Can’t Anything Good Come Out of Ghana? – Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi Fires Back at Critics

Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi has mounted a passionate defence of Ghana’s global contribution, arguing that the country has produced significant achievements in politics, peacekeeping, culture, spirituality and youth development despite persistent negative perceptions about the nation.

In a statement titled “Can’t Anything Good Come Out of Ghana?”, the Founder and Executive President of PanAfrica-Ghana and Ambassador for the Global Peace Ambassadors Awards (GPAA) drew on the biblical question asked by Nathanael about Nazareth to challenge what he described as an ignorant perception that little good comes from Ghana.

Appiah-Levi, who identifies himself as the son of Cofie Essah Appiah of Boso-Gua, said his response to the question was an emphatic yes. A thousand times yes!

According to Appiah-Levi, one of Ghana’s greatest contributions to the world was its attainment of independence on March 6, 1957.

He credited Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s leadership with giving practical expression to African independence and Pan-Africanism.

Nkrumah declared Ghana free from British colonial rule in his historic independence address, stating that “Ghana, your beloved country is free forever.” Historical records also document his broader argument that Ghana’s independence was tied to the liberation of the African continent.

Appiah-Levi argued that Ghana’s independence became an important symbol for other African countries pursuing freedom from colonial rule.

He cited countries including Nigeria, Kenya and Zambia as part of the wider African independence movement that followed Ghana’s breakthrough.

For him, Ghana’s historical importance extends beyond its own borders because the country demonstrated that Africans could take responsibility for managing their own affairs.

Ghana became independent on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to achieve independence from colonial rule.

Appiah-Levi also highlighted Ghana’s role in international peacebuilding.

He mentioned former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a Ghanaian who became one of the country’s most prominent figures on the international stage, as well as Ghanaian soldiers who have participated in peacekeeping operations in different parts of the world.

He referenced Ghanaian participation in peacekeeping efforts in countries including Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia.

Beyond military peacekeeping, Appiah-Levi said Ghana had established itself as a welcoming country through initiatives such as the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, which sought to strengthen connections between Ghana and people of African descent in the diaspora.

“While others build walls, Ghana builds doors,” he wrote, portraying the country as a place where Africans in the diaspora can reconnect with the continent.

Appiah-Levi further pointed to Ghana’s cultural heritage as another area in which he believes the country has made an important contribution to the world.

He referenced traditional dances including Adowa, Kete and Agbadza, alongside Ghanaian musical traditions such as highlife and hiplife.

He also mentioned Kente and Fugu, describing them as important expressions of Ghanaian identity and heritage.

The PanAfrica-Ghana founder said his pride in Ghanaian culture was reflected in his own appearance at an ambassadorial honour, where he wore traditional Ghanaian cloth.

He also highlighted Ghana’s natural resources and agricultural products, particularly cocoa and gold, linking them to the country’s historical identity as the Gold Coast.

In making his case for Ghana’s intellectual contribution, Appiah-Levi cited Ghanaian scholar and educator J.E. Kwegyir Aggrey, recalling his famous analogy about the need for both black and white keys to create harmony.

For Appiah-Levi, the quotation reflects the importance of diversity, cooperation and the complementary contributions of different peoples.

He also connected Ghana’s cultural heritage to traditional spirituality, herbal practices and reverence for ancestors.

Describing his own spiritual philosophy as “SUULIYAH — Peace beyond understanding,” he said Ghana’s spiritual traditions form part of the country’s contribution to humanity.

Appiah-Levi said Ghana’s achievements should not only be measured through its history.

He pointed to the country’s young people as evidence that positive developments continue to emerge from Ghana.

According to him, young Ghanaians are working as inventors, coders, farmers and musicians and are increasingly creating opportunities rather than waiting for handouts.

He said PanAfrica-Ghana believes in the potential of the youth because, in his view, Ghana’s contribution to the world belongs not only to the past but also to the future.

“I see the good every day at Chesterfield Close,” he stated, arguing that the creativity and determination of young Ghanaians should be recognised.

Responding directly to those who question whether anything good can come from Ghana, Appiah-Levi urged them to look beyond negative narratives and experience the country’s history, culture and people for themselves.

He adapted the biblical response to Nathanael by saying: “Come and see.”

He invited people to see the Volta River, experience the hospitality of Boso-Gua and witness international peace-related activities in Accra.

He also pointed to the National Theatre, saying the venue would host the Global Peace Ambassadors gathering on December 23, 2026.

According to him, the event’s choice of Accra rather than international cities such as Geneva or New York reinforces his belief that Ghana can serve as a home for global peace initiatives.

Appiah-Levi concluded his reflection with a strong affirmation of Ghanaian identity and the country’s place in Africa.

He described Ghana as the Black Star, the hope of Africa, and Zion, insisting that the country should not be viewed as a mistake but as a message to the world.

“Everything good can come out of Ghana, because Ghana is good,” he stated.

He ended with the message:

“SUULIYAH — ONE LOVE, ONE FAMILY, ONE GHANA, ONE AFRICA!”

The statement was signed by Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi, Founder and Executive President of PanAfrica-Ghana and Ambassador for the Global Peace Ambassadors Awards (GPAA), Accra, September 2026.

His reflection comes as Ghana continues to commemorate the legacy of Nkrumah and the country’s Pan-African role. On September 21, 2026, Ghanaians and Pan-Africanists also commemorated Nkrumah’s 117th birthday, with speakers stressing the need to study and apply his development ideas rather than treating his legacy merely as a subject of celebration.