Ayam Fidelis Atura, a social analyst, has cautioned against allowing foreign reports to shape Ghana’s international image and national self-assessment, describing such tendencies as “imperialist in nature.”
Speaking on Daybreak Upper East in response to the 2024 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report on Ghana, Mr. Atura acknowledged that while the report highlighted some valid concerns, it should not be treated as the ultimate verdict on the country’s progress.
“All in all, the report really is better than what we have seen in the past. Other than the few issues where we could question, it was not so bad. But I really believe we should not overly emphasize our performance on what the Americans are saying. That itself is imperialist in nature.”
According to him, Ghana must build stronger internal mechanisms for accountability and rely on homegrown solutions to address its shortcomings. Arguing that he doesn’t expect the American embassy to be the one giving Ghana a verdict.
“I don’t expect the American embassy to be the one giving us a verdict. We have our own proper ways of resolving our problems. The U.S. is not the measure to give us the proper image internationally.”
Mr. Atura further warned that excessive dependence on foreign reports could distract the country from recognizing its gains and setting its own priorities.
“We should not allow it to swallow us so much. If we are not careful, these reports will sway us from our gains. We know we have work to do, and we can do it, but foreign reports should not influence our character,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging the relevance of external assessments, the analyst stressed the need for Ghana to take ownership of its progress and challenges.
“We can deal with such reports, ask the questions we need to, but at the end of the day, we must not overly, overly deal with them,” Mr. Atura concluded.
The 2024 U.S. State Department report highlighted concerns about freedom of expression, media self-censorship, and harmful cultural practices in Ghana.
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