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As Ghana contemplates the future of its leadership, a crucial question has emerged: Is Generation Z ready to take the reins?
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday (4 June), a panel of educators, technologists, and analysts dissected this question, each bringing generational insights and expertise to bear on the topic.
Prof Georgina Oduro, a senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, opened the conversation with a sociological journey through Ghana’s leadership generations—from the Silent Generation of independence fighters to today’s digitally immersed Gen Z.
According to Prof Oduro, Gen Z, born into an era of intense global competition and digital access, often struggle with fear of failure—a trait that could either hinder or sharpen their leadership instincts.
“Leadership takes different forms in different eras,” she explained. “But we must also look at the environment. A young person in Accra with access to the internet is not the same as a Gen Z in a remote village. We must consider class, location, and exposure.”
Prof Fred McBagonluri, President of Academic City College, described Gen Z as “perhaps the most brilliant generation to ever walk this earth,” but questioned whether the current education system is preparing them adequately.
“You can’t do STEM education when students are spending two months at home due to systemic failures. Our system is breaking at the seams,” he said. Still, he expressed optimism, urging stakeholders to fix fundamental challenges in teaching, mentorship, and digital skills.
Joining the panel was Dr Nefertiti Puplampu, a respected curriculum specialist and self-described “late Gen X” or “Zennial”, who sees Gen Z as misunderstood by older generations. “They are values-driven, question institutions we took for granted, and have a better handle on where the world is going,” she said. “They’re not lazy or entitled—they just don’t care about outdated systems.”
She also critiqued Ghana’s prevailing culture of rigid hierarchy, which often stifles young voices. “In Ghana, someone being just a year older than you can mean you’re expected to bow and scrape. This is not sustainable if we want innovation.”
Moses Ahinful Acquah, a millennial data analyst and tech entrepreneur, offered a generational bridge between tradition and transformation. “When I started my company, I had no mentor,” he said. “But I found one who introduced me to blockchain. I built everything on passion, digital tools, and networks—not cash.” Moses emphasised that funding is less a barrier than mindset, suggesting that platforms powered by AI and technology offer low-cost ways to innovate and lead.
He added: “Fear is the biggest challenge for Gen Z. They need mentorship, exposure, and the confidence to just start.”
Dr Puplampu also criticised the country’s entrenched culture of rote learning, or “chew, pour, pass”, as a major obstacle to meaningful youth development. “We’re raising students to memorise and regurgitate, not to lead, think critically, or solve real-world problems,” she said.
Ultimately, the panel agreed that Ghana’s Gen Z has the potential to lead—but unlocking that potential will require a recalibration of education, mentorship, and societal attitudes.
“We must meet Gen Z where they are—not where we were,” Prof Oduro concluded. “Only then can we truly say we are preparing them for leadership.”
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