The silent pandemic

By: Emmanuel ADU-MENSAH

The world is a battlefield that does not yield to the entitled; it bows only to the resilient. By shielding our children from every struggle, we do not protect them—we disarm them.

True love is not found in pampering their comfort, but in tempering their character, ensuring that when they finally stand alone on the front lines of life, they carry a shield of grit and a sword of purpose. In the vibrant social fabric of Ghana, the term “Dada Ba” or “Dadabee” has long been used to describe the children of the affluent.

Traditionally, it was a label of comfort, but in recent years, it has come to represent a specific social phenomenon: Dadabeeism. This refers to a situation where the descendants of successful individuals may find it difficult to replicate the same level of grit, resilience, and “street-smart” work ethic that their parents used to build their fortunes.

While their parents often rose from humble beginnings in places like Kwahu or Akyem through sheer perseverance, the next generation is raised in a different world – one defined by privilege rather than struggle. The author notes that this phenomenon is not unique to Ghana, but its effects are particularly visible in our society.

Because of their family’s status, these individuals often have early access to top-tier schools and influential roles in the Civil Service or multinational corporations. However, if they have not been exposed to the same challenges as their peers, their leadership can sometimes feel disconnected from the realities of the average Ghanaian. This paper seeks to analyze this disconnect and offer constructive ways to bridge the gap between privilege and the national struggle.

The author wishes to clarify that his intent is not to undermine individuals from affluent backgrounds. Instead, he seeks to constructively highlight a genuine observation that could be addressed to benefit society as a whole. The author believes that by understanding the impact of this phenomena on Ghanaian society, we can begin to explore potential solutions to address these challenges and build a more inclusive and equitable society for all Ghanaians.

Effects of Dadabeeism

The Challenge of Perspective and Entitlement

When a child grows up with every need met, they may unintentionally develop a sense of entitlement. In Ghana, this is sometimes seen in public spaces – such as at the Airport or the Passport Office – where there is an expectation of “protocol” or faster service based on family name rather than following the standard process. While not always intentional, this can create a sense of unfairness in society, as those without the same “connections” feel that the system is not designed for them.

The “Gated Community” Bubble

Growing up in high-end neighborhoods like Cantonments or Airport Residential provides safety and comfort, but it can also create a “bubble.” This insulation can lead to a lack of empathy for the generic realities of life in Ghana.

For instance, a person who has never had to navigate a Trotro or experience a “dumsor” evening without a standby generator might struggle to design public policies that truly serve the masses. They see the country through a filtered lens, which can lead to a disconnect between leadership decisions and the lived experiences of people in places like Chorkor or Ashaiman.

Cultural Dilution and Language Gaps

There is an observable trend where “Dadabees” may feel more connected to global Western culture than to their Ghanaian roots. This is often reflected in a preference for foreign accents over local languages like Twi, Ga, or Ewe, which can inadvertently create a social barrier between them and the people they work with.

Furthermore, as many have never spent significant time in their ancestral villages, there is a risk of losing touch with the Extended Family System—a vital cultural anchor that has historically provided Ghana with its unique sense of community and social support.

Adapting Work Ethic to Local Realities

Success in the Ghanaian market often requires a hands-on approach that books alone cannot teach. We sometimes see a disconnect when a highly-educated Dadabee takes over a family business at Spintex but struggles to manage the day-to-day hustle of the local market.

They may be brilliant at strategy but less comfortable with the “Kpa-kpa-kpa” (practical problem-solving) needed to navigate local bureaucracy or logistics. This gap in “market-floor” experience can hinder the growth of homegrown industries and limit social mobility for the wider population.

Recommendations

Encouraging Social Immersion and Service

To help bridge the empathy gap, we should encourage Dadabees to step outside their comfort zones early in life. The National Service Scheme (NSS) offers a perfect opportunity for this. Instead of seeking “office-based” protocol postings, young graduates from affluent backgrounds should be encouraged to serve in rural schools or health centers in the Upper East or Oti regions. This experience can be transformative, fostering a deep, firsthand understanding of the nation’s challenges and building a stronger sense of service to the country.

Fostering Mentorship and Hands-on Learning

Business leaders should consider implementing bottom-up training for their children. Before taking a seat in the boardroom, the next generation should spend time working in the trenches – in the factories, on the retail floors, or in the field. This builds respect for the workforce and ensures they understand the mechanics of their industry. By pairing “Dadabees” with seasoned, “street-smart” mentors who started from nothing, we can blend modern education with traditional Ghanaian resilience.

Reconnecting with Heritage and Values

Families and traditional institutions have a role to play in keeping the younger generation grounded. It is important to promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage by involving urban youth in “hometown” development projects and cultural festivals. When a person feels a sense of identity and belonging to their roots, they are more likely to use their resources to benefit society as a whole. Strengthening these bonds ensures that the wealth and influence of the elite are used as a tool for inclusive national growth.

Conclusion

Dadabeeism is not a critique of success, but a call for the intentional stewardship of privilege. If the next generation remains insulated by gated communities and protocol lists, the gap between the governing and the governed will only widen. By stepping outside the bubble—through rural service, hands-on apprenticeship, and a deeper connection to their roots – the descendants of Ghana’s pioneers can transform an inheritance of status into a national asset of service. Ultimately, Ghana’s future depends not just on the wealth passed down, but on the character and cultural groundedness of those who inherit it.

The writer is a Researcher and Lecturer (GIMPA, UPSA, UCC