Planting for prosperity

By Prof. Samuel Lartey

[email protected]

Across generations, the simple truth remains: those who only observe conditions rarely prosper, while those who sow effort, discipline and creativity eventually harvest opportunity. In Ghana today, this truth applies to everyone, from the market woman in Makola and students everywhere in the country, to SMEs in Kumasi and corporate executives in Accra. Understanding how to plant wisely in a difficult season can determine the success of both individuals and businesses.

Seeds of Effort: Preparation Creates Opportunity

A seed represents potential, but potential alone has never produced food or profit. Deep in the farmlands of Bono or Volta, farmers know that observing the land does not bring a harvest; one must plant, nurture and work. The same principle applies to personal growth and corporate advancement.

A young professional who spends consistent time learning digital tools, industry trends or communication skills is planting seeds that will later open employment doors. An organisation that invests in staff training, customer experience and innovation is preparing the soil for resilience and long term competitiveness.

A 2023 McKinsey report showed that companies that invest in staff development during economic downturns outperform their peers by as much as 35 percent in three years. In Ghana, SMEs that embraced digital channels and CRM systems after 2020 have achieved reductions in operational costs of up to 28 percent.

Seeds must also be planted in the mind. People who cultivate a problem solving attitude, curiosity and persistence are more likely to notice opportunities even in economic instability. This mindset shift has helped thousands of Ghanaians move into digital work such as data analytics, design and software services, sectors which are growing at more than 18 percent annually.

Acting at the Right Time

Ghana’s agricultural rhythm offers a powerful lesson. No farmer delays the planting season simply because they feel unprepared. Seasons arrive without invitation, and readiness is a choice. The same applies to economic cycles and corporate landscapes.

The banking sector reforms between 2017 and 2019 are a strong example. Organisations that embraced governance, compliance and innovative strategies remained, while those that ignored the signs collapsed.

At the household level, waiting for the “perfect moment” to save or invest often leads to missed opportunities. Bank of Ghana statistics show that households who saved consistently between 2018 and 2024 accumulated reserves up to 42 percent higher than those who began saving only when conditions felt favourable.

Seasons teach urgency, reminding us that whatever we postpone today becomes harder tomorrow. 

Discipline Determines Results

In Ghana’s tightening economy, the difference between people who progress and those who remain stagnant is rarely intelligence; it is discipline and consistency. A teacher who prepares thoroughly for lessons builds a reputation that leads to promotions. A trader in Kejetia who keeps proper records, improves customer service and reinvests profits experiences business growth even in difficult seasons.

Corporate Ghana provides similar examples. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre reports that companies that embraced structured productivity methods between 2021 and 2024 increased profitability by an average of 17 percent, even with high inflation and fluctuating exchange rates.

Harvest is not luck; it is the reward for sustained, value driven effort.

Ghanaians Must Become Intentional Planters

Ghana’s youth, who form more than 35 percent of the population, hold the nation’s future in their hands. The seeds they plant today in education, discipline and innovation will define the country’s economic landscape for decades.

Learning a new skill, reading twenty minutes a day, joining mentorship networks, building digital literacy and cultivating financial discipline are seeds that grow into employability and entrepreneurship. Research from the University of Ghana shows that young people who commit to structured skills development for at least six months increase their earning potential by up to 40 percent.

Intentional planting is the first step to national transformation.

Ghanaian Businesses Must Strengthen Their Roots

Organisations thrive when their internal systems, culture and strategies align with the demands of the season. Ghanaian firms that refuse innovation, delay digitalisation or maintain outdated service models risk losing competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.

To remain resilient, companies must:

• invest in staff development;
• adopt digital systems and improve customer engagement;
• strengthen planning, governance and accountability;
• produce value driven products and services;
• embrace innovation with speed and clarity.

Industries such as agri tech, logistics and hospitality have grown since 2021 because they planted the right seeds of reinvention.

Conclusion

Ghana’s economy may be facing strong winds, but every storm carries the seeds of new opportunity. The future belongs to those who plant with intention, nurture their abilities and commit to disciplined growth. Some people only inspect the seeds, but others plant them, water them and eventually enjoy the harvest.

Ghana’s next chapter will not be written by those who wait for perfect conditions, it will be written by individuals and organisations that plant daily seeds of effort, learning, value creation and resilience. Just as the farmer knows that diligent hands will eventually be rewarded, so will today’s choices determine tomorrow’s prosperity. The harvest is possible, and it will favour those who choose to plant with purpose.

 

The post Planting for prosperity appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story