Nigeria may have outperformed Ghana in the latest EF English Proficiency Index, but why are we treating this as a national crisis? Should we really be measuring success by how well our citizens speak another man’s language?

The truth is, Ghana does not need to compete with Nigeria on English fluency. What we need is citizens who can create, innovate, and add real value. Vocational skills, technical knowledge, and practical expertise are what drive economies, not flawless grammar or a polished accent.

Consider a PhD graduate in Material Engineering from China who studied at Oxford. His world-class education and research matter far more than his English fluency. What counts is his knowledge and ability to apply it to improve lives. Eloquent speech will not build factories, hospitals, or schools, but practical skills will.

Look around: Cuban doctors who come to treat Ghanaians hardly speak English. Chinese engineers and workers who build our roads, bridges, and infrastructure speak little to no English. Yet they deliver results we all depend on every day.

Think about this: would you prefer a good English-speaking plumber who installs your sewer system but returns sludge and waste into your home, or one who speaks zero English but whose work you can live with forever without issues? Skills and results matter far more than language proficiency.

Obsessing over English proficiency is a distraction. Let us stop measuring ourselves against others in matters that bring little tangible benefit. Ghana’s progress depends on empowering our people with the skills to produce, solve, and innovate. That is the competition worth winning.