The problem is all these Dr This, Dr That, Dr Who... Ghanaians still believe that if anybody is a Dr Something, then the person is, eo ipso, a brilliant expert. Let a Ghanaian work one month at an international economic/finan ... read full comment
The problem is all these Dr This, Dr That, Dr Who... Ghanaians still believe that if anybody is a Dr Something, then the person is, eo ipso, a brilliant expert. Let a Ghanaian work one month at an international economic/finance organisation and he is "a consummate economist of international repute" who, by virtue of that, knows everything about economics.
But the reality is different. This article treats the ailing economy as if it were a cancer patient needing the correct diagnoses and prevailing best treatment that will cure that ailment. But an economic problem cannot be diagnosed as a physical illness. A person with a PhD in Economics does not necessarily know how to diagnose an economic problem or know what measures to institute to correct it.
Moreover, even the most brilliant economists with PhDs (not every one with a PhD in Economists is brilliant - indeed, most are not!) differ in their diagnoses of specific economic problems and the measures that may be needed to resolve the problems. Sometimes, some of the underlying causes may not even be economic.
Our situation is pitiful. At the head of all these PhD Economists is Seth Terkper who does not spot a PhD. So others may look down on him. He holds the job because he is faithful party man who happens to be a good accountant. The Vice-President, who had a hard time finishing his MA in Legon, also has to endure the ignominy (in Ghanaian terms) of being referred to without a Dr title even as he is called an experienced economist! The rest of the article is strewn with distinctions among the major actors - Dr This, Mr That, Mrs That, and others referred to without any titles...
In other more civilized countries, the PhD itself is NOT the thing. In these countries, even the actors who are in the lead are not referred to as Dr This or Dr That even though they may all have PhDs in their closet. Because, yes, it is not the PhD itself that is the thing.
I live in a small Western European country whose economy is doing very well and passed the banking crises in the 90s well and the current problems brought about by the failed US banks. The young man who currently holds the economy portfolio did not even finish his PhD. None of the actors who were in the thick of handling the problems is known by their PhDs or their "international economic reputations"!
Only in Ghana do we hear of such high sounding appellations. And still we are mired deeply in our economic problems!
insight to the bone 9 years ago
narrow minded northern and ewe tribalism have caused them to select appointees not based on competence and merit rather on who is my closer friend or who will not betray me . this group of liars and worthless criminals are ju ... read full comment
narrow minded northern and ewe tribalism have caused them to select appointees not based on competence and merit rather on who is my closer friend or who will not betray me . this group of liars and worthless criminals are just too busy being corrupt only for themselves and have no real duty to SERVE the interests of the nation or people . we witness the gradual disintegration of the institutions of state into corruption and with them the disappearance of the country is only a matter of time . these shameless individuals believe all they need to do is bullshit the people with propaganda the focuses on blaming the innocent be it the opposition , the Akans , external enemy forces and when that fails its now up to juju , voodoo or some other crazy foolish excuse . i say to them why dont they go and fire all the doctors , teachers etc as these troublesome groups want more money and replace them with herdsmen , latrine carriers , schoolboys so they can all learn on the job , it doesnt matter that the patients die in the meantime or as it is in the case of the govt nothing functions or reasonable lucid transparent decisions can not be taken . Common sense and an observant mind can only conclude Mahama is lucky they are only insulting him now , as when the insults , complaining and wailing stops it will only mean there is a firm decision to get rid of him and his corrupt selfish cronies in a bloody uprising . i predict he can continue in this hazardous manner just another few months until everyone is fed up with him and says its time to save the future for our children .its not a curse or juju , its just bad decisions and no true love for the people of this country .
Kwame Safo 9 years ago
You have spoken the truth, Sir. We seem to worship these "book long" people who seem to be ok with theory but not so good with practical solutions. Some guy goes to US, obtains a Phd and he is suddenly a world renownwd expert ... read full comment
You have spoken the truth, Sir. We seem to worship these "book long" people who seem to be ok with theory but not so good with practical solutions. Some guy goes to US, obtains a Phd and he is suddenly a world renownwd expert who is given a responsible appointment in Govt. that he is not able to handle.
Kwesi 9 years ago
I tell you, many of them are not even good with theory, despite their PhDs!!!
I tell you, many of them are not even good with theory, despite their PhDs!!!
The problem is all these Dr This, Dr That, Dr Who... Ghanaians still believe that if anybody is a Dr Something, then the person is, eo ipso, a brilliant expert. Let a Ghanaian work one month at an international economic/finan ...
read full comment
narrow minded northern and ewe tribalism have caused them to select appointees not based on competence and merit rather on who is my closer friend or who will not betray me . this group of liars and worthless criminals are ju ...
read full comment
You have spoken the truth, Sir. We seem to worship these "book long" people who seem to be ok with theory but not so good with practical solutions. Some guy goes to US, obtains a Phd and he is suddenly a world renownwd expert ...
read full comment
I tell you, many of them are not even good with theory, despite their PhDs!!!