Are you truly independent? If not, then fight for your freedom now!

As a nation, we fought for our independence to live in our land with liberty and freedom, pursue our trade, earn fair wages from our labour, afford the life we deserve and live with our heads held high in dignity, embracing our self-worth and identity. 

We have achieved political independence as a nation. But have you achieved personal autonomy? 

As the sounds from the 68th celebrations fade, the reality is that we have had challenges as a nation in achieving the ideals espoused at the dawn of independence. 

Over 40% of the population is multidimensionally poor, and many youths are not economically active. Some citizens even despise the land of their birth.

Today, I urge each citizen to embrace the fight for professional, financial and emotional independence. If you have had the opportunity to receive basic education, you have the tools to fight and win this fight for yourself and for all those you care for. 

Ask yourself three questions. Am I professionally independent? Am I financially independent, and am I emotionally independent? 

Ghana will be more prosperous when its citizens are professionally, financially and emotionally free. 

Are you professionally independent? 

Do you have the freedom to use our God-given talents to serve the nation or feel trapped in a stressful job with no way out? 

Being professionally independent means you can choose your vocation, even if not at the beginning of your career; with time, you should be able to do so. 

Every individual must freely contribute their labour in ways they choose.

Professional independence also means being free to make professional judgements in the best interest of clients without succumbing to undue influence from any party. 

In many trade associations, we expect professionals to exercise independent judgment in all their dealings. 

Many citizens struggle to maintain professional independence due to personal interests or fear of repercussions from exercising independent judgment. 

Ghana's independence is meaningless unless you exercise independent professional judgment in the discharge of your duties. 

Your independent professional judgement leads to peace for many citizens in the country. As we celebrate independence, it's time to reflect on your actions and determine to eliminate all situations that cause you to lose your independence and pledge yourself to the service of Ghana. 

Are you financially independent? 

The hustle is real. Sometimes we compromise because we are not financial independent. Money is a significant source of stress in many homes. 

Financial independence does not mean one has an overflowing bank account. It's about being able to meet life's needs without stress. In a time of rising inflation, stagnant wages, and haircuts, thoughts of financial independence may seem unrealistic. 

Nevertheless, this is a goal worth pursuing. Achieving financial freedom allows you to pursue professional passions and interests because you are no longer bound to work in stressful situations for a badly needed income.  

Financial independence is not dependent on whether a person makes a six or seven-figure salary. Having degrees and globally recognised professional qualifications does not necessarily lead to financial independence. 

To become financially independent, you must make it your goal and fight for it. For some people, the first step is to change their mindset and embrace financial freedom as a goal worth pursuing. Second step, you must save as much as possible when you start to earn income. 

The use of cards, payment apps, targeted marketing and the flexibility of shopping online have made it easier to spend. And there is also the temptation to inflate your lifestyle to impress “friends” on social platforms. 

Many individuals who could have achieved financial independence on a reasonable income have not done so because they lacked discipline to invest. 

The situation is unfair, but there is a way out. Find an opportunity that provides a decent income. Be disciplined to save and allow time to be your ally as you build financial independence. 

Make it your goal to be financially independent after a decade of work. You will be glad you did.

Are you emotionally independent?

Citizens without emotional independence struggle to achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions. 

These citizens are always eager to please whoever is ready to validate their emotions. Hence, they oscillate from one project to another or from one platform to another to find where the applause is loudest. 

They wear themselves and others out with constant reminders to everyone that they are not being appreciated and celebrated for their contributions. Are you chasing validation? Are you waiting for someone to say you are worthy? 

How many “friends”, “followers” and “reactions” will satisfy you? Can you now focus on the real work you need to do rather than trying to be an “influencer”? 

What did Kwame Nkrumah do to become an influencer globally when there were no mobile phones?  

Many citizens continue look for the approval from those we fought for our freedom. Do you still have to go out of your way to impress them? 

Are they the ones who determine how you feel inside? Is your self-worth dependent on which passport you hold? 

Do you also believe you cannot make progress in your own country? You must fight for your independence. 

There is no alternative. You deserve more. And you do not need permission to advocate for what you believe is right for you. Fight by guarding your heart and mind now. 

It's now your turn to fight for independence

Our forefathers have left us an example. You will not achieve independence unless you ask for it. You will not achieve independence unless you fight for it. 

And if you are disciplined in your fight, you will certainly win. 

Professional, financial and emotional independence is worth fighting for. You must win this fight for yourself first. You will live a happy, fulfilled life, and Ghana will be proud of you, too. God has blessed our homeland.

…..be of good cheer!

The writer is the Founder of the CEO Accelerator Program and Chief Learning Strategist at TEMPLE Advisory. 

He specializes in leadership development, executive coaching and strategy consulting. 

The mission of The Leadership Project is to harvest highly effective leadership practices and share them in a manner that other leaders can easily incorporate into their leadership practice. 

If you have an idea or leadership practice to share, kindly write to programs@thelearningtemple.com. Until you read from us again, keep leading…..from leader to leader, one practice at a time.