Africa's top agricultural exporters face a surprising paradox. Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Kenya earn billions selling cocoa, tea, and cashews to global markets - yet spend 45-66% of those earnings importing wheat, rice, and dairy. These countries allocated their best land to high-value export crops, creating structural food import dependency. When commodity prices crash or food prices spike, the model breaks down. Climate change intensifies the risk.

While West Africa grapples with a coup epidemic, Ghana stands out with remarkable democratic stability. With 60.9% voter turnout despite severe economic crisis, 8 consecutive peaceful elections since 1992, and an exemplary power transition where the incumbent vice president conceded defeat with dignity, Ghana proves democracy can thrive even under difficult conditions. The story offers hope across the region, showing that strong institutions matter more than strong men.