Is the Ghanaian Dream Still Alive? My Honest Thoughts as a Young Person in 2025
"Just work hard, go to school, get a good job… and life will be set."
That’s what we’ve been told, right? Our parents, our teachers, society, they all sold us that script. The so-called Ghanaian Dream. But honestly… standing here as a young Ghanaian in 2025, I can’t help but wonder, is that dream still alive? Or are we chasing something that doesn’t exist anymore?
What Even Is the Ghanaian Dream?
For some people, it’s simple:
Own a house.
Build a family.
Get a “good” job.
Maybe start a business.
For others, the dream feels far away, so far, they believe they have to japa (leave Ghana) to find it. You hear it everywhere now: “There are no opportunities here, the system is broken, just leave.”
Our parents genuinely believed in the old formula: go to school, get your degree, and the rest will follow. But right now? It’s not that straightforward.
Reality Check: The Struggles We Face
Don’t get me wrong, Ghana is an amazing place. We have culture, talent, natural resources… so much potential. But potential doesn’t always pay the bills.
Here’s what young people like me are dealing with every day:
1. Unemployment After School
Imagine spending years in school, stressing over exams, pulling all-nighters… only to graduate and sit at home with no job. That’s the reality for a lot of us. You send CV after CV, but the jobs? They’re just not there, or they’re reserved for the “well-connected.”
2. The Everyday Hustle
Side gigs have become the norm. Selling clothes online, doing deliveries, social media influencing, freelance writing… we’re all trying to survive one hustle at a time.
3. The “Japa” Pressure
Let’s be real — leaving Ghana feels like the only option for some. Whether it's the UK, Canada, or the States, so many of us feel like our dreams only make sense outside this country.
4. Leadership and Broken Systems
Corruption. Poor infrastructure. High cost of living. Sometimes it feels like the people in charge aren’t really hearing us. It’s frustrating, to say the least.
So, Is the Dream Dead?
Honestly? Sometimes it feels like it.
When you see your friends struggling…
When your brilliant classmates lose hope…
When even starting a small business feels impossible…
It’s hard not to feel discouraged. But and this is a big but, I still believe there’s hope. Maybe the Ghanaian Dream isn’t dead. Maybe… it's just evolving.
The Dream Is Changing, And That’s Okay
Our parents’ version of success might not work for us anymore. But young people? We’re finding new ways to dream.
We’re redefining success:
It’s not just about government jobs, it’s building online businesses, becoming creators, going digital.
Education isn’t just degrees, it’s about real, marketable skills.
“Making it” doesn’t always mean leaving Ghana, it’s about creating opportunities right here.
We’re not waiting for permission anymore, we’re building, speaking up, and pushing for change.
What Gives Me Hope
Every time I see young Ghanaians doing amazing things, I feel proud:
People starting businesses from their bedrooms.
Creators making money from TikTok, YouTube, BlogPay.
Tech enthusiasts coding their way into global jobs.
Activists speaking out, demanding better.
We might be frustrated, but we’re not giving up.
Final Thoughts
Is the Ghanaian Dream still alive?
Maybe not in the way our parents imagined.
But is it alive in the hands of bold, restless, talented young people?
Absolutely.
The real question isn’t “Is the dream alive?” it’s:
"Are we ready to fight for the version of the dream that works for us?"
I believe we are. And despite the challenges, I believe Ghana still has space for our dreams , if we’re brave enough to create them.
FAQs, Quick Questions Young Ghanaians Are Asking
1. Is it still worth staying in Ghana?
Yes — but only if you’re ready to hustle, be creative, and carve your own path. It’s tough, but not impossible.
2. Can you succeed without connections?
It’s harder, but yes. Many people are building digital careers and businesses purely through skill and consistency.
3. Is education still important?
Definitely. But focus on practical, in demand skills alongside your degree.
4. Is “japa” the only way out?
No. It’s one option, but so is building something right here if you choose to.
5. What industries are promising in Ghana right now?
Tech, agriculture, creative industries, digital marketing, and small business entrepreneurship.
6. How can young people create change?
By voting, speaking up, building businesses, and refusing to accept broken systems as normal.
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