The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has called on Ghanaians to abandon what he describes as a lingering “colonial mentality” and instead focus on harnessing the country’s vast natural and human resources for sustainable development.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Second Deputy Minority Whip stressed that Ghana’s progress depends largely on a transformation in mindset—one that moves away from dependency and toward self-reliance and innovation.
Hon. Shaib linked Ghana’s current socio-economic challenges to the long-lasting effects of slavery and colonialism, noting that these historical injustices continue to influence global inequalities, racism, and economic disparities.
He lamented the country’s continued reliance on external loans and the export of raw materials without value addition, describing the situation as a modern form of economic subjugation. According to him, exporting raw commodities such as cocoa and gold without processing them locally limits job creation and national wealth.
The MP therefore urged a deliberate shift towards industrialisation and value addition, encouraging policymakers and citizens alike to prioritise initiatives that promote local production and economic empowerment.
Hon. Shaib also commended efforts by past leaders, including initiatives on reparations at the international level, but emphasised that true transformation must begin internally with a change in attitude and belief in Ghana’s own capabilities.
He concluded with a strong appeal to Parliament and stakeholders to champion policies that foster innovation, cultural pride, and self-sufficiency, insisting that Ghana’s development “starts with us.”
His remarks serve as a renewed call for collective action, urging Ghanaians to rethink their approach to development and fully utilise the country’s abundant resources for national prosperity.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
