The art of following involves copying, catching up, and eventually surging forward. Ghana, currently mired in poverty, can learn from the prosperous OECD countries like the UK, France, and Sweden. Mastering the art of following can enable us to catch up and move ahead. Dag Heward-Mills’ book, *The Art of Following*, is highly recommended and an excellent resource on this subject.
First Love Music, a ministry that has produced over 200 songs, exemplifies the benefits of following and copying successful models. Until recently, their songs were available on Apple Music and other streaming services but were removed by disgruntled former employees aiming to hinder the ministry’s progress. Despite these setbacks, the ministry’s journey underscores the power of following successful examples.
Initially, First Love Music created songs by reworking melodies from renowned artists like Bob Marley and ABBA, while crafting original lyrics based on gospel messages. Over nearly half a decade, they developed a collection of over a hundred songs, cherished by young audiences worldwide. Their journey also inspired new artists like Mykleez and Kwame Angelo, who contributed to the genre.
Starting with copies of successful models allowed First Love Music to master the craft and eventually develop original works. Recent albums, such as *Reasonable Service*, demonstrate their in-house talent, showing that copying can lead to innovation and excellence.
Ghana, struggling with economic instability and poverty, can learn from First Love Music’s approach. While it’s widely accepted that emulating successful democracies can lead to prosperity, Ghana has struggled to identify actionable steps. First Love Music’s journey offers a blueprint: focus on quality, learn from success, and then innovate.
Key Lessons for Ghana
1. Recognize and Emulate Quality:
We often debate what constitutes success without committing to it. Korea’s car industry thrived by following models like Opel before creating global successes like Kia and Hyundai. Similarly, First Love Music learned from mainstream artists despite its Christian foundation. Ghana must identify and emulate global successes quickly and effectively.
2. Embrace Copying Without Shame:
Copying is often viewed negatively in Ghana, seen as unoriginal or even dishonest. Yet, many successful traditions, including cooking and craftsmanship, thrive on copying. Governments should adopt proven models from countries like Germany and the UK, particularly in areas like SMEs, education, and public accountability. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel; we need to learn from those who have perfected it.
3. Focus on Talent Development:
First Love Music constantly recruited and nurtured young talent, allowing them to grow and excel. This approach ensures a steady pipeline of skilled individuals. Ghana must similarly cast a wide net to find and develop talent across all sectors, rather than relying on a privileged few.
4. Invest in Training:
The ministry invested heavily in training its members in all aspects of music production. In Ghana, training often lacks seriousness and practical application. Aggressive, continuous training and application of knowledge are crucial for progress.
5. Adopt Technology:
First Love Music leveraged technology to enhance music creation and production, increasing efficiency and quality. Ghana must integrate technology across all sectors to facilitate learning, innovation, and efficiency. Technology not only enhances productivity but also creates opportunities for talent development.
Through these steps, First Love Music has built a robust portfolio of songs and talent, reducing dependency on external resources and allowing more investment in their core mission. Ghana can similarly benefit by applying these principles to achieve its development goals.
A Cautionary Note
Success often breeds envy and resistance. First Love Music faced backlash from disgruntled individuals attempting to discredit their methodology. However, success, like a cork, cannot be submerged for long. Ghana must learn to focus on effective strategies and ignore the naysayers. Leadership requires the strength to stay the course, adopting strategies that have propelled countries like China and South Korea to remarkable growth.
By embracing the art of following, Ghana can navigate its path to prosperity, leveraging proven models and adapting them to its unique context. The journey requires vision, commitment, and resilience, but the rewards are within reach.
The Writer is General Secretary of the Ghana Charismatic Bishops Conference