Market forces should lead people in the right direction. Too many people chasing "business " degrees. There are no businesses to manage.
The salary structure (incentive) which Nkrumah used to steer people into science an ... read full comment
Market forces should lead people in the right direction. Too many people chasing "business " degrees. There are no businesses to manage.
The salary structure (incentive) which Nkrumah used to steer people into science and medicine has been done away with, largely due to too many lawyers liberal arts graduates in politics or holding key offices at the ministries feel liberal arts is also a degree and must be accorded same reward as science.
At the dawn of the dot com era, people with computer science background commanded premium in the UK, USA etc.
OLD SOLDIER 9 years ago
AUTHOR:-BOLUS, MERCY ADEDE...
"The drug barons are currently targeting Ghana making us a vulnerable nation hence we must toughen our national security at all our Airports. If Ms Ametefeh has been allegedly doing such mano ... read full comment
AUTHOR:-BOLUS, MERCY ADEDE...
"The drug barons are currently targeting Ghana making us a vulnerable nation hence we must toughen our national security at all our Airports. If Ms Ametefeh has been allegedly doing such manoeuvres since 2009 goodness knows how many of such people have used this method just because of their status in society as security around such people have been relaxed. No one can be trusted when it comes to such issues any more as our security is at stake. We should not even allow the VVIP section security to be relaxed so that unscrupulous people take advantage of such freedom afforded to them in the wake of this saga".
A Kojo T 9 years ago
Is it a typographic error or a scam that two hostels will accommodate 35000 students. "The two hostels when completed, would accommodate about 35,000 students, he said". Please check and amend.
Is it a typographic error or a scam that two hostels will accommodate 35000 students. "The two hostels when completed, would accommodate about 35,000 students, he said". Please check and amend.
HAWA YAKUBU 9 years ago
yes bro its an error
yes bro its an error
TIJANI 9 years ago
who is going to teach the TVET, its not you and do you have the knowledge to teach. your colleges else where are leading and championing the development agenda by creating and inventing, but the professors we have in Ghana on ... read full comment
who is going to teach the TVET, its not you and do you have the knowledge to teach. your colleges else where are leading and championing the development agenda by creating and inventing, but the professors we have in Ghana only know how to talk, they cannot develop or create any thing
HAWA YAKUBU 9 years ago
My brother some of these professors in Ghana are not just on beeline. They are coming out with great research and inventions but politics will not put them in lime light. Politicians and professor generally do not get along.
My brother some of these professors in Ghana are not just on beeline. They are coming out with great research and inventions but politics will not put them in lime light. Politicians and professor generally do not get along.
The mask 9 years ago
It has been reported that the School of Medical Sciences KNUST hasn't got even one teaching assistant for its Bsc. Human Biology and MBChB prgrammes.
Nowadays businesses and government organisations have stopped demanding ... read full comment
It has been reported that the School of Medical Sciences KNUST hasn't got even one teaching assistant for its Bsc. Human Biology and MBChB prgrammes.
Nowadays businesses and government organisations have stopped demanding Secondary School Certificate or Basic Education Certificate.
Each of these certificates are important. For example for many tertiary graduates the only certificate that can tell whether one can speak good English or whether one has adequate knowledge of Mathematics is the Secondary School Certificate.
Similarly the only certificate that can tell whether a tertiary graduate has basic knowledge of Ghanaian history, culture, agriculture and the basic geography of West Africa is the Basic Education Certificate.
HAWA YAKUBU 9 years ago
I can see where you are coming from and everything you mentioned is not a confluence of accidental coincidence. There is nothing fake about what you said Prof. I take my hat off for you because you desiccated the system that ... read full comment
I can see where you are coming from and everything you mentioned is not a confluence of accidental coincidence. There is nothing fake about what you said Prof. I take my hat off for you because you desiccated the system that can make a change in the society.
But there are certain things that are mind burgling when comparisons are made in reference to other countries and their achievements. The alacrity and temerity of the Ghana man is quit different from some of these countries.
Most of these countries have less natural resources to work with than Ghana yet they achieve their goals. Why?. They have nationalism in their minds. Undoubtedly, they want to build the countries for the children and grand children. Interestingly, there is no room to ascertain any growing resignation.
Guys, if there will be national success for Ghana to move forward, we got to change our thinking and ways of doing things. Ghana belongs to Ghanaians and we have to come together for a common ground.
I might be politically wrong, but since after our founding fathers( Kwame Nkrumah and his group) Ghana had not been able to find her bearings. Ghana had been stumbling on the free way up to now. The tenacious and resilient minds Kwame Nkrumah created(build on Ghanaians) from all subtleties went into oblivion.
America is so powerful in the World today, because the founding fathers doctrine had been in seismic intensity with all due respect. The people respect and obey the laws the founding father created. But after Kwame Nkrumah, the mixture of drama unfolded with gangster minds and worse obstruent than the Colonials. They put profound fear into the people minds with guns. And claimed to be messianic while they went on with mendaciously clandestine or tawdry rendezvous.
There can't be any national development if Ghanaians do not benched the perilous adventure of tribal feelings and a change of working attitude.ONE NATION ONE PEOPLE.
Asempa 9 years ago
I think you sincerely want Ghana to do much better than it is doing now and that is commendable. You say that tribalism needs to be dealt with before development can happen and I think there is some truth about that. I have r ... read full comment
I think you sincerely want Ghana to do much better than it is doing now and that is commendable. You say that tribalism needs to be dealt with before development can happen and I think there is some truth about that. I have realized however that it is easy to say what is wrong. The difficult question is how do you deal with tribalism? It will be interesting to know what your solutions are.
Tekonline.org 9 years ago
The boarding school system comes to mind. We blended nicely with students from other tribes. I had very close friends from many tribes; in fact, I didn't see them tribe-wise. They were friends because of the kind of hearts an ... read full comment
The boarding school system comes to mind. We blended nicely with students from other tribes. I had very close friends from many tribes; in fact, I didn't see them tribe-wise. They were friends because of the kind of hearts and minds they had.
Inter-tribal activities could definitely promote harmony and understanding. If the Ewes in Takoradi are having a Hogbetsotso dance, they should invite as many Fantes as possible. Cape Coast Afahye parties should include all Ghanaians. Different tribal dishes must be served.
Nationwide, inter-tribal sporting competition would be quite effective.
The bottom line: get the tribes to do things TOGETHER.
Asempa 9 years ago
Nice ideas, Tekonline. The next question is which politicians who implement what you are saying when the same politicians are fanning are benefiting from the tribal divisions? I think it will take some kind of uprising from c ... read full comment
Nice ideas, Tekonline. The next question is which politicians who implement what you are saying when the same politicians are fanning are benefiting from the tribal divisions? I think it will take some kind of uprising from citizens against politicians for bad governance. Education is another way to free the minds of the people to think critically and that is why education is not the priority of politicians.
joojo 9 years ago
can somebody school me what accounting with computing is.thank you.
can somebody school me what accounting with computing is.thank you.
Tekonline.org 9 years ago
Prof,
This whole idea of dividing the mental development of our youth into Technical/Vocational and University brands can be quite problematic, although I quite understand what you are trying to promote--more hands-on traini ... read full comment
Prof,
This whole idea of dividing the mental development of our youth into Technical/Vocational and University brands can be quite problematic, although I quite understand what you are trying to promote--more hands-on training and skills development.
I seriously think a more effective approach should be making polytechnic students see themselves as problem-solving specialists.
Even the whole idea of labeling some institutions as "polytechnic" creates problems. For many, the polytechnic is just "Plan B", when admission to a university does not work out.
But if instead you had, say, a "Cape Coast Academy for Modern Technologies (CCAMT)", then a straight A's student from an SSS who is very passionate about building drones, would choose to go to CCAMT to pursue that dream. To hell with KNUST!
Also, bear in mind: the world of technology is changing at a very rapid pace. Who would have thought that within just a few years, even a not-so-literate maid servant could communicate by WhatsApp?
The world is transforming from mere "things" to "SMART THINGS".
You may train polytechnic students to fix cars, but they would have to understand RFID technology to be able to fix the doors of modern cars. And wait till Google's self-driving cars become commonplace. These cars have no steering wheels nor brakes. They are 80% software !!! The automechanic of the future will have to be a software developer, trust me.
Educational institutions of today must be structured based on SPECIALTIES, not traditional classifications such as "vocational", "technical", etc. And the ultimate goal should be producing PROBLEM SOLVERS. Ghana needs specialists that can maintain sophisticated electric equipment and prevent the perennial power interruptions (also known as "dumsology").
There will be fewer and fewer purely mechanical things in the world; smart things loaded with pure science will be the norm. Today, drones are no only pilotless -- the latest types are designed to "make their own decisions" whether or not to bomb, whom to pursue, and what to make of what they "see".
The country needs a variety of tertiary institutions: some to dwell on discoveries, others to engage in innovation, and a few types to promote specialization in state-of-the-art technologies.
Asempa 9 years ago
Tekonline, you said a lot and then contradicted yourself. What is the difference in calling something "polytechnic" and "Academy for Modern Technologies"? Also, why is naming something CCAMIT better than KNUST? It is good you ... read full comment
Tekonline, you said a lot and then contradicted yourself. What is the difference in calling something "polytechnic" and "Academy for Modern Technologies"? Also, why is naming something CCAMIT better than KNUST? It is good you want making "smart things" to replace making "things". Now, what makes you think your proposed CCAMIT will actually produce people who can make "smart things". Also, would it matter to you if KNUST and polytechnics are transformed to actually produce people who can make "smart things"? My point is this. What is actually done in our institutions is more important than the labels we give them. Another question is where is the evidence that Ghana needs "smart things" and that we are short of people who can make them? Have you realized that there is a huge brain drain in Ghana? It is interesting the same people who can't make "smart things" are employed in other countries like the United States to help make "smart things". I think the leadership of Ghana, and most African countries, has no vision and far below human decency so it makes us all confused about what we really need. Just imagine how screwed up the Ghana constitution, the ultimate rules of governance, is. Our leaders don't understand nor care about the difference between making "things" and "smart things". Until our leadership is fixed our thinking and condition will continue to muddle.
Tekonline.org 9 years ago
Asempa, your points are well-taken. I should have clarified better what I meant, in most instances.
Calling an "academy" rather than a "polytechnic" was just meant to signal a difference, a marketing ploy. I should howeve ... read full comment
Asempa, your points are well-taken. I should have clarified better what I meant, in most instances.
Calling an "academy" rather than a "polytechnic" was just meant to signal a difference, a marketing ploy. I should however stressed though that the academy should be focused on a SPECIALTY. So, rather than "Kumasi Poly", "Takoradi Poly", "Ho Poly", and so on, all offering the same course sets, we could better have, "Academy of Computer Technologies", "Academy of Agricultural Systems", "Academy of Paramedical Services", etc.
The "Go to hell, KNUST", was said in jest. You know how proud I am of KNUST. But EVERY Ghanaian youngster is a potential Steve Jobs regardless of the academic environment. So the idea is, that potential must be nurtured, whether they gained admission to a university or not. The thing is to stir up passions and offer exciting opportunities. When you hear of Steve Jobs, the last thing you care about is whether or not he attended MIT or CalTech. You just admire the man for the innovative products and ideas.
You are right in that labels are just labels. But MARKETING works (why do you think advertising is a big profession), because of the gullibility of the human brain.
But indeed, labels should reflect substance, and the major problem I think the polytechnics will always face is attracting the best talent as tutors.
And again, perception might make a difference. A PhD in electronics engineering might not mind being associated with an institution that focuses on just embedded systems for agriculture, rather than a plain vanilla polytechnic, offering the usual.
You raised the question of whether Ghana needs "smart things". Do we really have a choice? Ten years ago I wouldn't have dreamt that everybody would be carrying a cellphone, some of them being the smart variety. Should we import technicians to service these gadgets? And mind you, embedded systems are not just in smartphones: they are showing up in hospital equipment, cars, jetliners, and many manufacturing machines.
Polytechnic curriculum should quickly adapt to the rapid pace of technological change, and this adaptation can be facilitated by creating academies of specialties, rather than the usual run-of-the-mill "polytechnics".
Great response, and thanks for taking the trouble to digest my comment.
Anthony Ahorttor 9 years ago
I don't know your background, but your opinion would be very welcomed by a few people in Ghana who have seen the light of day in terms of technical and vocational education long ago. Post independent Ghana inherited the evil ... read full comment
I don't know your background, but your opinion would be very welcomed by a few people in Ghana who have seen the light of day in terms of technical and vocational education long ago. Post independent Ghana inherited the evil system from the British aristocracy, where class matters to the policy makers, ruling elite than anything else. In Ghana any person from technical or vocational educational institution is always treated like an enemy. You can imagine where am coming from.
Market forces should lead people in the right direction. Too many people chasing "business " degrees. There are no businesses to manage.
The salary structure (incentive) which Nkrumah used to steer people into science an ...
read full comment
AUTHOR:-BOLUS, MERCY ADEDE...
"The drug barons are currently targeting Ghana making us a vulnerable nation hence we must toughen our national security at all our Airports. If Ms Ametefeh has been allegedly doing such mano ...
read full comment
Is it a typographic error or a scam that two hostels will accommodate 35000 students. "The two hostels when completed, would accommodate about 35,000 students, he said". Please check and amend.
yes bro its an error
who is going to teach the TVET, its not you and do you have the knowledge to teach. your colleges else where are leading and championing the development agenda by creating and inventing, but the professors we have in Ghana on ...
read full comment
My brother some of these professors in Ghana are not just on beeline. They are coming out with great research and inventions but politics will not put them in lime light. Politicians and professor generally do not get along.
It has been reported that the School of Medical Sciences KNUST hasn't got even one teaching assistant for its Bsc. Human Biology and MBChB prgrammes.
Nowadays businesses and government organisations have stopped demanding ...
read full comment
I can see where you are coming from and everything you mentioned is not a confluence of accidental coincidence. There is nothing fake about what you said Prof. I take my hat off for you because you desiccated the system that ...
read full comment
I think you sincerely want Ghana to do much better than it is doing now and that is commendable. You say that tribalism needs to be dealt with before development can happen and I think there is some truth about that. I have r ...
read full comment
The boarding school system comes to mind. We blended nicely with students from other tribes. I had very close friends from many tribes; in fact, I didn't see them tribe-wise. They were friends because of the kind of hearts an ...
read full comment
Nice ideas, Tekonline. The next question is which politicians who implement what you are saying when the same politicians are fanning are benefiting from the tribal divisions? I think it will take some kind of uprising from c ...
read full comment
can somebody school me what accounting with computing is.thank you.
Prof,
This whole idea of dividing the mental development of our youth into Technical/Vocational and University brands can be quite problematic, although I quite understand what you are trying to promote--more hands-on traini ...
read full comment
Tekonline, you said a lot and then contradicted yourself. What is the difference in calling something "polytechnic" and "Academy for Modern Technologies"? Also, why is naming something CCAMIT better than KNUST? It is good you ...
read full comment
Asempa, your points are well-taken. I should have clarified better what I meant, in most instances.
Calling an "academy" rather than a "polytechnic" was just meant to signal a difference, a marketing ploy. I should howeve ...
read full comment
I don't know your background, but your opinion would be very welcomed by a few people in Ghana who have seen the light of day in terms of technical and vocational education long ago. Post independent Ghana inherited the evil ...
read full comment
Good prof