The frustration is palpable, echoing from the bustling markets of Kumasi to the quiet streets of Kensington: "Nowhere Cool." It’s a sentiment that encapsulates a global unease, a shared feeling that the current structures of modern life are strained, leaving many struggling with rising costs and economic precarity. Dr. Maxwell Ampong, CEO of Maxwell Investments Group, believes a solution lies in cultivating self-sufficient cities, particularly in Ghana and other African nations. The concept is simple: cities that can thrive independently, fueled by regional productivity, connected to the world, and ultimately self-reliant. But how can Ghana build these bastions of economic stability, ensuring a better quality of life for its citizens?

The need is urgent. Consider the rising price of tomatoes in Accra, up nearly 40% from last year. This isn’t an isolated incident; similar stories unfold in London and across the United States, painting a picture of widespread economic strain. The rise of Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) services for everyday essentials serves as a stark symptom. As Dr. Ampong points out, needing a loan just to put dinner on the table is a serious warning sign. Even the term "Persons of Concern" (POCs), traditionally reserved for refugees, now includes teachers, nurses, and software engineers – anyone a paycheck away from falling behind. This growing precarity highlights the vulnerability faced even by middle-income earners in today’s economy, underscoring the critical need for solutions like self-sufficient cities.

Dr. Ampong’s framework, initially proposed in 2018, offers a blueprint for building these self-sustaining urban centers, built upon three fundamental pillars: regional productivity, worldwide connectivity, and self-reliance.

“if you need a loan to have dinner, it’s a warning sign.” – Dr. Maxwell Ampong

First, there’s **regional productivity**. This isn’t just about boosting output; it’s about creating useful output in key sectors, at inclusive scales, rewarding long-term value creation. Imagine a scenario where internal borders within Ghana are eased, reducing red tape for businesses trading between Kumasi and Accra. World Bank simulations suggest this simple measure could boost national output by up to 2%. Supporting technical training programs, maker spaces, and certification hubs can bridge the gap between skilled artisans and export-ready manufacturers, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of local production. Prioritizing regional production hubs for essentials like food and medicine builds resilience against border shocks, ensuring that even in times of global disruption, basic needs are met.

The second pillar, **worldwide connectivity**, leverages the power of global markets and digital infrastructure. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a powerful opportunity to negotiate integration terms, access 54 markets with digitized customs, and harmonize standards. Expanding broadband penetration in African capitals unlocks the potential for fintech inclusion and remote learning, requiring strategic urban investment in fiber optics and public access points. Furthermore, supporting creative industries like Nollywood, Ghanaian music, and Francophone fashion can formalize, scale, and retain ownership of these valuable cultural exports, driving economic growth and cultural influence.

Finally, **self-reliance** ensures that cities can withstand external pressures and provide for their own needs. This starts with food security, utilizing AI-driven fertilizer maps, solar-powered cold chains, and drought-resilient seeds to boost local food production. Urban-centered “agro-rings” can shield populations from price shocks, creating more stable access to essential resources. Implementing circular economy models, such as repurposing organic waste into biofertilizer and creating rooftop gardens linked to local feeding programs, further reduces reliance on external resources. And powering health clinics, schools, and small factories independently using solar power and battery innovation, through mini-grids paired with local cooperatives, creates jobs and ensures reliability.

Turning these pillars into reality requires concrete action. Dr. Ampong proposes five practical moves that can kickstart the process. First, regulate micro-credit and BNPL schemes by capping interest rates, enforcing plain-language contracts, and linking repayments to credit scores, creating a foundation for responsible financial behavior. Second, create "Earn-Save-Spend-Later" wallets that match savings with credit access, encouraging responsible financial habits. Third, bundle infrastructure projects with founder spaces, integrating solar mini-grids or fabrication hubs into road construction to directly benefit SMEs. Fourth, tie export rebates to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), rewarding firms with low-carbon tags and decent-labor stamps to make ESG compliance profitable. And fifth, launch an African Food-Security Bond, pegging returns to local crop yields to benefit farmers, citizens, and investors alike.

Achieving self-sufficient cities in Ghana and across Africa is not merely a desirable goal; it’s an economic imperative. By prioritizing regional productivity, fostering worldwide connectivity, and strengthening self-reliance, Ghana can create urban centers where wages cover basic needs and BNPL empowers growth rather than enabling daily survival. As Dr. Ampong so eloquently puts it, "Let’s get to work. Because somewhere ought to be cool," transforming the current "#NowhereCool" reality into a future where communities thrive, and the promise of a better life is within reach. This vision demands a concerted effort, weaving together continental trade corridors, digital finance rails, and climate-smart agriculture to build resilient and prosperous regions for generations to come.