Nationalism Beyond Politics: The Get-Rich-Quick Culture – Series II

Growing up in my village in the Upper West Region, life was simple but deeply rooted in discipline, respect, honesty, and hard work. As children, we were taught to greet elders properly, respect authority, value education, and contribute meaningfully both at home and in school.

Laziness was discouraged, arrogance was frowned upon, and every young person was constantly reminded that success came through patience, sacrifice, and determination.

Parents, teachers, traditional leaders, and entire communities participated in shaping responsible children into responsible adults. Looking back today, those values helped mold many of us into disciplined individuals, and in the end, the lessons paid off.

Sadly, that strong moral foundation appears to be gradually disappearing across many parts of Ghana today. The culture of patience, integrity, humility, and honest hard work is increasingly being replaced by an unhealthy obsession with quick wealth, social media fame, luxury lifestyles, and public validation.

Many young people now seem more interested in becoming rich overnight rather than building sustainable futures through education, entrepreneurship, innovation, or professional development.

This worrying shift in values is becoming evident across society. In the past, young people admired teachers, farmers, doctors, nurses, engineers, professors, and hardworking business owners because they represented discipline and perseverance.

Today, however, many children and teenagers are exposed to a different reality in which flashy lifestyles, expensive cars, and sudden wealth attract admiration regardless of how that wealth was acquired. Society itself appears to be rewarding appearance over character and wealth over integrity.

The consequences of this dangerous mindset are already visible. Cases of internet fraud, ritual-related crimes, corruption, examination malpractice, gambling addiction, and other forms of unethical behavior continue to rise among sections of the youth.

Some young people no longer believe in gradual progress or honest labour because society increasingly glorifies instant success. The pressure to “make it” quickly has become so intense that many are willing to compromise their values, dignity, and even their future for temporary financial gains.

Social media has also contributed significantly to this changing mindset. Young people are constantly bombarded with images of luxury, expensive vacations, designer clothes, and unrealistic lifestyles.

Unfortunately, many of these displays rarely reveal the genuine struggles, sacrifices, or sometimes questionable activities behind such wealth. As a result, some young people begin comparing themselves to unrealistic standards and feel pressured to pursue shortcuts to fit into modern trends and social expectations.

At the same time, many parents and communities appear to be losing their traditional role in moral upbringing. In the past, an entire village could discipline a child who behaved badly because society collectively protected moral values.

Respect for elders was non-negotiable, and good behavior was considered a source of pride for families and communities. Today, however, many parents are either too busy, too economically burdened, or too afraid to correct their children firmly. Some even celebrate material success without questioning the source of wealth.

This gradual erosion of traditional Ghanaian values should concern every patriotic citizen because no nation develops sustainably when morality declines. Economic growth alone cannot build a strong society if discipline, honesty, responsibility, and respect disappear from public life.

A country where young people abandon hard work and chase shortcuts eventually weakens its institutions, destroys public trust, and creates social instability.

The painful reality is that Ghana once possessed strong communal and cultural values that successfully guided generations.

Our traditional systems encouraged dignity in labour, respect for elders, honesty in leadership, and responsibility toward society. Even those with little formal education understood the importance of integrity and community reputation.

Today, however, modern influences, political polarization, celebrity culture, and unchecked materialism are gradually weakening those foundations.

National development requires more than roads, buildings, and economic policies. It also requires citizens with sound moral character and a deep sense of responsibility toward society.

Ghana cannot build a prosperous future when many young people believe success must come instantly without effort, discipline, or patience. The nation must begin re-investing in value-based education, responsible parenting, mentorship, and cultural orientation that promotes integrity over materialism.

Religious institutions, schools, traditional authorities, media platforms, and political leaders all have important roles to play in rebuilding the moral fabric of society.

Young people must once again be taught that genuine success takes time and that there is dignity in honest labour. Society must stop celebrating unexplained wealth while ignoring hardworking individuals struggling honestly to survive.

As this national conversation continues through the upcoming series, Ghanaians must begin reflecting seriously on the attitudes and social trends gradually reshaping the country. We must ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions.

• Why are many young people abandoning the values that once defined Ghanaian society?

• Why is patience no longer respected?

• Why does society increasingly glorify wealth without questioning the process behind it?

• Are we losing our identity because of partisan politics, social pressure, and blind imitation of foreign lifestyles?

•Or are we simply allowing modernity to erase the very cultural principles that once held our communities together?

The answers to these questions may determine Ghana's moral direction for generations to come. Let us go back and embrace our traditional values and not abandon them in the name of modernity.