I recently visited a mechanic shop to get my car engine fixed. After diagnosing the problem, the mechanic replaced the faulty part with a new one.

Later, I noticed four screws had been left behind. When I asked why, he casually responded, “Oooh bossu, it’s not important ooo!” Really? Since then, I’ve been hearing whining and whirring sounds from that part of the engine.

Unfortunately, this same attitude of negligence and mediocrity seems to permeate many aspects of Ghanaian society.

Until recently, newly constructed roads, bridges, pavements, and buildings by Ghanaian contractors often had crooked surfaces, bumps, and cracks despite using the same techniques and equipment as their foreign counterparts.

Governments over the years have spent huge sums of taxpayers’ money on infrastructure projects, only for them to deteriorate quickly.

Roads develop potholes, buildings crack, and structures fail prematurely all because of substandard work done at exorbitant costs. This culture of mediocrity has, unfortunately, become a norm in Ghana.

A Call to Excellence

Renowned preacher Pastor Mensa Otabil, Founder and Head Pastor of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has consistently preached about the importance of striving for excellence.

He emphasises that Ghanaians should not only take pride in their famed hospitality but should also commit to hard work and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life.

As Colossians 3:23 states: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for Yah, and not for men.”

In one of his sermons, Pastor Otabil shared an example of a Ghanaian woodworker who crafted a chair but made one leg an inch longer than the rest. Despite using a 12-foot tape measure, the chair still wobbled.

This anecdote perfectly illustrates how a lack of attention to detail can lead to poor outcomes, even when the right tools are available.

Excellence as a Habit, Not an Act

Author Meet Shah, reflecting on the famous quote “We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit,” explains that our lives are shaped by our choices, thoughts, and actions.

Excellence is never accidental it is developed through consistent practice and a commitment to improvement.

The attributes of excellence vary across different fields but generally include:

• Skill & Knowledge – Acquiring and applying expertise effectively.
• Dedication & Perseverance – Staying committed despite challenges.
• Innovation – Finding new and improved ways to solve problems.
• Integrity – Upholding ethical and professional standards.
• Continuous Improvement – Seeking ways to get better every day.

The Absence of Excellence in Ghanaian Society

Unfortunately, excellence is one quality that has eluded many aspects of Ghanaian society. The culture of substandard work has infiltrated various sectors, including:

            •           Governance & Public Service – Poor policy implementation and inefficiency.

            •           Business & Enterprise – Lack of quality control and professionalism.

            •           Construction & Engineering – Shoddy work leading to rapid deterioration.

            •           Journalism – Inaccurate reporting and sensationalism.

            •           Football Administration – Mismanagement of sports talent and resources.

            •           Education & Parenting – Failure to instill discipline and high standards.

This cycle of mediocrity continues because bad habits are easily learned and spread.

While some scientific researchers have discredited the “Hundredth Monkey Syndrome” which suggests that once a certain number of individuals adopt a behaviour, it spreads rapidly to the rest I believe positive transformation is possible if we consciously commit to excellence.

Charting a New Path for Excellence

Achieving excellence in any field requires intentional efforts, such as:

• Continuous Learning – Seeking knowledge and self-improvement.
• Practice & Experience – Refining skills through repetition.
• Attention to Detail – Ensuring accuracy and precision in every task.
• Seeking Feedback – Learning from constructive criticism.
• Collaboration – Working with others to achieve the best results.
• Maintaining High Standards – Refusing to settle for mediocrity.
• Embracing Challenges – Seeing difficulties as opportunities for growth.
• Reflection & Improvement – Regularly assessing and refining our work.

Equally important are principles such as:

• Under-Promise and Over-Deliver – Exceeding expectations in everything we do.
• Focusing on Solutions, Not Problems – Cultivating a proactive mindset.
• Owning Our Mistakes – Taking responsibility and learning from failures.
• Demonstrating Agility – Adapting to change effectively.
• Being Self-Aware, Not Self-Absorbed – Understanding our strengths and weaknesses.
• Developing Others – Helping people grow and excel in their fields.

By consistently applying these methods, both as individuals and as a nation, we can embed excellence into our culture and national identity.

The Pursuit of Excellence is a Choice

A powerful quote from Confucius sums up our journey toward excellence:

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”

I strongly believe that we as Ghanaians have the ability to transform our society by making excellence a daily habit. It is possible to change our mindset and become proficient in whatever we do.

As Philippians 4:8 (NIV) reminds us:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.”

Let us choose excellence every day and build a better Ghana for future generations.