Economist Joseph Cudjoe has called for a fundamental change in Ghana’s development thinking, warning that the country’s reliance on its mineral wealth could hinder long‑term prosperity. He cites Erich W. Zimmermann’s observation that resources are not; they become, urging Ghanaians to recognise that the true engine of growth lies in human ingenuity.
Cudjoe notes that while Ghana boasts gold, bauxite, manganese and lithium, the nation has not matched this wealth with equivalent investment in knowledge, skills and technology. He points to examples such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, which achieved economic power without abundant natural resources.
The economist stresses that education, skills, innovation and industrial development can transform a nation’s fortunes. He urges the government to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, enabling young Ghanaians to create technologies, develop products and build competitive industries.
Cudjoe reminds readers that mineral deposits can be depleted or lose value as technology evolves. He cites historical shifts—such as aluminium, natural ultramarine, flint and asbestos—where advances rendered once‑valuable resources obsolete. He argues that Ghana must avoid a future where it is rich in minerals but poor in innovation, employment and industrial capability.
He calls on the Akufo‑Addo and Bawumia administration to continue its focus on education, while questioning whether the Mahama administration has invested sufficiently in STEM to equip the youth with the skills needed to create wealth beyond natural resources.
The message is clear: Ghana’s future wealth must be extracted from its people, not from the ground. Investing in human capital and innovation will secure sustainable prosperity for generations to come.
