…From places of worship to corporate offices, we are raising a generation where value is judged by cars rather than character.

A clear risk exists where the type of vehicle someone drives decides if they are allowed past the entrance of a church or event, or told to leave their car far from the actual location being visited.

What seems insignificant is actually a deep expression of an underlying problem: the gradual shift from personality to symbols, from real content to superficial displays, and from contributions to material wealth.

This isn’t truly focused on automobiles. Vehicles serve merely as an analogy for a particular way of thinking. A community that evaluates value based on the car one owns will ultimately judge leadership, administration, and the country’s future using those same superficial criteria. As historical evidence continually demonstrates, the outcomes can be extremely harmful.

When status outruns substance

In numerous African urban centers, the driveway serves as an indicator of social standing. A shiny SUV or high-end sedan secures prime parking and VIP access. A simple family car is directed towards neglected back areas. Those considered “significant” are welcomed with courtesy, whereas those seen as “common” must walk.

This practice, carried out in churches, gatherings, marriages, and also at funerals, imparts a harmful message: that money equals knowledge, ownership signifies direction, and outward looks represent success.

Residents absorb this idea, understanding that prestige is synonymous with real value. This behavior spreads from the parking lot to the executive office, the legislature, and the organizations designed to influence tomorrow. As an African saying vividly expresses: when a goat follows the adorned horse, it will eventually be devoured by the same predator. By focusing on appearances rather than genuine content, communities let superficiality overshadow true purpose.

The temple and the assembly enigma
The cathedral and the gathering mystery
The place of worship and the meeting contradiction
The sanctuary and the convention puzzle
The religious building and the event riddle

The contradiction becomes most evident in places that promote fairness. In a church, every soul is said to be equal in front of God. However, outside the entrance, vehicles are divided: powerful V8 engines and high-end sedans park near the altar, while smaller cars and motorcycles are pushed toward the outskirts.

At gatherings, inclusivity is pledged from the stage, yet parking staff direct compact cars along rocky paths and guide high-end SUVs to top positions. The message for younger generations is clear. They learn that belief holds more power behind darkened windows, that knowledge reaches most effectively those nearest the platform, and that worth isn’t found in morality but in automobiles.

From parking lots to administration
From parking areas to leadership
From vehicle storage spaces to decision-making processes
From motorized transport facilities to political structures
From designated parking zones to governmental systems
From automobile enclosures to administrative frameworks
From vehicular holding grounds to governing bodies
From car storage locations to regulatory authorities

Elite attitudes at entrances do not stay limited to parking areas. They extend into leadership roles. If vehicle size dictates who can enter a place of worship, why wouldn’t it affect access to an official position? If cars determine where people sit at a meeting, why wouldn’t they also dictate whose opinions matter in decision-making spaces?

As a consequence, capability is replaced with relationships, and achievement is overshadowed by displays of wealth. Choices regarding agreements and countrywide goals are shaped increasingly by signs of prosperity rather than facts and knowledge.

Societies that accept this kind of prejudice within minor settings unintentionally support it in broader contexts, such as national leadership. These outcomes remain etched in memory. Though the ax might not recall the strike, the tree remembers exactly where it was felled. Countries always bear the consequences of choices made by individuals chosen based on rank instead of merit.

African realities

Numerous examples can be found. For instance, in Ghana, the Komenda Sugar Factory faced collapse even though the region had rich soil and high market demand. The failure of its management wasn’t due to sugar being unprofitable, but because leaders were chosen based on political connections and outward image instead of their actual expertise.

As Africa’s leading oil producer, Nigeria allocates more than $11 billion each year towards importing processed fuel due to corruption and lack of attention that has damaged domestic refining facilities. Efforts persist to promote industrial growth, but money designated for refiners and pipeline development ends up in personal bank accounts.

Scandals related to fake diplomas within the Kenyan Parliament have damaged people’s trust. In South Africa, contracts are often awarded to individuals arriving in high-end vehicles instead of those offering solid technical plans.

Government-run companies such as Eskom and Transnet have suffered due to the appointment of party loyalists rather than qualified individuals. Every instance demonstrates the same reality: when appearances take precedence over actual ability, communities face consequences including misused funds, lost confidence, and unfulfilled potential.

A global phenomenon

The inclination to value outward impressions is not exclusive to Africa. In the United States, incidents like the Enron scandal revealed how extravagant living standards and exaggerated reputations concealed weak leadership. In Europe, officials have stepped down following exposure of fabricated educational qualifications.

In Asia, businesses such as Luckin Coffee faced collapse due to prioritizing image over actual performance. However, the consequences are more severe in emerging economies. In nations still working towards industrialization, focusing too much on outward appearance goes beyond being hypocritical; it becomes a barrier to development and sustains cycles of poverty.

When appearances corrupt aspiration

Young individuals adapt swiftly. If culture values looks over genuine qualities, they come to understand that it’s not about knowledge gained, but how one presents themselves. A temporary high-end vehicle for a short period might earn greater admiration than decades of hard work and dedication.

A high-end rental suit might create opportunities that even a well-developed concept fails to achieve. Status symbols can seem impressive, much like how a person’s shadow appears larger during dusk, yet these shadows don’t actually increase his height. Larger vehicles don’t enhance the quality of thoughts. However, when looks take precedence, ambitions begin to fade. Why pursue learning when culture honors mere illusions?

The cost to industrialisation

Africa desperately requires visionaries, creators, and pioneers to propel the AfCFTA, Agenda 2063, and sustained industrial growth. However, when access is determined by parking spaces instead of meaningful input, the incorrect individuals find themselves in positions where critical choices are taken. The consequences are clearly visible. Manufacturing facilities are established without adequate plans for sourcing materials. Infrastructure projects proceed without considerations for upkeep. Legislation is developed without practical frameworks for implementation.

The cocoa sector serves as the most glaring illustration. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire collectively account for over 60 percent of worldwide cocoa production, but they hold under 5 percent of the $120 billion international chocolate marketplace.

Whole beans remain in local areas, whereas profits from refined chocolate flow overseas. This inequality continues as systems prioritize symbols over real value. A hen that spends the entire day looking upward won’t be nourished. Appreciation of looks without a foundation in reality leads countries to suffer deprivation.

An appeal directed towards churches, gatherings, and organizations

The answer starts with a shift in perspective. Congregations should set an example, showing equal respect to a congregant wearing sandals as to someone in Italian footwear. The parking area should demonstrate fairness rather than favoritism. Events should focus on mental engagement instead of showcasing vehicles.

A person who traveled one kilometer to participate might possess knowledge far more significant than those transported by car. Organizations need to create entry systems based on equity. Doors ought to be opened according to skill, rather than size of space occupied. People should insist that leaders are evaluated based on their history of contribution, instead of their accumulation of wealth.

Ghana’s opportunity to lead

Ghana stands at a moment where it can establish an example. Similar to how it led in Pan-Africanism during the twentieth century, it now has the chance to lead with a fresh approach emphasizing real value rather than mere appearances in this twenty-first century. The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission can make sure that trustworthiness is linked to actual achievements, not just outward displays.

The press can highlight concepts and achievements instead of focusing on vehicles and motorcycle groups. Society can choose not to spread self-importance. Ghana’s traditional knowledge provides the correct direction. It tells us that wisdom is similar to a baobab tree, so big that no single individual can fully encompass it. The baobab doesn’t need a shiny car to gain respect; its strong roots and wide branches are sufficient proof.

A loud appeal for transformation
A strong demand for reform
An urgent plea for improvement
A powerful summons for alteration
A clear cry for renewal
A resounding invitation for progress
A compelling urging for modification
A vigorous push for development
A passionate call for adjustment
A decisive challenge for evolution

Now is the moment for change. Society should cease instilling in kids the idea that a person’s worth is determined by the vehicle they own. People need to put an end to the double standards of advocating equality in theory but enforcing privilege in practice. Organizations have to welcome individuals with skill, integrity, and foresight, regardless of how they reach the door—whether by a high-end automobile, a simple sedan, or simply walking. The harsh reality remains: when access depends on one’s mode of transport, countries drift off course.

Closing reflection

A society’s true excellence cannot be seen simply by being seated at the forefront of a church or meeting. Instead, it lies in the principles upheld, the assistance provided, and the honesty practiced, regardless of whether someone owns an expensive sports utility vehicle, a simple compact car, or travels without shoes. When appearances are confused with reality, countries lose momentum.

As substances return, countries move forward. The path doesn’t inquire about whose footwear was worn; it merely recalls those who traveled it. Now is the moment for Ghana, Africa, and beyond, to recall who genuinely journeyed along the way, rather than those who just passed by in the newest vehicle.

The author is an internationally recognized visionary, chartered director, industrial engineer, specialist in supply chain management, and socially driven entrepreneur renowned for their impactful work in advancing industrialization, purchasing processes, and strategic acquisition within emerging economies.

As Africa’s inaugural Professor Extraordinaire specializing in Supply Chain Governance and Industrial Development, he has provided guidance to governments, companies, and decision-makers, promoting sustainable development and economic expansion. While serving as Chairman of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and Labadi Beach Hotel, he guided both organizations toward international acclaim for their creativity and outstanding performance. Additionally, he previously held the position of Chairperson at the Public Procurement Authority.

An accomplished writer who has authored more than 90 works, he founded NyansaKasa (Words of Wisdom), an engaging website that attracts over one million visitors each day. Under his forward-thinking guidance, Professor Boateng remains dedicated to promoting moral leadership, creativity, and opportunities for young people, helping shape a better and more equitable Africa.

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