Accra: Renowned Ghanaian playwright James Ebo Whyte has argued that Ghana’s persistent challenges cannot be blamed solely on colonialism or the global economic system, insisting that a deeper internal problem he describes as ‘Okukuseku’ continues to hold the country back.
According to Ghana Web, the reflections shared by the playwright come as Ghana marks 69 years since gaining independence. Ebo Whyte stated that the tendency to blame external forces such as colonialism, imperialism, and the global economic order does not fully explain the country’s development struggles.
He pointed out that although these historical and structural factors have caused harm, Ghana has been independent for nearly seven decades and has changed governments multiple times, yet many of the same problems persist. Several countries that were once as poor as Ghana have managed to thrive within the same global economic system, raising questions about why Ghana has struggled to achieve similar progress.
Ebo Whyte believes the answer lies in what he calls ‘Okukuseku,’ a symbolic figure representing attitudes and behaviours that undermine progress from within. ‘Okukuseku’ describes individuals who use their influence or positions to obstruct opportunities for others, often for personal reasons.
To illustrate his point, the playwright cited an example involving his brother, Bernard Whyte, who he said was prevented from playing in a crucial match for the Ghana national senior men’s football team due to the actions of such an ‘Okukuseku’. He also mentioned a situation at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where similar conduct nearly caused the facility to miss out on acquiring a cardiac unit.
These examples, according to Ebo Whyte, highlight how internal actions and attitudes can stall national progress more than external pressures. He expressed his hope for divine intervention, stating, “May God rid Ghana of such people, because if He does not, we can give up hope of Ghana ever making any progress.”
Ebo Whyte’s comments come as Ghanaians reflect on the nation’s development path nearly seven decades after independence, with renewed discussions about accountability, leadership, and the role of citizens in shaping the country’s future.