A Comparative Analysis of Ghana and Malaysia with Respect to the U.K.
Half a century ago, the Republic of Ghana and the Federation of Malaysia had a lot in common. Though in different parts of the world, they both had been colonies of the United Kingdom and neither gained their independence until 1957. While both nations possessed a mix of resources that should have bestowed them with prosperity, they both started off on an "economic par" meaning both were equally poor and equally dependent on the export of raw materials. Today, the two nations have very little left in common. While Ghana is still one of the poorest developing nations in the world, Malaysia has established a thriving, industrialized economy. In this comparative analysis, I will attempt to explain the factors that have caused a divergence in the countries' economic development. I will argue why Ghana is still at the bottom of the barrel and what the nation needs to do to catch up with Malaysia, its once-counterpart. Specifically, I will focus on geographic location, stability of government, human capitol, the role of local citizens, and economy diversification.
The Republic of Ghana (formerly known as the Gold Coast) is a nation in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea creates its southern coastline (Wikipedia contributors). The lack of cooperation and the sometimes hostile relationships between the former European colonies during the early years after independence failed to generate a favorable investment and commercial environment for the nations concerned in West Africa. Furthermore, there is no power in West Africa that could act as an economic catalyst to surrounding nations in the region. Nigeria, the dominant country in West Africa, has not prospered in economic development. Recent conflicts in the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Liberia have damaged economic performance in the region. It would be in these nations' interest to effectively cooperate with one another in
The Republic of Ghana (formerly known as the Gold Coast) is a nation in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso in the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea creates its southern coastline (Wikipedia contributors). The lack of cooperation and the sometimes hostile relationships between the former European colonies during the early years after independence failed to generate a favorable investment and commercial environment for the nations concerned in West Africa. Furthermore, there is no power in West Africa that could act as an economic catalyst to surrounding nations in the region. Nigeria, the dominant country in West Africa, has not prospered in economic development. Recent conflicts in the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Liberia have damaged economic performance in the region. It would be in these nations' interest to effectively cooperate with one another in