WHEN A POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR LOSSES AN ELECTION: GHANA'S EDUCATION IS ALMOST USELESS

*The Case of Dr. Richard Amoako Baah*
written by: Daniel Fenyi

Recently, a 13-year old *Ruth Gyan-Darkwa* got admission to *KNUST* and was instantly heralded a national hero. The contestants of the just ended National Science and Maths Quiz ( *NSMQ* ) were celebrated as superstars. *"Book-longs"* who may not be able to connect theories to industry are seen as superhumans. In fact, each year, highest performers in B.E.C.E of each of the 10 regions get to meet and shake hands with the president. No wonder Ghana is so lagging behind developmentally.

No one celebrates practicals like *Frank Darko* (the inventor of water bicycle), *Sesinam Dagadu* (inventor of SnoopCode App), *Beryl Agyekum* (EchoHouse),  *Charles Ofori Antipem* (inventor of Science Set), *Asidu Abudu* (inventor of Food and Vehicle tracking devices), *Claudia Lumor* (Glitz Africa), *Ameyaw Debrah* (A D Media), name them.

We seem, as a country, not to wonder at all about who takes over from *"doers"* like *Patrick Awuah* (founder of Ashesi University), *Clement K. Dzidonu* (founder, Accra Institute of Technology), *Mensa Otabil* (founder, Central University), *Atukwei Okai* (poet and academic), *Sarkodie* (musician), *Albert Ocran* (Springboard), etc.

One is deemed a failure if s/he doesn't get A1-C6 in WASSCE. One can't further his/her education to achieve his/her dream just because s/he couldn't meet the pass mark of an examination whose credibility one can't even trust.

No wonder a *Professor of Political Science* at *KNUST, Dr. Richard Amoako Baah*, lost an election woefully to *Freddie Blay* (a lawyer, 3,021votes) and *Stephen Ntim* (Systems Manager, 2,515votes) while amassing just *18 votes* out of the *5,563 votes* cast in the just ended NPP National Delegates Conference (NDC). *An obvious indication of the wide gap between academia and industry.*

Ghana's education is, honestly, USELESS. We over-emphasise the importance of "book-long" who have little to no idea on what pertains in the industry or practical field. Even the few who can connect theories to industrial practice are also morally bankrupt and think of how to amass the wealth of poor tax payers into their own pockets.

I, Daniel Fenyi, by this piece, from my one corner in Agona Swedru, call on all Ghanaians to place equal importance on inventors, software developers, engineers, etc as we do on "book-longs". Mr. President, shake hands with inventors as you do to B.E.C.E top performers.

*© Daniel Fenyi*
(Counselor, Educator and Life Coach)

Send your relationship, academic and career needs to Counselor Daniel on whatsapp/call *+233242937017* and Facebook page *www.facebook.com/counselor.fenyi.7*

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