential, they are not sufficient on their own. Real progress begins in the minds of the people.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, this is what Ghana needs. And let me say there are 3 successful examples we can learn from:

1. Singapore: Instilling Discipline and Patriotism

Let us begin with Singapore, one of the most famous examples of national transformation. When Singapore gained independence on 9th August 1965, after separating from Malaysia due to deep political and economic differences between the ruling parties, it faced numerous challenges — poverty, lack of natural resources, and a diverse population with no unifying identity. Within a few decades, however, Singapore transformed itself into one of the world’s most developed nations. How did this happen?

The transformation was not purely economic; it was driven by a deliberate effort to reshape the mindset of the population. Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, the government-initiated campaigns to instill discipline, patriotism, and a collective sense of responsibility. Singapore’s “National Courtesy Campaign” of the 1970s, for instance, aimed to promote courteous and respectful behaviour. The “Keep Singapore Clean” campaign emphasized cleanliness, not just as a personal habit but as a civic duty.

These mindset-changing national initiatives were integrated into schools, workplaces, and public spaces. From a young age, children were taught values such as respect, responsibility, and national pride. The result? Singapore developed a disciplined, efficient, and patriotic population that has been instrumental in the country’s sustained success.

With respect, responsibility and national pride instilled in the citizens, law, order and cleanliness became second nature to Singapore. For example, in response to problems created by chewing-gum litter in public places like cinemas, parks and common areas of housing estates such as lifts, staircases and corridors, as well as over $140,000 annually to clean up chewing gum litter, a chewing gum ban was implemented in January 1992 to eradicate the problem. This was strategically preceded by Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (now known as MediaCorp’s) prohibition from showing commercials that promoted the sale of chewing gum, while school snack shops were told to stop selling chewing gum to students. Mindset transformation inspires purposeful actions for desired outcomes. According to the 2023 Corruption Perception Index published by Transparency International, Singapore is one of the 5 least corrupt nations out of 180 countries.  In 2024, Ghana’s GDP per capita is USD 2381 and Singapore’s USD 84734. Doing the Maths must make Ghanaian leadership shy.

2. South Korea: Fostering National Unity and Collective Responsibility

Another country that underwent a significant mindset transformation is South Korea. After the signing of an armistice agreeing that the country would remain divided into North and South following the Korean War from June 1950 to July 1953, South Korea was one of the poorest nations in the world. By the 1980s, it had become a model of rapid economic development, a phenomenon often referred to as the “Miracle on the Han River.”

This transformation was not achieved by economic reforms alone. South Korea’s government recognized the importance of fostering national unity and a collective sense of responsibility among its people. The country’s Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) in the 1970s is a prime example. This movement encouraged citizens, particularly in rural areas, to adopt values of self-help, diligence, and cooperation. Villagers were encouraged to work together to improve their communities, and the government provided the necessary support to ensure their success.

This movement led to a profound shift in the national mindset, where individuals began to see their personal progress as inseparably bound to the success of the community and the nation. South Korea’s focus on education, respect for elders, and strong work ethic continues to drive its success today.

It is the world’s third-largest producer of electronics after China and the United States, and the automotive industry is the fifth-largest in the world after China, US, Japan and India as measured by automobile unit production. When the values of the people are right, the unity and commitment of the citizens become steadfast, and the output of the country is bound to increase in value. In 1960, GDP per capita were similar for Ghana and South Korea. By the end of 2023, Ghana’s was USD 2,322 and South Korea’s USD 34, 121.

3. China: Integrating Core Values into Public Policy and Education

China’s rapid development has been driven not only by economic policies but also by a concerted effort to shape the mindsets of its people. In recent decades, China has placed a strong emphasis on the “Socialist Core Values,” which include patriotism, dedication, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. These values have been integrated into every aspect of Chinese society—schools, media, public campaigns, and government policies. Whichever is a people subscribe to, it is the desired outcomes, driven by their values and intentional actions that determine development or stagnation; success or failure.

One of the most prominent examples of China’s initiatives is the “Chinese Dream” introduced by President Xi Jinping. This vision calls for national rejuvenation and stresses the importance of hard work, unity, and national pride. The concept of the Chinese Dream has been used to inspire citizens to contribute to the country’s development while embracing values of personal responsibility and collective well-being.

In schools, students are taught these core values from an early age, and they are reinforced throughout their education. Public campaigns, such as the “Civilized Behavior” initiative, promote law-abiding and respectful behavior in public spaces. The result is a society where citizens are more aligned with the country’s goals, and there is a greater sense of responsibility toward the nation. In 2024, Ghana’s GDP per capita is USD 2,381 and China’s is USD 12,174.

Ladies and gentlemen, the examples of Singapore, South Korea and China beg the question, what must Ghana do? I propose that we start with our educational system as the key tool for mindset change.

Education plays a critical role in shaping minds. Nations that have successfully transformed their populations have made values-based education a priority.

Part of our problem as a country has been an archaic system where going to school per se is mistaken for education. Year on year we have produced graduates that have next to nothing to show beyond certificates. It has been said that education is what remains after one has forgotten everything learned at school. Indeed, our education sector is grappling with a mindset problem that threatens our future. The system has prioritized outward frivolities for the impressionable like rote learning and exam results over critical thinking and problem solving. It has given employers the added task of tuning graduates to apply learning in the solution of problems that plague society. We feed students with theories that are only marginally relevant to our circumstances and allow students to pass through our classrooms and lecture halls with no education passing through them.

Even more troubling is the recent decision to institutionalize the purchasing of past examination papers, which in itself formalizes our reliance on rote learning and memorization at the expense of content comprehension and innovative thinking. What we need is a mindset of innovation which can only be triggered by practical learning and thinking on our feet.

If Ghana is to compete in the global marketplace of ideas, we must reform our educational mindset. Schools should not be places where students simply memorize answers to pass exams; they must become environments

that inspire problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. We need a shift from a focus on grades to nurturing leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and capable artisans with the mentality and capacity to transform our economy. I am glad the new primary school curriculum being rolled out by Government prioritizes practical skills over theory and rote learning.

Our children should grow up knowing that education is not a means to escape responsibility, but a tool to equip them to tackle the challenges Ghana faces. In this regard, I am reminded of the words of Former US President Theodore Roosevelt: “To educate a man in mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society.”

We are seeing the effects of this neglect: A nation grappling with social ills not emanating from a deficit in intellect, but a tragic dip in moral values and collective responsibility. This crisis demands a radical shift in our mindset— a transformation that should redefine our approach to education which in turn will impact our governance and community. When we assume a mindset of innovation and integrity, we prepare the young ones to be agents of progress our nation dearly needs.

Our educational system must be the first line of defence against our prevailing moral decay. From the earliest stages of education, children should be taught the new Ghanaian mindset, the importance of principles, not just in theory, but through simulation and practical application. It is one thing to learn about honesty in a textbook; it is another to live it through everyday actions, reinforced by the examples set by educators, parents, and community leaders.

In order to successfully transform the mindset of our population for the attainment of desired cultural values, peace and collective prosperity the following key stakeholders have crucial roles to play:

The Role of Educators

Educators play a pivotal role in this integration process. They are not just instructors of knowledge; they are mentors, role models, and guides. Their influence extends beyond the classroom, shaping the character and values of their pupils and students. It is therefore crucial that our educators themselves are grounded in the values we hold dear and are provided with the training and resources to incorporate cultural and moral education into their teaching. But educators cannot do it alone.

The Role of Parents & Guardians

The family unit is the primary Ministry of Education. It is where a child learns values. Parents and guardians must take an active role in this process. The home should be a place where children are nurtured with love, discipline, and respect. It is the responsibility of every parent to instill in their children the values that will guide them throughout their lives.

The Role of Policy Makers

For the integration of culture, values, and morals into our educational system to be effective, there must be a concerted effort from policymakers. This is not something that can be achieved through rhetoric alone; it requires careful planning and deliberate action. Educational policies should be designed to include these elements as core components of the curriculum: The development and design of textbooks and learning materials that reflect our cultural heritage, the training of teachers in cultural competencies, and the inclusion of relevant cultural activities in school programs.

Moreover, policy must go beyond learning by rote to learning for life skills, social inclusion, entrepreneurship, applicable skills and competencies for job-creation, and to tackle broader societal issues. We must have the courage to speak truth to power, confront corruption, materialism, and moral decay head-on, ensuring that our institutions uphold the values we wish to instill in future generations.

Ladies and Gentlemen, building a nation of empowered minds requires a commitment to preserving and promoting our culture, values, and morals, and integrating them into the very fabric of our educational system.

The role of Public Campaigners

Communicators, strategists, producers, directors, writers, actors and curators are the professionals behind public campaigns that promote values like punctuality, cleanliness, respect for the environment, and community roles. They are essential in the conscientizing, conditioning and informal education effort. Imagine a national initiative that emphasizes the importance of punctuality and working to time schedules, which challenges the notion of “Ghana Maybe Time”- the local phrase that is used in place of Greenwich Mean Time when people turn up shamefully late. “Punctuality is the politeness of Princes.” Punctuality shows respect for others and reflects pride in our commitments. By making it a core national value, we shift from a culture of excuses to one of responsibility and dignity.

Conclusion

For Ghana, this mindset transformation journey must begin in our schools, which are the bedrock of any society. The role of the educational ecosystem is paramount here, and each stakeholder has a crucial part to play.

As we move forward, let us be minded that the strength of our nation lies not in the knowledge alone we impart to our children but also in the values we instill in them. A radical rethink, repurpose, and redesign of our education, starting with mindset transformation for our much-needed national character, is the only way forward.

From humble preparatory schools to lofty graduate institutions, education in Ghana must build truthful, ethical, purposeful and useful citizens; innovators, entrepreneurs and doers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Applied Humanities; professional, technical and vocational workers solving problems, making products and delivering services with integrity, courtesy and humanity to people.

Let us strive to build a Ghana where our culture and values are not relics of the past but are living, breathing parts of our present, and future. The future of Ghana depends not just on policies, but on the values we hold dear as a people. By transforming our mindset, we can create a nation that is not only prosperous but is also rooted in integrity, unity, and a shared sense of purpose and humanity.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Let us choose to lift high the flag of Ghana; to take responsibility for our nation’s progress; to safeguard a beautiful country where we successfully educate our population for our cultural values, peace and collective prosperity; and to build a future that reflects the greatness we know we are capable of.

Let us start now with a mindset transformation.

Thank you.