In my opinion, the discussions that could help us answer all those questions, and pave a definitive path for the future, are those that are concerned with defining our values and collective conscience about who a Ghanaian is, what a Ghanaian believes in, and how a Ghanaian should behave, and work. These should be prioritized over the current sentimental discussions about Ghana. Ghana is not only about clothes, food, artworks, and what we vaguely describe as ‘our culture’. It is about the spirit of Ghana. On Independence Day, when the president lights up the perpetual flames, symbolically lighting up the spirit of Ghanaians, we must sit back and ask ourselves, what ‘spirit’ is the president lighting up? Is there even any foundational understanding of the Ghanaian personality and destiny?

Finally, I am of the view that alongside the hard discussions about money, trade, politics, freedom, corruption, apathy towards the government, and other issues that bother the country, there should be deliberate attempts to talk about softer issues like values, beliefs, principles, and ethics. We need a deliberate plan to form the collective conscience of Ghana. I believe these are what makes and drives a person, and thereupon a country. They are indeed the foundations of building a resilient and prosperous nation.