Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has warned that overindulging children could lead to their failure as adults, arguing that many parents today are too lenient.

Speaking in an interview with TV XYZ on Thursday, 13 March, Mr Agongo said that raising strong and responsible individuals requires discipline, not excessive comfort.

"I think most parents are not strong. They easily give up," he said. "At the end of the day, I’m training my child to one day take over from me, and you can't train a child by pampering them."

He emphasised that children should be exposed to life's challenges to help them develop problem-solving skills.

"You should let them understand difficulties. Once there are difficulties, you think of alternative solutions," he explained.

The businessman criticised parents who prioritise luxury for their children without instilling discipline, warning that such an approach could leave them ill-prepared for adulthood.

"You forget that your child is in competition with himself – trying to be better than who he was yesterday," he said. "Getting better is a result of the day-to-day decisions you take in life."

Cultural Identity and Education

Mr Agongo also voiced concerns about the decline of Ghanaian cultural values, comparing the country to Japan, where he said traditional practices remain strong.

"In Ghana, which is now like America, we've thrown everything away, and we're using social media to guide ourselves," he said.

He criticised the country's education system, questioning why English is mandatory while agriculture is optional.

"I'd prefer my kid to know how to farm than speak English. What is the benefit of English that is different from Twi or Ga?" he asked.

According to Mr Agongo, Ghana’s development depends on parents instilling the right values in their children and ensuring they understand the difference between right and wrong.

"If we are not ready to do that and give an open cheque to our kids to do whatever they want, trust me, they will not go anywhere," he warned.