Singapore has demonstrated the power of strategic planning and stability. The country’s rise to become a global economic powerhouse, surpassing Ghana, is a story worth studying—especially considering that Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, visited Ghana in the 1960s for inspiration.
At the time of his visit, Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence in 1957, had a GDP per capita of $857, while Singapore’s stood at just $428. Ghana was the third richest country in Africa—behind Egypt and South Africa—and was abundant in natural resources such as gold, bauxite, cocoa, and timber. In contrast, Singapore had to import even basic necessities like water.
In his memoir, Lee Kuan Yew acknowledged Ghana’s potential, citing its rich resources, energetic workforce, and talent. Initially, Ghana seemed to be on a promising path under the visionary leadership of Kwame Nkrumah. However, what followed was a drastic turn of events.
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In the latest episode of The BreakDown on PanaGenius TV, Sandra Babu-Boateng explores how Singapore was able to surpass Ghana and achieve remarkable economic success.
A key factor in Singapore’s rise was its leadership. Lee Kuan Yew implemented a system that rewarded ministers well while aggressively eliminating corruption. Every project had a clear plan and target, with accountability being a top priority.
Meanwhile, in Ghana, leadership has often been treated as a popularity contest, with an emphasis on charisma and revolutionary credentials rather than long-term planning. After Nkrumah’s government, which built key infrastructure like the Akosombo Dam, Tema Port, motorways, Black Star Square, hospitals, and factories, the country fell into a cycle of coups and political instability. These disruptions shattered the nation’s momentum, leaving Ghanaians to rely on Nkrumah’s legacy while failing to maintain continuity.
READ ALSO: Ghana: How site for a $400M National Cathedral turned into a community pool
Frequent changes in government, lack of long-term developmental plans, and abandoned projects after every election cycle have hindered Ghana’s progress. In contrast, Singapore’s commitment to stability, education, investment, and security propelled its economic transformation.
Watch the full episode of The BreakDown below, where Sandra Babu-Boateng provides an insightful analysis of how Singapore outpaced Ghana. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more episodes and share your thoughts with us!
