Is the Ghanaian Youth Ready for the Future?

The readiness of Ghanaian youth for the future is a critical issue, considering the immense potential they hold and the pivotal role they are expected to play in shaping society. The future indeed belongs to the youth, but that promise is tied to a heavy responsibility: the need for deliberate preparation, integrity, and a long-term view of success.

The Wilderness of Preparation

As young people, the gap between dreams and the realization of those dreams often feels vast. This gap, which we might call the “wilderness,” is a critical period in which individuals must prepare themselves—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In this period, the youth are expected to build capacity, gain expertise, and develop the qualities necessary for success.

However, navigating this wilderness can be fraught with distractions, particularly in today’s digital age, where information is easily accessible, and the illusion of quick success is pervasive. While the accessibility of knowledge, certifications, and learning platforms is a positive development, it also creates a false sense of readiness among some young people. Many focus on obtaining certificates without acquiring the deep, practical knowledge or experience necessary to stand out in the competitive job market. This has led to a situation where many are technically qualified but not truly equipped for the demands of the modern workforce.

The Integrity Deficit

At the heart of this issue is a crucial but often neglected value: integrity. Integrity is the cornerstone of personal and professional success, yet it is increasingly becoming rare among the youth. In an age where instant gratification and shortcuts are glorified, integrity—doing the right thing even when no one is watching—can feel outdated or unnecessary. However, it is the foundation upon which lasting success is built.

For many young Ghanaians, the desire to attain success quickly has resulted in a disregard for integrity. Whether in education, business, or politics, there is a growing trend of people looking for shortcuts to wealth, power, and influence. This behavior is not only problematic on a personal level but also has broader implications for society. When integrity is absent, the quality of work suffers, trust is eroded, and opportunities for growth are lost.

The situation in many sectors of Ghana’s economy is indeed alarming, particularly in trades such as seamstresses, auto mechanics, and commercial transport operators, commonly referred to as “Trotro.” Traditionally, these professions have been key contributors to employment and economic growth. However, recent trends show a concerning decline in the number of young people willing to learn these trades through the traditional apprenticeship system.

This issue is most pronounced among young men, who increasingly seek quicker paths to financial gain, rather than dedicating themselves to the rigorous training required to become skilled artisans. The lure of fast money from informal jobs, get-rich-quick schemes, or the desire to bypass the apprentice-master relationship has caused a shift in priorities. The apprenticeship model, which has historically ensured the transfer of skills from one generation to the next, is being abandoned by many.

As a result, some commercial drivers are now employing female driver’s mates, a role traditionally filled by young men. In more extreme cases, drivers have had to bring their wives on board to assist in running daily operations because they cannot find committed young men to train or work with them. This shift underscores the growing difficulty in finding dedicated, reliable apprentices in sectors that once thrived on a steady influx of young trainees.

The Influence of Leadership and Society

The issue of integrity, or the lack thereof, cannot be viewed in isolation. It is, in part, a reflection of the examples set by leadership and the broader societal values that young people observe. In many cases, success is portrayed as the accumulation of wealth, often without regard for how that wealth was obtained. The political sphere, for instance, has shown how monetization of power can corrupt the values of the youth. When young people see political figures rising to prominence through questionable means, it sends the message that material wealth and power, rather than integrity or service, are the ultimate goals.

Mentorship and leadership examples are crucial in shaping the mindset of the youth. Unfortunately, many young Ghanaians have been exposed to mentors who prioritize wealth accumulation over ethical behavior, and who fail to emphasize the importance of building a solid foundation for the future. The result is a generation that is often more focused on short-term gains than long-term, sustainable success.

Preparing for the Future: A Call to Action

So, how do Ghanaian youth prepare to truly own the future? The answer lies in a combination of personal development, capacity building, and a commitment to integrity.

Building Capacity: The future belongs to those who prepare for it, and preparation requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Young people must embrace the process of skill development, be it through formal education, vocational training, or hands-on experience. In this digital age, the opportunity to learn new skills is readily available, but it must be approached with discipline and the understanding that true mastery takes time.

Deferring Gratification: Success is not an overnight achievement, and young people must learn the value of patience. This means deferring immediate rewards in favor of long-term benefits. Whether it’s completing an apprenticeship, gaining practical experience in a chosen field, or investing time in personal growth, delaying gratification is a necessary part of building a solid foundation for the future.

Commitment to Integrity: Integrity is the bedrock of any lasting success. Without it, any gains made are temporary and unstable. Young people must commit to living and working with integrity, even when it seems like the harder path. In business, this means being honest and reliable; in leadership, it means serving others rather than exploiting them; in personal development, it means staying true to one’s values and not taking shortcuts.

Challenging Societal Norms: The youth also have a role to play in reshaping the societal narrative around success. Rather than viewing wealth and power as the ultimate indicators of achievement, young Ghanaians must champion values like service, ethical leadership, and community development. By doing so, they can create a future where success is defined not by material accumulation but by the positive impact one has on others.

A Future Built on Integrity and Preparation

The future of Ghana is in the hands of its youth, but it is up to the youth to decide what kind of future they want to create. Will it be one built on shortcuts, quick success, and the pursuit of wealth at all costs? Or will it be a future grounded in integrity, hard work, and a commitment to building something lasting?

The path to a successful future is not an easy one, but it is a path worth taking. Ghanaian youth must rise to the challenge by investing in their personal development, embracing integrity as a guiding principle, and committing to the hard work of preparation. Only then will they be truly ready to own the future and leave behind a legacy of positive change and responsible leadership.

In essence, the Ghanaian youth are at a crossroads. The potential is there, but the real question is whether they will choose the path of integrity and capacity building or succumb to the temptations of quick success. The future will belong to those who are prepared to not only dream but to work, grow, and serve.

Article by Certified News Gh Editorial