Amidst the backdrop of Ghana’s recent elimination from the 2024 African Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire, a curious phenomenon seems to have gripped the nation’s consciousness. It’s a blend of nostalgia and selective memory, particularly evident in the realms of football and politics. This phenomenon, known as the Rosy Retrospection, reveals a cognitive bias where past events are recalled more positively than they actually were.

Take, for instance, the night Ghana faced Mozambique. Many Ghanaians were longing for the glory days of Asamoah Gyan, and would have preferred the retired man in the line-up over a current player, Dede Ayew. This preference wasn't based on current form or fitness but on an idealised memory of Gyan’s past performances.

Rosy Retrospection is more than just a harmless walk down memory lane. It can significantly impact our judgment and decision-making processes. In the context of Ghanaian football, it could lead to unrealistic expectations from players and coaches, constantly being compared to glorified memories of their predecessors.

This bias isn’t confined to sports. Ghanaian politics too is often a theatre of nostalgia. Leaders of the past, sometimes even those voted out of office, are suddenly remembered fondly, with their tenure idealised in contrast to the current administration's challenges. This selective memory glosses over the complexities and challenges faced during their governance.

The current African Cup of Nations tournament serves as a case study. The elimination of the Ghanaian team led to a surge in nostalgic sentiments about previous squads and achievements. While it’s natural to recall past victories fondly, it's crucial to remember the struggles and defeats that were also part of the journey.

Understanding Rosy Retrospection helps us appreciate the present and plan for the future more realistically. It reminds us that while the past can offer valuable lessons, it should not overshadow the potential and challenges of the present.

As Ghana continues to evolve both in the football field and its political landscape, recognising and mitigating the effects of Rosy Retrospection could be key to embracing realistic expectations and striving for genuine progress.

In the end, the balance between learning from the past and being anchored in the present is delicate. It is one that Ghana, like many other nations, must navigate to ensure that the decisions of today are based on the realities of now, not just the rosy memories of yesterday.