Why African Culture is Making It Difficult to Develop: Insights from Capt. Prince Kofi Amoabeng

During the Africa Economic Summit held in Accra in April 2023, Capt. Prince Kofi Amoabeng discussed the challenges faced by Africa’s development. Capt. Amoabeng emphasized the influence of African culture and traditions, the struggle to choose effective leaders, and the impact of democracy on development. In this article, we will explore the key points raised by Capt. Amoabeng, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the factors hindering Africa’s progress.

Time-Wasting Traditions and Lack of Planning:

Capt. Amoabeng began by highlighting the cultural aspect of time perception in Africa. Traditionally, time was not a crucial factor in daily life, as people didn’t need to plan or budget extensively. Instead, their concern was how to pass the time until nightfall. This led to the development of time-wasting traditions and cultures, evident in various social engagements, outdooring ceremonies, funerals, and even greetings. These practices, though culturally significant, consume valuable time that could be utilized for more productive purposes.

Leadership Selection and Development:

The difficulty in choosing effective leaders poses another challenge to Africa’s development. Capt. Amoabeng emphasized that Africans tend to gravitate towards leaders who are similar to themselves, rather than those who possess the necessary qualities to drive development. This preference for familiarity often results in leaders who prioritize popular gestures over actual progress. The example of presidents spending excessive time at funerals, dancing to please the public, highlights how this inclination towards pleasing the masses can hinder the country’s advancement.

The Influence of Power and Authority:

Capt. Amoabeng drew attention to the African proverb that emphasizes the benefits of being close to those in power. This cultural tendency to seek proximity to power and authority has led to a worship-like mentality, where Africans often prioritize their personal gains rather than the development of the nation. This phenomenon is further fueled by the nature of democracy in Africa, where leaders prioritize securing votes and personal interests, rather than focusing on long-term development and foreign direct investment.

The Abundant Theory and Resistance to Change:

The Abundant Theory explores the deep-rooted cultural mindset resulting from a history of abundance in Africa. Over hundreds of thousands of years, Africans lived in a way that didn’t necessitate caring for others outside their immediate community. This self-dependence and lack of interdependence have become ingrained in their DNA, making it challenging to adopt a more collective and progressive mindset today. Capt. Amoabeng highlighted the need for Africans to recognize these underlying effects and embrace change before seeking solutions to the development dilemma.

Moving Forward: Meritocracy and Accountability:

To overcome the challenges hindering Africa’s development, Capt. Amoabeng stressed the importance of embracing meritocracy. Appointing capable individuals into positions of leadership based on their skills, knowledge, and suitability is crucial. Furthermore, setting clear standards, targets, and holding leaders accountable for their actions is necessary for progress. Without these fundamental changes, no amount of financial support or resources will yield significant results. Additionally, Capt. Amoabeng urged a reevaluation of the current democratic system to ensure that the voices of those who understand the country’s development are not overshadowed by a majority that may lack the necessary knowledge.