The Long Term Is Where We Will Live: Yaw Nsarkoh’s Call for Future-Focused Technology

Introduction

In a thought-provoking statement that has sparked national conversation, Yaw Nsarkoh, former Unilever Executive Vice President and respected business leader, has issued a powerful call for Ghana to embrace long-term thinking in technology and national development. His message comes at a critical juncture when immediate economic pressures often overshadow strategic planning for future generations.

Key Points

Background

Yaw Nsarkoh’s comments emerged during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, where he addressed the current economic and political climate in Ghana. As a former Unilever Executive Vice President and independent business consultant, Nsarkoh brings considerable credibility to discussions about national development and economic strategy.

His intervention comes at a time when Ghana faces significant economic challenges, including inflation, currency fluctuations, and public debt concerns. These immediate pressures often drive decision-making toward quick fixes rather than sustainable solutions. Nsarkoh’s perspective offers a refreshing counter-narrative that challenges this reactive approach.

Analysis

The Philosophy of Long-Term Thinking

Nsarkoh’s central thesis—”The long term is where we will live”—represents a fundamental shift in how we should approach national development. This statement carries profound implications for policy-making, business strategy, and civic engagement. It suggests that our current actions should be evaluated not just on their immediate impact but on their ability to create a sustainable, prosperous future.

The repetition of this phrase throughout his interview underscores its importance. By framing the future as “where we will live,” Nsarkoh makes the abstract concept of long-term planning tangible and personal. It’s not about some distant, theoretical future—it’s about the actual environment where our children and grandchildren will exist.

Technology as a Generational Tool

When Nsarkoh calls for “future-focused tech,” he’s advocating for technological development that considers generational impact. This means moving beyond technology that merely solves current problems to technology that builds infrastructure, systems, and capabilities that will serve future citizens.

This perspective challenges the common tendency in tech development to focus on immediate market opportunities or quick returns on investment. Instead, it suggests a more deliberate approach where technological choices are evaluated based on their long-term societal benefits.

The Civic Dimension

Perhaps most significantly, Nsarkoh frames long-term thinking as a civic duty. This elevates the conversation from a technical or policy matter to a fundamental aspect of citizenship. He suggests that serious citizens—whether in business, government, or civil society—have a responsibility to consider the long-term implications of their actions.

This civic framing is particularly powerful because it democratizes the responsibility for future-focused thinking. It’s not just the government’s job or the tech industry’s responsibility—it’s a collective duty that each citizen shares.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers

– **Implement 20-30 year strategic plans**: Develop comprehensive national strategies that extend beyond electoral cycles
– **Create independent oversight bodies**: Establish institutions that can maintain long-term focus regardless of political changes
– **Invest in education and skills development**: Prioritize building human capital that will drive future innovation
– **Develop regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies**: Create policies that anticipate rather than react to technological change

For Business Leaders

– **Adopt triple-bottom-line accounting**: Measure success not just in financial terms but in social and environmental impact
– **Invest in R&D with generational horizons**: Fund research that may not yield immediate returns but builds long-term capabilities
– **Create knowledge transfer programs**: Ensure institutional knowledge is preserved and passed to future leaders
– **Engage in public-private partnerships**: Collaborate with government on projects that serve national long-term interests

For Citizens

– **Demand long-term thinking from representatives**: Hold elected officials accountable for future-focused policies
– **Support sustainable businesses**: Choose to engage with companies that demonstrate long-term thinking
– **Participate in community planning**: Get involved in local development decisions that shape your community’s future
– **Educate yourself on emerging technologies**: Understand how technological changes will affect future generations

FAQ

Conclusion

Yaw Nsarkoh’s call for future-focused technology represents more than just another commentary on Ghana’s development challenges—it’s a fundamental reframing of how we should approach progress. By insisting that “the long term is where we will live,” he challenges us to move beyond the tyranny of immediate concerns and embrace a more deliberate, generational approach to development.

This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced technological environment, where the pressure for quick results often overshadows the need for sustainable, long-lasting solutions. Nsarkoh’s message reminds us that true progress isn’t measured by quarterly profits or electoral victories, but by the quality of life we create for future generations.

The civic dimension of his argument is equally important. By framing long-term thinking as a shared responsibility, Nsarkoh democratizes the challenge of building a better future. It’s not just up to politicians or business leaders—it’s a collective endeavor that requires commitment from every citizen.

As Ghana and other developing nations navigate complex economic and technological transitions, this future-focused philosophy offers a valuable compass. It suggests that the most effective way to address current challenges is not through short-term fixes, but through deliberate choices that build toward a more sustainable, prosperous future for all.