As I packed my suitcases this morning, I was reflecting on a video segment from Good Morning America that was posted a couple of days ago on YouTube.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
In the video, entitled “The ‘Black Panther’ Effect in Ghana”, host Robin Roberts explains how the Marvel movie has brought positive attention to the African continent and how Ghana in particular embodies the spirit of the fictional kingdom of Wakanda.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Roberts gushes that ever since it gained independence from colonial rule 65 years ago, Ghana has been “leading the charge in innovation and development”.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
It’s the definition of a “puff piece”, featuring, among others, an actress from the upcoming sequel who visited Ghana to host an international conference and a Black American podcaster now living in Ghana who describes the energy she feels here as being like “living in the middle of a Renaissance”.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
I am all for cheerleading and positivity, but rose-colored glasses in this case obscure some of the very real challenges everyday Ghanaians currently face: poor roads, corruption, and skyrocketing prices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Imagine what good could be accomplished for Ghana’s rural poor if Mission Resource had finances equivalent to a Hollywood movie’s visual effects budget!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n