By LegendReport News Desk
Meshack Nkrumah(Sports Doctor) a famous sport journalist from Sefwi has called for an end to negative stereotypes against the Sefwi people, arguing that no community should be judged by the actions of an individual.
“The Land of Wisdom, Sefwi Is Not a Crime,” Mr. Nkrumah reflects on his personal experiences with prejudice and urges Sefwis to embrace their identity while advocating for development across their communities.
He recounts an incident in 2017, after completing his practical media training in Kumasi, when he rented a room around Tech Junction, near Maxima, ahead of his internship.
According to him, his landlord asked where he came from. When he responded that he was from Sefwi, the landlord jokingly remarked, “Don’t come and cut off my head.”
Mr. Nkrumah said the comment left him hurt and saddened, as he felt his identity had become a source of fear and suspicion before he had the opportunity to establish his character.
He noted that similar experiences during his Senior High School days had compelled him to challenge negative perceptions about his people.
“Being Sefwi should be a source of pride, not a reason to be stereotyped,” he stressed, adding that wrongdoing should be treated as an individual responsibility rather than used to condemn an entire community.
Mr. Nkrumah described the Sefwi people as hospitable and welcoming, highlighting their contributions to trade, business and community life.
He urged traditional authorities, political leaders, professionals, businesspeople and young people to work together to promote Sefwi history, culture and positive achievements.
He also referred to the recognition associated with the description of Sefwi as “The Land of Wisdom,” saying it should inspire residents to celebrate their heritage and strengthen their confidence.
He called for prejudice to be challenged through education, responsible dialogue, cultural promotion and mutual respect among Ghanaian communities.
Sefwi’s natural resources and development challenges
Beyond the issue of stereotyping, the Sports Doctor drew attention to the region’s natural resources and economic potential, including gold, bauxite, timber, rubber, cashew and cocoa.
He questioned why more investment had not been attracted to establish factories and processing plants that could create jobs, improve farmers’ incomes and support local industries.
Mr. Nkrumah said Sefwi needed strategic planning, accountable leadership, improved infrastructure and deliberate investment promotion to translate its natural wealth into sustainable development.
He emphasised that young people deserved employment opportunities, farmers needed better markets, and communities required improved infrastructure and essential services.
“Let us change the narrative”
Mr. Nkrumah encouraged Sefwis at home and abroad not to allow negative perceptions to undermine their confidence or sense of belonging.
He urged parents to teach children about their heritage and called on the public to invest in education, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, sports and industrial development.
He also invited people who had formed opinions about Sefwi without visiting the area to experience its culture, hospitality and communities firsthand.
“I am a proud Sefwi, and I will continue to defend the dignity of my people,” he declared.
He concluded by urging residents to reject harmful misconceptions, embrace their identity and work collectively towards the development their communities deserve.
