A Call to Ghana's Youth: Seek Your Future, Not Empty Promises

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By Richard Agodzo

In recent years, the hope and ambition of Ghana’s youth have been overshadowed by uncertainty. Many young Ghanaians find themselves dreaming of greener pastures beyond our borders, a movement popularly known as “Jakpa.” The lure of opportunities abroad is real and understandable—better job prospects, higher wages, and a chance for personal growth. But in our quest for brighter horizons, there are crucial questions to consider: What does the future hold here in Ghana? How much power do we, the youth, have to shape it?

The 2024 election year is upon us, and as is all too common, politicians are once again vying for our attention. They will come bearing promises of prosperity, job creation, and social programs that sound too good to be true. They’ll campaign, perhaps with some sincerity, but too often with empty words, offering us “castles in the air.” And as young people in Ghana, we must be vigilant and aware of the game at play. This is not the time to be pawns in political agendas. It’s time for us to rise above the noise, look to the future, and take control of our destiny.

The "Jakpa" Syndrome: Escaping Instead of Building

“Jakpa” is more than just a trend; it has become a mindset. Young people are increasingly seeing opportunities and better futures only outside Ghana, yet the reality is that not everyone can, or should, leave. Yes, there may be new horizons abroad, but we also have potential right here in Ghana. What we need is not mass exodus but massive change. We need to cultivate resilience, equip ourselves with skills, and demand systems that support young entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and creative minds.

Leaving should not be the only answer to our problems. If we build the right networks and put our efforts into developing local opportunities, we will be doing more than simply seeking greener pastures; we will be planting seeds in our own soil. We need to ask ourselves: Who will build Ghana if the youth leave?

Politicians and Their Promises: Don’t Be Fooled

Election season is like a revolving door of promises. Politicians will knock on our doors, hold rallies, and use every platform to tell us that this time, they will create jobs, eliminate corruption, and transform our communities. But what happens once they win? Are they truly accountable to us, or do we find ourselves back in the same cycles of unemployment, high cost of living, and social issues?

As young people, we must look critically at these promises. We must learn to read between the lines, analyze the history of these politicians, and not fall victim to the allure of quick fixes. Ask the hard questions: Where will the funding for these promises come from? How sustainable are these projects? And most importantly, are these politicians truly invested in our future?

Taking Ownership of Our Future: A Call to Action

While we demand change from our leaders, we must also look inward. Ghana’s future lies in the hands of its youth, and that includes each one of us. Here are a few actions we can take to steer our future in a positive direction:

Educate and Equip Ourselves: Invest in your education and skill development. Whether it’s a trade, technology, entrepreneurship, or agriculture, there are countless areas with untapped potential. A skilled youth population is an asset to any nation, and we can create wealth and employment from within.

Support and Build Local Enterprises: Think beyond securing a job; think of creating opportunities. Support young businesses, local startups, and entrepreneurs. Ghana has many resources and unique products that, with innovation and hard work, can compete globally.

Hold Leaders Accountable: Use your voice not just during elections but consistently. Engage in meaningful discussions, volunteer, and join organizations that push for policies benefiting young people. Let’s make sure that leaders know they are being watched and will be held accountable.

Be Wise in Political Engagement: Avoid being used as tools for political campaigns. Your voice and influence are valuable, and they shouldn’t be sold for temporary gains. Politicians may try to appeal to you, but remember, your loyalty belongs to your future, not their agenda.

Embrace Change, Be the Change

It is easy to feel discouraged by the challenges in our country, but every generation faces its unique trials. Today, we have a choice. We can either be part of a generation that decided to wait for change or the generation that created change. Our country needs us now more than ever. Let’s refuse to be swayed by empty promises, and let’s believe in our ability to turn our dreams into reality—right here in Ghana.

Remember, the future belongs to those who build it. So, let’s make a commitment to invest in ourselves, support each other, and take control of our future. Let’s show that the youth of Ghana are not just ready to “Jakpa” but are also prepared to lead, build, and create a nation where everyone can thrive.

Ghana’s future is uncertain, yes—but it’s also in our hands. Let’s make it a future worth staying for.

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