30/01/2026
The World Is Moving Forward, Why Are Some of Our Zongo Youth Being Left Behind?
While the world is rapidly evolving, young people across the globe are investing their time in AI, multimedia, digital marketing, software development, data analysis, and remote work skills. They are positioning themselves to become self-employed, globally competitive, and financially independent, working with businesses across continents without leaving their homes.
Yet, in many Ghanaian Zongo communities, a painful question remains unanswered:
Why are some of our youth still spending their energy fighting for individuals—so-called leaders, local chiefs, or politicians, instead of fighting for their own future?
Even more concerning is that some elders are deeply occupied with chasing titles, political appointments, and leadership positions, while the world outside is redefining what leadership truly means. This is not just an individual issue, it feels generational.
It’s 2026. Why Are We Moving Backwards?
This is not about disrespecting tradition or leadership. Culture matters. Elders matter. But blind loyalty without progress is dangerous.
The global economy no longer waits for government jobs or political favors. Opportunity today belongs to those who have skills, creativity, and digital access. Yet instead of organizing to demand innovation hubs, training centers, or digital infrastructure, we watch energy wasted on conflicts that produce nothing lasting.
Why can’t the same passion used for political fights be redirected into writing proposals, drafting letters, or organizing meetings with:
• Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs)
• Members of Parliament (MPs)
• Zongo Chiefs and key stakeholders
to demand something transformational like a Zongo AI & Multimedia Hub?
What Could a Zongo Innovation Hub Look Like?
Imagine a space where Zongo youth are trained in modern, high-income skills such as:
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) basics & prompt engineering
• Graphic design & branding
• Photography, videography & video editing
• Digital marketing & social media management
• Content creation (YouTube, TikTok, podcasts)
• Web design & no-code development
• E-commerce & online business
• Freelancing platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal)
• Remote customer support & virtual assistance
These are not dreams. These are real skills that people are using today to earn in dollars, euros, and pounds without politics, without begging, without fighting.
Are Our Leaders Aware the World Has Changed?
This is the most important question.
Leadership today is no longer about who controls people, but about who empowers them. A leader who does not understand the digital economy is unintentionally leading people into irrelevance.
If leaders are truly for the people, then:
• Where are the innovation programs?
• Where are the digital training initiatives?
• Where are the partnerships with tech companies and NGOs?
• Where is the vision for the next 10–20 years?
A Call for a New Direction
The Zongo has talent. The Zongo has energy. What is missing is strategic direction.
Instead of fighting for individuals, let us fight for systems.
Instead of chasing titles, let us chase capacity.
Instead of waiting for politics, let us build skills.
The future will not ask who you supported politically.
It will ask what you can do, what you can create, and how you can adapt.
It’s 2026.
The world has moved on.
The real question is: will we move with it, or watch it pass us by?
John Dramani Mahama
Muntaka Mubarak
Manaf Ibrahim
Zongo Hausa Zest
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Samira Bawumia
Mubarick Masawudu
Ben Abdallah Alhassan
