Contrary to the success story that Bush and Blair seek to paint about the socio-economic gains of the Ghanaian economy, the facts on the ground portray a rather bleak future for the West African country.

Ghana has been cited in many high-profile interviews, consultations and in many discussions as the recent African success story with high hopes for the rest of the continent. But these assertions seem to be sharp contrast with the real political, social and economic situation in the West African country.

To any keen observer, the name Ghana echoes with historical defiance for colonial rule and oppression; it reverberates with long years of struggle to overcome the remnants of colonialism which are in the form of neo-colonialism, it resonates with the strength of character in her citizens to overcome the social, political and economic quagmire they seem to be entangled in with dire consequences.

But the elegant poem of Bush and Blair which seems to suggest that Ghana’s economy is on track and a success story for the rest of the continent seems too far from the realities of the Ghanaian situation.

First, the Ghanaian government is struggling to disassociate itself from a cocaine saga that has undoubtedly rocked the very foundation of the ruling party. A prominent parliamentarian with solid footing in the ruling party is still in US jail struggling to clear his name from narcotic related crimes. Top brass of the police service in Ghana, including the IGP and the Director of operations, are alleged to have been deeply involved in a Colombian originated drug deal which shook the country to its very foundation and even linked a tribal chief-Asantehene who is still struggling to clear his name. A son of a virulent ambassador with strong ties with the ruling party are known to have been involved in drug related crimes and are still being questioned by the security agencies.

Economically, though the ruling government tries to blow its own trumpet about its ability to reduce and control inflation, the reality is that many more of the country’s population between 15 and 40 years are unemployed than anytime in the country’s history with child labour and prostitution on the increase. Life expectancy at birth and human development index are all on the downward slope. Factories are being closed day in day out due to excessive energy cost and their inability to find market for their products with the markets flooded by cheap imported goods. Young unemployed with could be easily seen across the country with the highest numbers in the capital cities across the country.

Witch haunting of political opponents, attempts to eradicate all kinds of criticism through political posturing, corruption and deception have reached despicable levels.

Ethnic rivalry is reaching its boiling temperatures especially with the alleged involvement of the Asantehene in the Cocaine saga with his name being mentioned day in day out to come clean of accusations of drug trafficking.

But in all this, Bush and Blair always are quick to paint rosy pictures of the Ghanaian situation which is making a majority of the population to ask why they would like to pose Ghana as a success story for the rest of the continent.

To many Ghanaians, the rejection of Bush and his inhuman policies should send the right signals to the political leadership in Ghana that the times are nigh when they will be call to answer for the mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy and allowing their cronies to soil thee name of the country in international circles.

Views expressed by the author(s) do not necessarily reflect those of GhanaHomePage.