Renowned Ghanaian playwright James Ebo Whyte has argued that Ghana’s persistent challenges cannot be blamed solely on colonialism or the global economic system, insisting that a deeper internal problem he describes as “Okukuseku” continues to hold the country back.

In reflections shared as Ghana marks 69 years since gaining independence, the playwright said the tendency to blame external forces such as colonialism, imperialism, and the global economic order does not fully explain the country’s development struggles.

According to him, although these historical and structural factors have caused harm, Ghana has been independent for nearly seven decades and has changed governments multiple times, yet many of the same problems persist.

He noted that several countries that were once as poor as Ghana have managed to thrive within the same global economic system, raising questions about why Ghana has struggled to achieve similar progress.

Ebo Whyte said the answer, in his view, lies in what he calls “Okukuseku,” a symbolic figure he uses to describe attitudes and behaviours that undermine progress from within.

He explained that “Okukuseku” represents individuals who use their influence or positions to obstruct opportunities for others, often for personal reasons.

To illustrate the point, the playwright cited an example involving his brother, Bernard Whyte, who he said was prevented from playing in a crucial match for the Ghana national senior men’s football team because of the actions of such an “Okukuseku”.

He also pointed to a situation involving the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), where he said similar conduct nearly caused the country’s premier medical facility to miss out on acquiring a cardiac unit.

According to him, these examples highlight how internal actions and attitudes can stall national progress more than external pressures.

He therefore prayed: "May God rid Ghana of such people, because if He does not, we can give up hope of Ghana ever making any progress."

Ebo Whyte’s comments come as Ghanaians reflect on the nation’s development path nearly seven decades after independence, with renewed discussions about accountability, leadership, and the role of citizens in shaping the country’s future.