Ghanaians are not humble people – Dr. Ofosu Dorte challenges national perception

Senior Partner at AB & David Africa, Dr David Ofosu Dorte, has refuted the widespread belief that Ghanaians are inherently humble, arguing that societal behaviours reflect a deep-seated culture of status and grandiosity rather than modesty.

Speaking at the Swedru Conversations on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the British Council, Dr Ofosu Dorte pointed to the frequent use of elaborate titles and extravagant displays of power as clear indicators of a national preference for pomp over humility.

“We’re a very pompous people. I don’t know whose idea it is that Ghanaians are humble—we’re not,” he asserted. “A humble people will not be carried in palanquins so often, nor will they dance on the shoulders of others. We love grandiosity. Look at the titles—we are becoming more obsessed with them than others elsewhere.”

He argued that this fixation on status often overshadows the real purpose of leadership, where individuals focus more on showcasing their authority than effectively using it for national progress.

“Pomposity is where we feel the need to constantly prove and display power. When someone gains authority, their first instinct is not to utilize it for good but to show it off,” he observed.

Drawing a comparison with other countries, Dr Ofosu Dorte noted the simplicity with which global leaders are addressed, contrasting it with Ghana’s culture of elaborate formalities.

“That’s why in America, the President is simply called ‘Mr. President’ and that’s it. But here, you must say ‘His Excellency’ and recite all the names. Even an assemblyman I could employ insists on being called ‘Honorable,’” he said.

According to him, this obsession with titles and status diverts attention from real national challenges, leading leaders to focus on superficial issues rather than addressing core developmental problems.