There is a meme circulating on WhatsApp that criticises Ghanaian Christians, implying that we are excessively religious. The message contrasts South African businesses operating in Ghana—such as Stanbic Bank, MTN, DStv, Protea Hotels, SABMiller, and ABSA Bank—with Ghanaian entities in South Africa, which primarily comprise churches like ICGC, Action Chapel, Assemblies of God, Lighthouse Chapel International, and Church of Pentecost.
Ghanaians are undoubtedly religious. Over 70% of the population identifies as Christian, and religious rituals are deeply woven into our national identity. Our national anthem is essentially a prayer, and our 4th Republican Constitution begins with “In the Name of the Almighty God.” Religion is a core part of our national fabric.
The meme implies that our focus on religion, particularly the church, detracts from our economic progress. It suggests that if we concentrated more on business, we would achieve greater prosperity. This argument is not only simplistic but also unfairly absolves our governments and the educated elite from their responsibilities.
Isaiah 3 admonishes our leaders—captains, judges, and mighty men—who have failed us. In Ghana, we need God to navigate our daily lives. Travelling to Kumasi or visiting Korle Bu Teaching Hospital can be perilous. Even routine government services require divine intervention to navigate the bureaucratic inefficiencies. Thus, the church’s role in providing spiritual support is invaluable.
In fact, Ghanaian churches have been arguably the most successful segment of our national life. These institutions, often starting with humble beginnings in the 1980s, have grown into global entities. Leaders like Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams and Pastor Mensa Otabil have demonstrated how strong convictions can lead to remarkable success.
These churches have exhibited entrepreneurial spirit and organisational acumen rarely seen in our businesses. Unlike Ghanaian companies, which struggle to expand beyond our borders, these churches have successfully planted branches across the world. For instance, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills’ United Denominations, which began modestly at the University of Ghana, now operates in over 100 countries. This is a testament to their strategic leadership and vision.
Moreover, these religious organisations maintain a disciplined spirit that is often lacking in our public and private sectors. Stories of Ghana Airways employees prioritising personal luggage over customers’ or the inefficiencies in our diplomatic missions are symptomatic of a broader issue. Our embassies fail to understand the economic importance of the diaspora, who are the largest source of foreign exchange for Ghana.
Take Ghana International Bank in London, for example. Despite having a banking licence in one of the world’s financial hubs, it has remained a minor player. It has failed to leverage its position to lead in remittances or debt issuance for Ghanaian entities. This reflects a lack of vision and leadership, something our business leaders could learn from the disciplined and strategic approach of church leaders.
Ghana’s environment is hostile to growth, plagued by a ‘pull him down’ syndrome that stifles progress. Yet, the success of these churches shows that this negative attitude can be overcome. Leaders like Dag Heward-Mills, Eric Nyamekye, and Nicholas Duncan Williams deserve national recognition for their contributions. Their achievements offer lessons in leadership, resilience, and strategic growth.
Rather than dismissing the religious zeal of Ghanaians, we should learn from these church leaders. They have demonstrated how to build successful, global organisations despite operating in the challenging Ghanaian environment. Ghana has been blessed with these leaders—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—who offer valuable lessons in leadership and organisational success. Will we learn from them how to lead our businesses and nation to greater heights?
—
Kwasi Deh is the General Secretary of the Ghana Charismatic Bishops Conference.