I was in a conversation with a colleague with whom I usually speak Ga. During our discussion, another colleague interjected with a remark that caught me off guard: “Are you a Ga? Why are you working? Ga men don’t work.”
I was taken aback—not just by the statement itself, but by the realization that such a perception still exists. It made me wonder how deeply ingrained this stereotype is in the minds of many. Yet, I know these are nothing more than unfounded misconceptions, lacking any factual basis. Though I felt disappointed by the remark, I couldn’t entirely blame my colleague; after all, she had likely absorbed this notion over time without questioning its validity.
As a writer, I see it as my responsibility to challenge such stereotypes. The best way to do that is through words—to close the chapter on such negativity, turn the page, and start a more meaningful conversation.
Do Ga Men Really Not Work?
Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter. Is there any truth to the claim that Ga men don’t work? If so, how do they survive? How do they take care of their families? The answer is simple: there is absolutely no truth to this statement.
Is there a cultural tradition that dictates that Ga men should not work? Absolutely not. Is unemployment a reality in Ghana? Yes, just as it is in many parts of the world. However, unemployment is a national issue, not an ethnic one. So how can we generalize an entire group of people and say they don’t work? There is no data to support this claim because it is simply untrue.
Before delving deeper, let’s acknowledge that the statement “Ga men don’t work” is not only inaccurate but also offensive and disrespectful to an entire ethnic group—one I am proudly part of. Through observation and analysis, I have identified a few key reasons why this misconception persists:
1. The Visibility of Idle Men in Certain Communities
In local fishing communities like Jamestown, Bukom, Kpone, and Korle Gonno, it is common to see groups of men playing cards or relaxing during the day. This has led some to assume they are unemployed or unproductive. However, what many fail to recognize is that a significant number of these men are involved in intermittent occupations such as masonry, carpentry, and, most notably, fishing.
Fishing does not follow the conventional 8 AM to 5 PM work schedule. In fact, about 95% of fishermen operate between 9 PM and 4 AM. By the time most office workers are starting their day, these men have already completed an entire night’s labor. The truth is that many of the so-called “idle” men are simply resting after a night of demanding work.
2. The Preference for Fair Wages and Independence
Another contributing factor to this stereotype is that many Ga men are unwilling to take on low-paying jobs, especially those that come with disrespect or exploitation. Ga men value financial independence and prefer to engage in their own businesses rather than work for meager wages under poor conditions.
For example, it is uncommon to see a Ga man working as a shoemaker or street vendor selling mobile phone accessories, professions that are more often associated with migrant workers from other regions. This does not mean Ga men are unwilling to work; rather, they seek out opportunities that align with their financial goals and sense of dignity.
3. The Impact of Stereotypes on Certain Professions
Many of the minor jobs in Accra, such as shoe repair, street vending, and manual labor, are often dominated by people from other regions. This is largely because these individuals have migrated far from home and must take whatever work is available to survive. Unlike them, Ga men are in their home territory, surrounded by their community. They are less likely to take up jobs that may subject them to ridicule from their peers. This dynamic has fueled the false perception that Ga men are unwilling to work when, in reality, they are engaged in other forms of labor that may not be as publicly visible.
4. Negative Personal Experiences with Ga Employees
Another reason why some believe Ga men do not like to work is based on individual experiences with specific Ga employees. Perhaps someone encountered a few Ga workers with poor work ethics and, as a result, generalized the entire ethnic group. However, professionalism and work ethic are shaped by individual character and upbringing, not tribal affiliation.
It would be unfair to assume that all Ga men share the same attitude simply because of a few negative encounters. This would be as illogical as concluding that all men are untrustworthy just because one person had a bad relationship experience. Yes, some Ga men may be unwilling to work—just as there are individuals in every ethnic group who may lack ambition. But making broad generalizations about an entire people is misleading, divisive, and unproductive.
The reality is that many Ga men are business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals contributing significantly to Ghana, Africa, and the world. I could list numerous Ga men who are changing the narrative and excelling in various industries, but their work speaks for itself. It takes hard work and resilience to be a successful fisherman, a farmer, or a business owner. Many Ga men engage in these physically and mentally demanding professions, proving that the stereotype is unfounded.
Instead of perpetuating negative stereotypes, let’s focus on fostering constructive dialogue. Rather than asking whether Ga men work, a more meaningful question would be: How can we create more economic opportunities for all Ghanaians?
When we change our mindset, we change the conversation. And when we change the conversation, we pave the way for national growth and development. It’s time to close the chapter on outdated misconceptions and start a new one—one rooted in truth, fairness, and progress.
