6 Undeniable Characteristics of Ghanaians that need Improvement

There are many good characteristics of Ghanaians. However, we can perform much better if we put some things into perspective. How do we cherish what we have and market them like no man’s business? After all, Ghana is yours and mine.  “Ghana, our beloved country is free forever….”, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Hmm, are our people really free economically, politically and psychologically?

Oh no, I’m no prophet of doom. I only believe that once some issues are identified and acknowledged as something that should be looked at, change is possible; about 50% of the job is done. I strongly believe we can, and should be changemakers.

READ ALSO: 5 Heartwarming Characteristics of the Ghanaian Culture

You and I can do something in our own small way, even if only one soul or sector of the economy is transformed. Let’s not fold our arms and expect things to happen right. Let us be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. Let’s start from here, and now. What do you say?

READ MORE: 12 Subtle Things the Traditional Ghanaian Society Teaches that No One Talks About

Let’s look at these deep seated characteristics of Ghanaians:

1. Many Ghanaians cannot say “no”.

Herh, have you ever been told, “I’ll get back to you” and never heard from them again?

Ghanaians will confidently direct you in the wrong direction, instead of saying they don’t know the place.

Sometimes it’s really hard saying no to someone or something because of the kind of relationship you share with them. But, there’s a way out.

CHECK THIS OUT: 10 Honest Strategies on How to Say No and Not Feel Bad

2. Lateness, Ghana man time.

I have no idea when this started, and why it’s called Ghana man time (GMT). Many programmes do not begin on time and some people see it as normal. You could be delayed for at least 30 minutes (except for Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Plays)

In case you’re to meet up with someone at Lapaz, and they’re late, many people would probably say they’re almost there meanwhile they just left home.

Systems have so many beaurocracies that some people say systems do not work….

3. People work, not systems.

Sometimes when you go to some institutions and there are delays in processing, the phrase often used is “Oh, the system is not working o, network issues”. You’re working on a project and somewhere in the pipeline, it gets truncated. Some of the reasons given are that the person who has to sign the document is not available and as such, no one else can attend to you until he/she returns.

When things go south, we have 1000 reasons why it’s the fault of the other person, even if it is insignificant. Everybody wants to save face. We fail to understand that stepping up to take responsibility is part of finding a solution, except when the situation is a matter of life and death and you’re innocent.

Changemakers don’t relax pointing fingers at others all the time, they rise up and move! Make it work!

4. Ghanaians like to serve food, at almost every event.

Ghana is definitely the hub of good food in Africa, considering our all-time amazing jollofrice. Many funerals are called “bonyo parties” because they are more like festivals. I mean, if the person lived a good life it’s understandable to celebrate them.

It is sad that sometimes people spend more money on the funerals of their loved ones instead of helping them out with at least a fraction of it when they were alive.

5. The elderly always complain about the younger generation.

This one got you laughing too, right? No matter how improved the methods of the youth are, elders still comment, “In our time, but the youth of today….”  It is said jokingly or with a serious expression depending on the issue at hand. 

It’s only wise to work smart, with all the 21st Century tools we have at hand, but some old theories are golden. Let’s review some of them and adopt the useful ones. Sankofa !
Eg. Mental, which was more popular back in the days. It sharpens the memory and helps in everyday activities.

It’s bad on the other hand to deprive the younger generation of certain things because you didn’t have them that way when you were growing up.

READ ALSO: Ghana Traditions; Customs, Culture and Society

6. Ghanaians are rarely concerned until something goes wrong.

How many of us read the TV manual, phone manual, AC manual or computer manual before using it? Lol, I’m a culprit too wai.

Even at the hospitals, many medical practitioners do not prepare you for a seemingly hopeless situation. Communication is key, so every time I go for a check up I ask questions. Only then do I receive answers. If I’m not satisfied, I read more on the net. Kudos to the passionate medical professionals we have in Ghana!

The answer to your breakthrough could be delivered through asking a question, and asking the right people at that. For lack of knowledge, My people perish…..

Which point do you agree with? Are there more Characteristics of Ghanaians you know? Let me know in the comment section.

Ghanaians are unique in every way. No matter how the economy is doing, there’s still some sense of humour. Check TikTok and you’ll see people who have real struggles and yet happy themselves. Characteristics of Ghanaians range from good to bad. However, we need to take a second look at the above-mentioned points and take a detour.