Most mornings, I wake up without remembering my dreams. But one dream returns often and vividly — a transformed Ghana. A Ghana where truth is treasured, where leaders serve selflessly, and where the media stands tall as the fearless conscience of the nation.
A Fearless Media
Lord Acton once warned: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The Ghana I dream of is safeguarded by a professional, independent media that monitors public power, asks tough questions, and refuses to be compromised.
As Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel remind us in The Elements of Journalism, the first obligation of journalism is to the truth, and its first loyalty is to citizens. Journalism is not activism, nor propaganda — it is “a discipline of verification.”
In my dream, our newsrooms embody this principle. Radio, television, print, and digital platforms would resist the lure of partisanship and sensationalism. Their guiding star would be integrity, not influence; accuracy, not applause.
Leadership With Conscience
But my dream is bigger than the media. I see a Ghana where the executive, legislature, and judiciary discharge their responsibilities with good conscience, fairness, and professionalism. A Ghana where the Police and security agencies protect citizens without fear or favour, guided by professionalism and respect for human dignity.
I dream of a Ghana where galamsey is brought under control, where our rivers flow clean again, and our water bodies are free of heavy metals. Environmental stewardship is not optional — it is central to survival.
A Nation of Integrity and Mindset Change
Ghana is blessed with abundant natural and human resources, yet we often underachieve. What we lack is not potential, but a change in mindset across all levels and generations.
The Bible commands us: “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31). This single ethic, if lived out, would transform our society. Imagine a Ghana where civil servants see their work as a calling, where leaders put the common good before personal gain, and where ordinary citizens obey the rules even when no one is watching.
I once met a hawker at the Kaneshie traffic light who always returned the correct change. When I asked why, he replied: “If I cheat you today, God will reduce my blessings tomorrow.” That simple truth reflects the Ghana I dream of — a society where integrity is the norm, not the exception.
Faith and Visionary Leadership
Scripture reminds us: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Churches, mosques, and faith communities must rise beyond comfort preaching to form consciences and call out corruption.
But prayer alone is not enough. A transformed Ghana requires sustained effort backed by visionary leadership. It is time to stop only dreaming and begin acting.
My Role, Our Responsibility
As editor of a respected faith-based newspaper – The Catholic Standard -I know I have a role to play in shaping public conversation. As a proud member of both the Public Relations and Journalists bodies, I owe it to my profession to promote truth, fairness, and balance. And as someone passionate about mentoring the next generation of communicators, I must help them embrace innovation without losing the basics.
Recently, I joined a panel discussion at UniMAC on journalism education and the future of the profession. We debated how to harness new tools like AI while safeguarding timeless values — truth, balance, and integrity — and how to confront the growing dangers of misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda.
These are not abstract issues. They determine whether Ghana becomes the society of my dreams or remains trapped in cycles of mediocrity.
Awakening the Dream
Each morning, I pray:
“Lord, bless Ghana. Make her leaders honest, her citizens disciplined, her media fearless, her institutions professional, and her rivers clean. May we love our neighbour as ourselves, and may the truth set us free” (John 8:32).
The Ghana I dream of is within reach. It will come alive when truth guides our media, integrity defines our leaders, professionalism shapes our institutions, and love governs our people.
Then, it will no longer be a dream. It will be our reality.
About the Author
