Author name: Dr Maxwell Ampong

If we look back at history and by convention, the development of nations has been the primary responsibility of the central government. Governments, in their entirety, are or have been responsible for constructing roads, hospitals, electricity, water supply, and creating jobs. The role of the central government in national development is or has been even more significant in developing nations, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa.  However, the complexities of our modern societies make this approach to development less viable. Governments of developing nations like Ghana often lack the funding to solely develop the institutions, infrastructure, and human resources necessary for stronger growth and a faster end to poverty.  For instance, 15 of the 45 countries in sub-Saharan Africa have government revenues that are less than 15% of their GDP, though the exact count may vary from year to year. Additionally, government revenue in resource-rich countries in sub-Saharan Africa is less stable and higher than in resource-poor nations (Izvorski and Karakülah 2019). Therefore, there is a need for private participation through entrepreneurship.  For clarity, government revenue specifically refers to the money collected by the government, including taxes, duties, levies, royalties, and other fees. In contrast, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the total value of goods and services produced in the economy over a specific period. In other words, GDP reflects the overall economic activity within a country, while government revenue represents only the portion of that economic activity (including resource-based inflows) that contributes to the government’s budget. The Chinese government, for example, recognised a critical truth in the late 20th century: centralised economic planning had limitations. Starting circa 1978, China shifted towards market-oriented reforms, quietly allowing private entrepreneurship to thrive. This strategic pivot drove exceptional growth, enabling China, with over a billion people, to surpass Japan as the world’s second-largest economy by 2010. By 2023, China’s GDP exceeded $19 trillion, reflecting decades of private-sector innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic state support. This journey underscores the transformative power of local entrepreneurs in national development. Ghana can achieve similar success. With a GDP of around $77 billion and a population now estimated at over 34 million, Ghana possesses significant untapped potential. By empowering local entrepreneurs through supportive policies, infrastructure investment, technological innovation, and human capital development, Ghana can accelerate economic growth and resilience. Accra’s pathway to prosperity could mirror Beijing’s: leveraging local entrepreneurship, unlocking private sector creativity, and pursuing strategic economic reforms. Ghana can fuel substantial national development, drive prosperity and significantly improve living standards across the country. The importance of entrepreneurship in nation-building cannot be overstated.  From a public policy perspective, several authors have emphasised the value of an entrepreneurial environment in fostering economic development through the establishment of new businesses (Malecki, 1994; Reynolds et al., 2001). Indeed, evidence suggests a strong positive correlation between entrepreneurship and national growth (Rocha 2004). To this end, by way of a working definition, entrepreneurship is the process through which individuals pursue opportunities without regard to the resources they currently control. An entrepreneur is thus an individual who assembles and integrates all the resources needed to transform an invention or idea into a viable business.  According to Nafukho (1998), an entrepreneur is a bulldozer who can turn a hurdle into a stepping stone. The author further states that an entrepreneur can move any mountain. He is an aggressive and creative innovator who fosters the connections necessary for launching a new company.  Hayton (2002) also defines entrepreneurship as the process of identifying a need-satisfaction-related opportunity and turning it into something of value. It can also be considered the procedures and actions taken by business owners to profit from business opportunities. Otaki (2003) then states that entrepreneurship is the process of establishing a new economic entity focused on cutting-edge goods or services. Entrepreneurs are key players in any nation’s ability to stimulate entrepreneurship, which can be seen as a national asset. It is a dynamic process that goes beyond profit-making to value creation, enhancing well-being alongside wealth growth.  According to Barringer and Ireland (2016), there are three primary reasons why people choose to be entrepreneurs and start their businesses: (1) they want to be their own boss, (2) to pursue their ideas, and (3) to achieve financial rewards. As a result, many individuals view entrepreneurship as a desirable career path.  Think about your acquaintances and friends; there is a good chance you know one or two people who aspire to start their own business, either now or in the future. Another indication that entrepreneurship is increasingly popular is the growing number of books written about starting a business.  For example, Amazon.com currently lists over 89,900 books on small businesses and more than 36,900 items related to entrepreneurship. In 2013, there were 62,700 books on small businesses. Today, that number has undoubtedly and significantly increased (Barringer and Ireland 2016). Conversely, national development refers to a nation’s ability to continuously improve the welfare or quality of life of its people in areas such as education, economics, health, recreation, and more. As mentioned earlier, numerous intellectual advances have been made to prove the connection between entrepreneurship and economic growth. The Global Economic Monitor (GEM), a research organisation funded by Babson College in Massachusetts, US, and the London Business School, is dedicated to examining how entrepreneurship and economic development are related and how entrepreneurship can be fostered, particularly in developing nations. GEM conducts an annual study that can include up to 42 countries, and the findings are made public for global consumption. According to Hisrich and Peters (1998), increasing per capita output and income, as well as “initiating and constituting a change in the structure of business and society,” are what cause the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development to exist. These authors also state that entrepreneurship programs have revitalised impoverished neighbourhoods in various countries. Ahiauzu (2010) has researched the role of entrepreneurship in Ghana’s economic development. He starts by referencing Dejardin (2000), who asserts that “an increase in the number of entrepreneurs leads to an increase in economic growth.” Morrison (2000) contends that

African women represent approximately 50.1% of the continent’s population, emphasising their crucial role in achieving sustainable development and socioeconomic progress. Despite significant policy advancements following the landmark Beijing Women’s Conference in 1995, which sought to highlight gender inequalities and promote women’s rights, African women continue to face substantial barriers that hinder their potential and full participation in society. The persistent gaps manifest prominently in critical areas such as education, economic empowerment, health care access, political representation, and formal employment opportunities. While considerable improvements in policies and frameworks have been observed, these have not fully translated into transformative impacts for many women across the continent, particularly those in rural and marginalised communities. Current Statistical Insights Literacy Rates Female literacy rates in Sub-Saharan Africa have seen remarkable growth, increasing from 46.8% in 2000 to 58.8% in 2019, indicating progressive strides in educational accessibility for women. However, a significant gender gap in literacy persists, with male literacy rates substantially higher at approximately 70.3% in 2019. This disparity underscores enduring cultural, socioeconomic, and infrastructural barriers that disproportionately obstruct educational opportunities for women and girls, particularly in rural and impoverished areas. Education is universally recognised as a powerful tool for empowerment, reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and enhancing women’s participation in economic and political spheres. Yet, factors such as early marriage, domestic responsibilities, poverty, and cultural norms continue to limit girls’ school enrolment, retention, and completion rates. Economic Participation Approximately 64% of African women actively participate in the labour market, underscoring their significant role in economic productivity. However, the majority of these women, about 66%, are concentrated in labour-intensive and informal sectors such as agriculture, informal trade, and domestic services. Women’s involvement in agriculture often involves subsistence-level farming, characterised by low productivity, limited access to resources, and minimal income generation. This distorted economic participation highlights the deep gender inequality in formal employment sectors. Women encounter systemic obstacles, such as restricted access to capital, training, property rights, and networking opportunities, which limit their ability to move into higher-paying, stable job positions. Tackling these barriers is essential not only for gender equality but also for economic growth and poverty reduction across the continent. Policy Evolution and Implementation Since the 1995 Beijing Women’s Conference, African countries have actively developed and implemented gender-sensitive policies to tackle inequalities and promote women’s empowerment. Key milestones include ratifying international instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, which explicitly emphasise women’s rights and gender equity. Moreover, African governments have adopted global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Furthermore, Africa’s Agenda 2063 establishes the continent’s strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development, prioritising gender equality as a key objective. Despite these significant policy developments, implementation remains inconsistent across the continent due to differing levels of political commitment, resource allocation, and institutional capacity. The effective translation of policies into tangible outcomes necessitates enhanced local ownership, cultural sensitivity, and strategic alignment with existing community structures. Continuous monitoring, accountability mechanisms, and community engagement are crucial for bridging the gap between policy intentions and their practical impacts on the lives of African women. Addressing Equality: Opportunity versus Outcome The concepts of equality of opportunity and equality of outcome are both critical frameworks within the broader discussion of gender equality. Equality of opportunity refers to the assurance that all individuals, irrespective of gender, have equal chances to access education, employment, and economic resources. This concept emphasises legal frameworks and anti-discrimination policies designed to level the playing field for women. In contrast, equality of outcome recognises that simply providing equal opportunities does not guarantee equitable results because of existing structural, historical, and cultural inequalities. Substantive equality (equality of outcome) necessitates targeted affirmative measures such as gender quotas, special incentives for female education, training, financial support, and proactive employment practices to ensure women achieve meaningful and measurable progress. Rwanda exemplifies the effective application of equality-of-outcome strategies. Its gender quota system has resulted in over 60% female representation in parliament, a world-leading achievement that highlights the efficacy of proactive policy interventions in tackling gender imbalances without compromising competency. However, implementing substantive equality measures often necessitates addressing deeply entrenched cultural and social norms that resist change. Therefore, integrating equality of opportunity with strong equity-oriented actions remains vital for effectively promoting gender equality in Africa. Cultural Context: Bridging Policy and Reality In many parts of Africa, especially in rural areas, deeply entrenched cultural norms and traditions continue to significantly influence and often impede women’s social, economic, and political empowerment. Cultural expectations frequently dictate women’s roles primarily within domestic spheres, limiting their opportunities for education, professional development, and political participation. Initiatives that promote gender equity and women’s empowerment frequently encounter resistance when they conflict with established social norms and practices. For instance, decisions regarding women’s participation in community development projects, educational programs, or economic activities often require approval from male family members or community leaders, limiting women’s agency and independence. Effectively bridging policy and cultural reality involves strategic engagement and sensitisation within the community. Successful programmes have actively involved influential community leaders, including patriarchal figures, in designing and advocating for gender-sensitive initiatives. Such culturally embedded strategies have proven to be more sustainable, leveraging local norms and leadership structures to endorse progressive changes. To create lasting transformations, ongoing dialogue, education, and awareness campaigns must actively engage both men and women in advocating for gender equality. Recognising and respecting cultural values while simultaneously challenging discriminatory practices through culturally sensitive and inclusive methodologies is crucial for achieving meaningful and enduring gender equity across the continent. Strategic Recommendations To effectively tackle gender disparities and instigate significant change, the following strategic recommendations are what I propose: The Way Forward Achieving gender equality in Africa necessitates an integrated, culturally aware, and outcome-oriented approach. Despite significant progress in policy frameworks, practical barriers remain, reflecting deeply entrenched social, economic, and cultural challenges. Effectively addressing these issues requires a viable and effective strategy.

The Unseen Barrier to Economic Progress Africa, often hailed as the continent of the future, boasts a young and dynamic population. Yet, this potential is being stifled, not just by infrastructure gaps or political instability, but by a more insidious, often-overlooked issue: mental health neglect. Depression and anxiety are not just personal battles; they are economic drains that hinder productivity, innovation, and growth. If we fail to address this, we risk squandering Africa’s greatest asset: our people. The Economic Impact of Mental Health Neglect Mental health disorders are more than medical concerns. They have tangible economic repercussions: – Lower Workforce Productivity: Depression reduces an employee’s ability to focus, collaborate, and perform efficiently. According to the World Health Organization, untreated depression and anxiety result in lost productivity worth $1 trillion globally each year. – Increased Healthcare Burden: When mental health issues remain untreated, they contribute to physical health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, further straining national healthcare systems. – Higher Unemployment Rates: Many individuals suffering from depression struggle to hold stable employment, increasing dependency on the public purse. The Mental Health Crisis in Africa: The Hard Facts According to the World Economic Forum, Africa is home to 100 million people suffering from clinical depression, including 66 million women. Yet, the region is ill-equipped to handle this crisis: – A severe shortage of mental health professionals: Only 1.4 mental health workers per 100,000 people, compared to a global average of nine per 100,000 (Lancet Global Health). – A staggering treatment gap: In Ghana, for example, 98% of people needing mental health services do not receive treatment (Harvard Global Health Institute). – Minimal government funding: Many African nations allocate less than 1% of their health budgets to mental health. Why Mental Health Matters for Africa’s Future Ignoring mental health is not an option if Africa is to achieve its economic aspirations. Addressing it will lead to the following: – A More Productive Workforce: Healthy minds lead to sharper decision-making, higher efficiency, and increased economic participation. – Stronger Entrepreneurial Growth: Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem thrives on innovation and resilience, both of which require a strong mental foundation. – Increased Foreign Investment: Stable, productive societies attract investors looking for long-term returns. The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Mental Health Failure to act on mental health comes at a steep price: – Missed economic opportunities: Depression alone is estimated to cost Africa millions of productive work hours annually. – Rising social instability: Unaddressed mental health issues contribute to crime, substance abuse, and social unrest. – A struggling next generation: Poor mental health among today’s workforce affects families, leading to cycles of poverty and despair. The Role of Corporate Responsibility in Mental Health Companies and organisations are crucial in tackling Africa’s mental health crisis. Here’s how they can contribute: – Implementing Mental Health Support Programs: Businesses should integrate Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer mental health support services, counselling, and stress management workshops. – Fostering a Workplace Culture That Supports Well-being: Employers should encourage open discussions about mental health, reducing stigma and making employees feel safe when seeking help. – Offering Flexible Work Arrangements: Allowing flexible schedules and remote work options where possible can help employees manage stress more effectively. – Providing Mental Health Training for Managers: Managers should be trained to recognise early signs of mental distress and guide employees to appropriate resources. Investing in mental health is ethical and financially smart. Companies that prioritise mental well-being often report higher employee satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and increased productivity. The Cultural Perception of Mental Health in Africa One of the biggest barriers to mental health awareness in Africa is deep-rooted stigma. In many African societies, mental health issues are often misunderstood, with sufferers facing judgment, discrimination, or even ostracisation. – Traditional Beliefs and Mental Health: Many cultures attribute mental illnesses to supernatural causes, spiritual possession, or moral weakness, which prevents people from seeking professional help. – Lack of Awareness: In some communities, depression and anxiety are dismissed as mere mood swings rather than severe medical conditions. – Fear of Social Consequences: People hesitate to admit mental health struggles due to fear of losing their jobs, reputations, or relationships. Changing the Narrative To shift this mindset, we need to: – Promote Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments and NGOs should run campaigns to educate the public about mental health and reduce misinformation. – Engage Religious and Community Leaders: Since many African societies rely on traditional and religious guidance, working with these leaders to promote mental health awareness can be impactful. – Integrate Mental Health Education into Schools: Teaching young people about mental well-being can help normalise the conversation from an early age. The Role of Technology in Bridging the Gap With traditional healthcare systems unable to meet demand, technology offers promising solutions: – Mobile Mental Health Apps: Platforms like MindIT provide therapy, meditation tools, and self-help resources to individuals with limited access to in-person services. – AI-Driven Chatbots: Digital assistants can provide mental health screenings and immediate support. – Online Therapy Platforms: Connecting individuals with mental health professionals through virtual consultations reduces geographic barriers. A Movement to Change the Narrative Recognising the urgency of this issue, a new initiative seeks to blend mental health awareness with professional development. Through LinkedIn LIVE discussions, expert panels, and interactive sessions, this movement aims to: – Challenge the stigma surrounding mental health in Africa. – Provide tangible solutions for business leaders, employees, and entrepreneurs. – Foster collaboration between policymakers, corporations, and health experts. How You Can Be Part of the Solution This is not just a call to awareness; it is a call to action! Here’s how you can help: – Join the Conversation: Share your insights on mental health in the workplace. – Sponsor the Initiative: Help fund the expansion of mental health resources. – Spread Awareness: Share this project within your networks. – Be a Speaker: Contribute your expertise and lived experiences to the dialogue. The Time for Change is Now Mental health is not a luxury. It is a fundamental requirement for economic progress. Africa cannot afford to ignore this issue any longer. By tackling depression and related challenges, the continent can unlock billions in lost productivity, empower