The Combustion Chamber for Economic Growth

The private sector is often touted as the engine of economic growth—and rightfully so. However, an integral component of this engine is frequently overlooked, a missing element that is crucial for producing sustainable growth. To draw an analogy, if the private sector is the engine of economic development, then the combustion chamber is the key component that ignites this engine. In an engine, the combustion chamber is where fuel and air combine under high temperatures and pressure to generate the energy needed to power the system. Identifying and optimizing this chamber is essential for ensuring that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently.

In the context of the economy, the combustion chamber represents the collective mindset—the fusion of ideas, creativity, and innovation—that drives progress. Just as the quality of the fuel and air determines the energy output in an engine, the quality of thought and decision-making among economic players directly impacts the health of an economy. The adage “garbage in, garbage out” applies here: if the inputs into our collective mindset are flawed, the resulting economic output will suffer. Therefore, nurturing and empowering the intellectual and creative capacities of the people is critical for transforming potential into sustained economic growth, especially in Africa and Ghana, where this vital element has been underdeveloped.

Critical defect in the combustion chamber

Unfortunately, in Ghana and across Africa, the combustion chamber of our collective consciousness—the very engine that powers innovation and progress—remains severely defective. This defect stems from a long history of exploitation and imposed narratives, primarily rooted in three interrelated forces: the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and neocolonialism.

The transatlantic slave trade not only forcibly removed some of the continent’s brightest minds but also subjected them to dehumanizing conditions on plantations. This brutal practice sowed mistrust and suspicion among families, clans, tribes, and kingdoms as European slave traders exploited and exacerbated existing regular divisions peculiar to any human society. Historically, this legacy has left an indelible mark on the collective psyche of Africans, making us want to do things in isolation, rather than in collaborative, in partnership and in unity.

The abolition of the slave trade did not put an end to this hemorrhage of cultural and intellectual wealth; it merely paved the way for a new era of exploitation—colonialism. European colonizers imposed Western education, religion, politics, and economic systems that systematically dismantled indigenous knowledge passed down for millennia—a knowledge base that had built great civilizations such as Egypt, Mali, Ashanti, Kush, and Great Zimbabwe, among many others. These imposed systems not only devalued Africa’s rich intellectual heritage but also redefined African identities in ways that diminished self-worth and self-reliance.

As colonization came to an end, a new era of neocolonization emerged, perpetuating the erosion of African identity and culture. This resulted in an economic system that made Africa the backyard of western powers to extract raw materials while producing nothing for ourselves. The educated elite, who were supposed to lead the continent towards self-determination and prosperity, instead became complicit in perpetuating the status quo, and made sure that those that thought and acted otherwise were eliminated with the connivance of their former colonial masters!

These elites, who had been schooled in Western ideologies and values, began to impose these foreign concepts on their own people. They introduced reforms in politics, economy, and education that were disconnected from African realities and contexts. This led to a wave of confusion among the masses, as they struggled to reconcile their traditional ways of life with the imposed Western values.

One of the most insidious tools used by the educated elite to maintain control was religion. By promoting Western Christianity, they further entrenched the mental slavery of the masses. This not only eroded African cultural practices which were demonized, but also created a sense of inferiority among Africans, making them more susceptible to Western domination.

The education system, which was supposed to empower Africans, instead became a tool for perpetuating Western values and ideologies. African children were taught to prioritize Western languages, such as English, French, and Portuguese, over their local languages. Parents no longer even speak our local languages at home with our children. A child that has no mother tongue has no roots and can only grow up with a confused identity. Being aware of this effect, slave masters even cut off the tongue of mothers in order not to transmit their language which is the embodiment of their culture and values to their children. So why are we doing that to ourselves? This has led to a loss of cultural heritage and identity, as children grow up without a strong connection to their mother tongue and traditions.

The consequences of this cultural erosion are far-reaching. Without a strong sense of identity and cultural roots, Africans are unable to develop a cohesive and self-sustaining economy. Individual businesses and entrepreneurs struggle to find their place within a globalized economy that prioritizes Western values and interests.

Furthermore, the loss of cultural identity has led to a crisis of confidence among Africans. Many have internalized the notion that Western cultures and values are superior to their own. This has resulted in a lack of self-belief and self-worth, making it difficult for Africans to assert themselves on the global stage.

Emancipate-One Mind at A Time

I have personally embarked on a journey to emancipate myself from mental slavery—a journey that began during my time at the University of Ghana in the mid- to late 90s. While I recognize that I still have a long way to go, I am determined not to give up. I continually evaluate my thought processes, questioning whether my ideas truly reflect my authentic self or if they have been influenced by the Western-style classroom and media. By sifting through these ideas and blending them with my deeply held beliefs and convictions, I shape both what I write and the business missions I choose to pursue.

Reflecting on Ghana’s business landscape over the years, I have observed that the most innovative entrepreneurs are often those who either never entered the traditional classroom or dropped out early. I do not intend to diminish the value of formal education, for it offers diverse opportunities for employment and entrepreneurs need those employees.

The problem, though, is that it does not foster entrepreneurship to create business ventures that would employ the teeming graduates. And the products are not taught what resonates with our cultural practices and identities.

Instead, they go to school and come out to work, not for the collective good, but for self-aggrandizement.

Since much of our education is controlled by the government, over which I have no influence, I have taken charge of cultivating my own mind, to rule my destiny (Buju Banton). And as Bob Marley famously said, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds” (boldface and italics mine). Thus it is my responsibility to free my mind.

I believe one way to do that is by engaging with individuals who have not been tainted by Western educational norms. Doing so can help us tap into the wisdom of our ancestors. By combining this indigenous knowledge with modern insights, we can develop a unique approach to entrepreneurship, management, and strategy that truly meets our needs.

Moreover, by consulting our elders and reflecting on traditional songs, proverbs, folklore, and cultural expressions, we can preserve and adapt the generational knowledge that once built great civilizations. This, in turn, will enable us to build sustainable enterprises and foster economic prosperity that is rooted in our identity rather than defined by the western concept of scarcity, greed and competition.

If you decide to join me on this journey of liberating our minds, share your experiences with others, no matter how little it may seem to you,

so that future generations can continue this vital work of creating an authentic combustion chamber for the engine of economic growth. Sankofa…

The author Jules Nartey-Tokoli is Founder and Group CEO at Groupe Soleil Vision, comprising Soleil Consults, LLC, NubianBiz dot Com and Soleil Publications. He has lived and worked in both Ghana and the United States, having extensive experience in Strategy, Management, Entrepreneurship, Premium Audit Advisory and Web consulting. He has also published several articles on Strategy and Management among others.