The truth of development problems: opinions from the Bank of Ghana

Today we had a guest lecturer for my Economic Development graduate seminar at the Institute for Statistical, Social, and Economic Research here at the University of Ghana. His name is Samuel Ameyaw and he is the Officer for Financial Stability at the Central Bank of Ghana. Being that Ghana just revalued its currency whereby 10,000 cedis = 1 new Ghana Cedi, he was a key player in the promotion of the revaluing such that investors would have greater confidence in the Ghana Cedi.

The topic of the day was poverty and the nature of the term. We discussed absolute and relative poverty, how to measure poverty, and characteristics of poverty in the rural and urban areas. This was all very interesting considering the discussion was being led by an official from the central bank who was willing to put position aside to speak freely with us; however, what was most interesting was what came later in the form of a discussion about the problems of development in Ghana.

Similar to the problems that I spoke of in the last post regarding lack of volunteerism, the central banker mentioned that in Ghana it’s the people that must want development first before any changes can take place. Too often nepotism, and the desire for power and the spotlight lead to problems of corruption and failure of programs. Ghanaians want to be leaders and take the credit and control before they have the qualifications and ideas to fill the role. In the vying for leadership, they lose sight of the problems and people they serve. Rural areas do not get their voices heard as local district assemblies have little capacity for governance. So, nothing changes there and politicians forget them. Lack of volunteerism makes development a distant thing that no one addresses because it often involves some self-sacrifice and humility.

It was strange to hear this from the central banker, but he was genuine and even gave several hundred dollars to development projects in the past without credit for them. It touched me to invigorate more Ghanaians to serve their nation by volunteering, and made me appreciate the spirit of community service in the United States. The central banker made it clear that politicians are selfish and control-hungry so they don’t welcome experts or others who come ready to help because it would mean loss of control. Even at the local level, chiefs of villages fear loss of control and so hamper development. Yes, development in Ghana and likely globally requires self-sacrifice and passion- a passion that goes beyond selfish desires and humbly recognizes that no I don’t have all the answers.

Reinvigorating the youth for development

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to invite members of the Youth Development and Peace (YDP) Network of Ghana to a conference call, taking place at World Bank offices here in Ghana, with members of the North American chapter who are just organizing a chapter of their own. An initiative of the World Bank, the YDP framework seeks to partner with regional youth development NGO’s to form regional networks to address global poverty. The Ghana chapter recently launched in August and I thought it might be helpful for both the North America chapter and the Ghana chapter to communicate on this conference call which was planned to include only YDP North America members.

So, the call went very well as the Ghana members certainly had a lot of experience with building networks. They recommended to the North America group that they give leadership positions not to their friends and loved ones, but rather to those who have the technical and specialized knowledge required for the position. They also recommended that the North America group must brand the YDP framework to make it appealing and unique. This brought up questions surrounding the affiliation with World Bank and the resulting impact that it would have. I recommended we emphasize the link to maintain credibility and prominence, yet we must specify the nature and role of the World Bank in the partnership as one of coordinator and resource provider, not agenda-setter. Most agreed, although Nii of the Ghana group mentioned that the affiliation with World Bank could discourage cooperation with some developing country governments (a good point).

The Ghana YDP group then invited me to a video conference the World Bank in DC was hosting regarding agriculture development. The West African Development Organization (WADO) is a group of youth in West Africa that advocates for youth in agriculture as an ideal. Over the video conference, several ministers of African nations and experts in agriculture participated, but the Ghana contingent was all youth which was impressive. There was even a practicing youth farmer there. They gave the youth perspective and were recognized by all the participants (Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Washington, DC). Big issues were: access to credit for land, land tenure, attractiveness of agriculture. Attractiveness of agriculture was particularly important for the youth because many youth frown upon the field as a dead end. But, the potential it offers is great both for the farmer and for economic development in Africa.

From these conferences, I learned that Ghanaian youth know the problems of development well. I found that not all youth are willing to do anything about it though—there is a lack of volunteerism here. Ghanaians will not sacrifice without compensation so readily as they want payment for work they do. It relates to that spirit of nationalism that remains dormant as Ghana still does not have a solid and unified national image. Hopefully that will change and private charity and volunteerism escalates. The United States is great because of that community service spirit- it really makes a difference because those that are willing to sacrifice make the greatest strides for national development. I am privileged to meet this group of Ghanaians who are inspiring others to follow in their steps.

Being there

What is the value of being there? Before I came to Ghana, I knew for myself and for the field of development economics that the value of actually living and working in a developing country is absolutely necessary to the subsequent policymaking aspect of any career in international development. Without actually having been to the developing world, I don't think it would be possible to make sound policy decisions. I believed that before I arrived in Ghana and I now believe it even more so.

Thus far, I have learned so much just through my 7 weeks here that I never realized before. Some of those facts include: cultural differences and relevant development policies, the definition of development for certain countries, the goals of the population sometimes don't reflect the will of the developers, the importance of self-esteem and the idea that things can be better, the systemic barriers to change...etc. I really did not understand the extent of these issues until I'd arrived.

Now I realize that as a policymaker, one cannot witness all situations and be privvy to all necessary knowledge first hand. But what I have learned tells me a few things:
One: Spend at least some time in the area you make policies for because you learn very much about a place just by being there a little while
Two: Try to read more firsthand accounts of the area you make policies for as this will inform your decisions along with the theories you learn as well
Three: Don't assume all situations in an area are the same. Always make sure of the uniqueness of culture and the norms and values the population holds because each ethnic and regional group is different.

A recent article by CNN encapsulates some of these ideas as soldiers express the need for politicians to experience the situation firsthand to better inform policy decisions:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/09/10/iraq.soldiers/index.html

Nationality and nationhood

The importance of nationality and nationhood for development is an aspect I really hadn't visited. But, here in Ghana this is certainly an issue. As the country became independent in 1957 it has had 50 years to develop a Ghanaian identity among dozens of ethnic groups including Ga, Ewe, Asanti and others.

Recently, the "Ghana at 50" campaign of the state of Ghana has attempted to bring Ghanaians together under one banner and instill the Ghanaian identity to unite the people groups here. Many Ghanaians would claim they are first loyal to tribe, then Ghana; but, things are changing and many Ghanaians are now "proud to be Ghanaian."

But, the issue is complex because Ghanaians are searching for that meaning among 50 years of being involved in Western development projects and culture. So, they are inventing themselves it seems and Bob Marley is certainly a part of the development committee (along with Akon, Jay-Z, and other US rap stars among the younger generation).

How important is national identity to development? Very important as I am finding common communication and common goals need to prevail for successful development. So, we shall see as time progresses what shape Ghana will take.

Development?

Since I have been here, I have talked to many Ghanaians about my interest in development and I have realized that maybe this term means something different across cultures. In Ghana, I have found that most people are very content and happy in their daily lives. It is not to say they are not frustrated with certain inadequacies, but does it mean that I should hold out the vision of a new Ghana to be so convenient and developed as that of the US? Well, maybe not.

I spoke to a few Ghanaians about this and they reminded me that in the US many are in debt and live at a standard of living that is inflated due to credit lines that support vast sums of debt. In Ghana, this credit is difficult to come by and things are "pay as you go". Paul and Shadrack, Ghanaians, explained that although it would be nice for Ghana to have this purchasing power, it is not something they need for happiness.

As far as frustrations go, these two students at the university told me that though student voice is acknowledged when problems occur, it is not always addressed and is often neglected. This could be because of the high extend of demand for goods and services while a low supply exists; this creates a monopoly or imbalance of power in favor of producers. Thus, the system often doesn't change because Ghanaian consumers have little choice like we in the US.

But, both students were confident that Ghana will improve to fix the problems at hand. I really were inspired by their optimism and desire to hold fast to their nationality as Ghanaians.

I thought about their comments and considered that maybe its best to ensure that extreme poverty is eradicated and there is a comfortable health, food, education and housing standard through growth promotion. Beyond that, it might actually get ambiguous as to what more Ghanaians would need "developed". Maybe at that point it's best to allow their marketplace to determine that and restrain from imposing any outsider visions of development.

Some Cultural Exchange....

Yeah...this Ghanaian tried to get me to join his gym. After he lost the arm wrestling match, he didn't ask me to join any more. Hmmm, wonder why?

Two worlds...two perspectives?

I know this probably is not the case, but I am wondering of others' opinions on this. I would consider my living standards and life as fairly well off in the United States. For my family, friends, and provisions I am extremely thankful. Could my willingness to travel to and aid in development be due to my past provision?

For instance, citizens of developing countries may want to just improve their livlihoods to a level they have not yet seen. Perhaps that means moving to a higher status in their own country or moving to a more developed country. As I travel through Ghana, I mention that I am from the US and several would like to go there. I love the US as well, but they might want to see a better life for themselves there.

So, is it that those who have much to start will find it easier to give it up for something different? It seems to be a paradox but at least for me I feel I have been given many blessings and I want to help others with that. I am sure it could go the other way as well.

Cultural relevance: Can an outsider help?

I knew that by virtue of my interest in international development as a career it would obviously require that I interact with other cultures in order to understand them and help them any way I could. Now that I am actually in the developing country of Ghana I have found that although in Accra the cosmopolitan nature of the city waters down some cultural gaps, there is still a gap. In the rural areas it exists even more.

I started to wonder if an outsider should dedicate his life to international causes that require that the outsider or foreigner understand and work through the local culture. Would it be best for me to just stay at home (the US) and develop there?

Well, I asked a Ghanaian about this and he said that Ghana as well as other developing countries need help to a much greater extent than the US. He welcomed my efforts here.

So, I thought more and came to the conclusion that yes, an outsider should help if he or she has the heart. I have found that even domestic residents in Ghana don't have the heart to develop-- which is not bad, it's just that they have interests to better their own lives. In fact, cultural exchange is valued here and I am sure elsewhere too. New ideas are not rejected and you don't have to be the typical "insider" either to participate. My uniqueness is welcomed and as long as I take the time to understand the culture I can implement economic policy with that in mind. If you love people and lives, then culture is no barrier because love moves beyond all barriers and the human element never dissapoints.

Africa's Next Generation

These kids are from Wassa Domama, a small and poor village near Kakum National Park. They really love photos as you can tell. They also love to dance, sing, and learn new sports.

The First Challenges to Development

Throughout these last few weeks, some of the most pertinent problems of African development surfaced. These included a few general themes: the recent energy crisis, unemployment, and poverty. I spoke with Jimna, a second year student at the University of Ghana, about the recent energy crisis. He told me that because of repairs to the large dam in Ghana that supplies most of the electricity to the state, there are rolling blackouts affecting the whole country. He said that they could have made the repairs gradually before suffering as great a loss, but that this type of forward planning was not practiced and so it cost the state more. At the University, every five days the power will be cut for a 12 hour period. This is a similar schedule for the Accra region. Ghana, unlike other African countries, has accustomed itself to uninterrupted power over the last decade and so this is unusual for them as it slows their economy somewhat.

I spoke to Paul, a local Ghanaian and student of the University of Ghana, who said that he had been looking for an internship over the summer but could not find one. He said that most university students do not work while attending school—rather their parents cover all their expenses. Although tuition is subsidized by the state, this poses an access problem for the poor who cannot afford school if their parents are not wealthy. Paul said loans are hard to come by here which makes things more difficult because working while in school is a rare occurrence. Because parents pay for most of the expenses, they have more authority of their children’s actions and so Ghanaian children often are closer and more respectful of their parents than in the United States and other western nations.

I did travel to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, which is in the interior of Ghana at Kumasi. Here, I learned that about 80% of graduating seniors find jobs immediately. This is partly due to the national service requirement for all students of public higher education in Ghana. This service requirement is an 8 month internship for all graduates which they must complete prior to getting into their career. Supposedly this service defrays for subsidized tuition and gives the student practical job experience before looking for their own job. It seems pretty reliable and economically feasible.

Poverty is another aspect I had not yet experienced first hand until we traveled to the first rural village near Lake Bosomtwe. I met a child in primary school named Paul who struggled to pay school fees because his father was a local fisherman who had not been having the best catches lately. His father would catch fish early in the morning and try to sell the fish locally to make enough money to send his children to school. Paul said the fee was about 1 Ghana Cedi per day (equivalent of about $1 per day). Also, the dry season in Ghana kills the crops which makes harvests lower and sales lower. Traveling to several craft villages, children approached who begged for pens, bottles, and money. Although it didn’t seem like all were impoverished, they had certainly been conditioned to beg from foreigners in a certain way.

Ghana's cultural strength: Music, religion and family

This week was spent in a bunch of orientation lectures ranging from a variety of topics: archaeology, sociology, political economy, gender studies, music, religion, literature, language, and even environmental science. Some common themes ran throughout all these lectures. One of them was that music is a significant part of everyday life for the Ghanaians. One can participate in musical performances even by simply placing a coin on top of your head! Music is performed at funerals, festivals, and other events. African dance goes along with this, and we learned several traditional dances which were used also as religious honors.

On the subject of religion, this was also an important theme of the lectures. Religion is also key to Ghanaian society. Traditional, Muslim, and Christian religions coexist in this country, surprisingly in complete tolerance and peace. Talking to a Christian Ghanaian, I learned that some Christians will actually believe some of the traditional practices and vice versa. I also learned that sometimes Ghanaians in general are more accepting of other religions than they are of those who claim they are atheist. As I said before, Christianity is so open here. You will find catch phrases on all sorts of shops and markets. Some others I have discovered are: “Trust in God Car Repair”, “Have Faith Restaurant”, and “God’s Grace shop”. I met a Muslim Ghanaian student who was very happy to find that I was a committed Christian and explained that he was a committed liberal Muslim. Several sects of Islam exist in Ghana: Tijaniyya (traditional), Qadiriyy, Sunni Wahabbi, and Shiite. Before colonialism, Islam was the most important religion to West Africa. In the last 100 years, African Christians have adapted the religion to their society in order to solve African problems.

Lastly, the theme of extended family is the norm here. Rather than simply saying your family includes mom, dad, kids, and the dog, Ghanaians believe that family can include all extended relatives including tribal members. Family can be all those in a local village. Children are typically considered as such until they marry and parents generally have authority over their children until they pass away. Children are usually more respectful to the older generation in general as they always respectfully greet and obey adults.

Gender roles are changing in Ghana as well. According to a professor of gender studies, Christianity has improved opportunities for women to enter into the workplace and gain more liberty to choose their futures. Drinking and social vices in general are more shunned here. I have heard that only 10% at most at the University will drink and usually they don't want to be found publically repeating this same activity. Women especially are not to drink in public unless they want to be labeled something very disrespected.

An African language professor explained how some English phrases are used in Ghana, but mean something different. It’s actually pretty funny. If you say “stop flirting” you actually mean stop having an affair! “Sorry” actually means “I sympathize” and is not always used when you do someone harm. Also, never eat with your left hand or exchange with it as it is considered rude. Thank God I am right handed!

"Obruni!!"

Being a foreigner in Ghana has had it’s ups and downs. In the city and at the University of Ghana, it is more common to see foreigners (“obrunis”) so you will not get those fixated stares and surprised looks that you get in the rural areas. Children typically wave to us and in rural areas they run after us shouting “Obruni!!” The term is not derogatory, but is merely of curiosity and tradition—it means foreigner in Twi. I have learned to accept it and never really became frustrated because I came here expecting it. I enjoy giving attention to children who run up and touch my hairy skin for minutes and pick at my freckles wondering if they are mosquito bites! I haven’t gotten many people begging money from me as I had thought I would. Overall, Ghanaians are truly welcoming and helpful to foreigners as they go out of their way to please and direct us.

Beach and Church: Nice Combo

It’s been a few weeks since I had last written for the blog, but they have been filled with tons of orientation activities and events to get us acquainted with Ghana. Since I had last written, I have had the opportunity to meet with several Ghanaians and discuss perspectives with them. From this I have learned of more problems and struggles facing the Ghanaian people as they continue their path of development. I will post in sections that are related.

On Sunday, July 29 we visited a nearby Christian church. The church seemed very traditional to me (similar to a Lutheran or Methodist church). They had a bible study prior to the service and then had about a two and a half hour service thereafter. I got the opportunity to speak in front of the church and introduce our Education Abroad Program group of about 25 that was there. The congregation was very welcoming. I had perceptions of the church beforehand as one of the African American Baptist variety with tons of singing and dancing, but found quickly that this was not always the case in Africa as this service was very solemn and traditional.

Later that day we went to the LA Pleasure Beach and swam in the Ocean. I couldn’t believe I was swimming in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Africa. Things stopped for me there as I looked out over the water picturing myself on a map half way across the world from what I was used to. Yet, things seemed so familiar as I jumped and rode waves with the other Africans. I even met some Africans from Ivory Coast and Niger.

Arrival

After about 23 hours of total travel time, I arrived in Ghana last Thursday. We had a layover in Amsterdam which was delayed by some people pressing a conspicuous security door button, but we made it here. We then were picked up at Kotoka International Airport and driven by tro-tro’s (the Ghanaian minivan taxis) to the University of Ghana at Legon. Right away we were given dinner and then we went to bed and were pretty much exhausted.

The next morning we had a lecture introducing us to the study abroad staff that would be with us for a three week orientation prior to school starting in late August. I have been amazed at the friendliness of the Ghanaians and the sense of community here. They believe strongly in national and human family. Everywhere you go they welcome you with the welcome phrase “Akwaaba” (they know I am a foreigner right away).

Saturday we went into the city of Accra. We traveled to a market where we purchased things we might need for our stay. The market was very crowded with several shops lined against each other offering foods, kitchenware, clothing and other items. The means of purchase here is often by bargaining as Ghanaians debate prices outside their businesses.

I talked to a clothing seller who sells at the market and he said that he buys material, has the shirt sewn by another business, and then adds value to the shirt with his own designs. I bought one for the equivalent of about $6. He gets much business from tourists who pass around his name and who give their business cards to him.

Yesterday we went as a group to church. About 20 or more went to a church near campus and the pastor invited one from the group to speak about the group—I stepped up and offered our thanks to them for inviting us and hosting us for those who want to continue attending. In Ghana, Christianity is more on display than in the US and it is widely visible in the public realm. You might see phrases like “Jesus Power” or “God’s grace” on the tro-tro taxis. It’s fun.

Today we had a series of lectures in many areas like archaeology, politics, and history to give us background on University of Ghana academics. The political science professor mentioned that World Bank and IMF programs have not shown evidence of aiding Ghana, but I don’t know yet if that is the majority opinion.

Well, that’s all so far and I will post soon with more interesting stories and perspectives…

Ghana Perspectives Launch

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way leading up to my departure to Ghana. As I said, I want to update everyone as best as possible on my journey so that they may stay informed at their convenience.

While in Ghana, I will be an exchange student at the University of Ghana at Legon which is just outside of the capitol at Accra. Also, I will be researching an area of development economics while there-- likely in primary education development.

My hope is that this blog will help both me and others understand the problems developing country inhabitants face, the solutions that are being discussed, as well as the steps being taken now to improve the situation of poverty in developing countries. I want to present the thoughts and ideas of the Ghanains I encounter as it relates to their betterment as a nation. If any readers have questions, inquiries, or commments about something on their mind they would like answered, PLEASE comment. I want to be helpful to all those who would like to travel to Africa but just don't have time/resources to do so, and to those who are just curious.

The Ghanains I have met so far are extremely friendly and I am humbled by this. Several have offered to have me over for dinner already and I am excited to meet more of them. So, please read the blog if you'd like and I would love to get comments and questions-- I will do my best to get answers to them. I want to update this at least once per week, hopefully averaging 2 posts per week. I will be in Ghana July 25-December 17 of 2007. Talk to you soon!!

Pre-Departure Thoughts

Well, it's two weeks until I head out to the first developing country I have ever visited. I really am thankful to God for providing so many contacts to me who know about life in Ghana and in the developing world in general.



I have been buying basically all the recommended stuff from a list that UC Education Abroad gave me for Ghana. I still want to read up more on the history of the country before I leave so I can at least articulate who Kwame Nkruma is.



Yesterday I had an interview with the Peace Corps and the recruiter nominated me on the spot! It was very exciting. I am nominated to the Latin America region as a business advisor. This is so great because it's exactly what I have the heart to do: help developing country businesses thrive to produce economic growth and provide families with an outlet for their skills and talents.



This is only the beginning of my journey abroad and in this field that I have been called to serve. It is definitely strange at times when I sit down and think about what I am actually doing because I never would have imagined this! But, I remind myself of my mission and the true reason I "go" and then it becomes certain again.