Build legacies, not just wealth, Kumi-Woode tells Ghana at 'Departed 8' memorial

At a solemn national inter-faith memorial service honouring eight departed victims, a senior military cleric has delivered a powerful message to Ghanaians about what truly matters in life. Speaking at the UPSA auditorium on 6 August, Brigadier General Apostle Dr Benjamin Godson Kumi-Woode urged citizens to shift their focus from chasing wealth towards building lasting legacies rooted in service and positive impact.

The central theme of his address was straightforward yet profound: the measure of a person's life lies not in what they accumulate, but in the difference they make. Kumi-Woode encouraged those gathered to use the memorial occasion as a moment for genuine self-reflection about how they are living their own lives and what they will ultimately leave behind.

"As they pass on, may we who are alive take certain lessons, even from this memorial service, as we journey on in life," he said, inviting the congregation to draw wisdom from the occasion beyond simple mourning.

The case for impact over accumulation

Kumi-Woode identified what he called the first crucial lesson for all Ghanaians: prioritising meaningful contribution over material gain. He stressed that wealth and possessions are inherently temporary—they cannot be carried beyond this life—whereas the positive difference someone makes in others' lives transcends death itself.

Drawing on classical philosophy, he quoted the ancient Greek thinker Plato: "What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." This principle, Kumi-Woode explained, applies directly to national service, community work and acts of human kindness. These contributions become enduring legacies that continue inspiring generations long after a person has passed away.

"What we do for our country and what we do for others lives on after we have passed. But if you live only for yourself, your aspirations also perish with you," he warned, drawing a stark contrast between self-centred living and lives oriented towards the common good.

Why it matters for Ghana

At a time when Ghana faces significant development challenges and questions about leadership and national direction, Kumi-Woode's message carries particular relevance. The country's progress depends fundamentally on the choices made by millions of Ghanaians—whether they prioritise quick personal gain or invest in institutions, communities and systems that will benefit future generations.

The challenge resonates across sectors: in politics and public service, where corruption and self-enrichment have undermined trust; in business and entrepreneurship, where short-term profits sometimes overshadow ethical practice; and in families and communities, where individualism can erode social bonds.

By invoking this message at a national memorial service, Kumi-Woode was essentially calling for a values reset. He asked Ghanaians to place greater emphasis on serving humanity, building national institutions and improving others' lives rather than fixating solely on personal wealth accumulation. The prayer with which he concluded—that Ghanaians would be granted grace to live with purpose, selflessness and lasting impact—reflects a spiritual appeal to a higher standard of living.

For a nation working towards sustainable development and social cohesion, such messages from respected religious and military figures can help shape public consciousness and reinforce the importance of collective responsibility alongside individual aspiration.