Re: “Dining Hall Prefect” Minister.

I have followed with the keen interest the brouhaha status post the vetting of Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh'Deputy Minister designate for Ministry of Natural Resources of which he cited his erstwhile appointment as 'Dining Hall Prefect' in his Secondary School as 'working experience'. However, upon careful thought of his statement and intent, I defensively aver that the noisy vilification and attempts to ridicule the young man's credentials is cacophonous, disdainful, absolutely trivial and misdirected.

I totally disagree with all those who seek to downplay the achievement of this young man simply because he's not a 'Dr-Dr' title holder being appointed to ministerial hierarchy. Indeed, an Ewe adage tells that "Koklovi me noa azi me kua ator o!" (A chick in the egg does not crow). I believe in simple and humble beginning of life in life'where the hatched chick learnt how to stand, walk, run, and crows with time; as demonstrated by the minister designate.

Is it a crime for one to be elected a "Dining Hall Prefect" in secondary school? I am sure not! And the only way I think he might have erred a bit was citing "Dining Hall Prefect" as his work experience instead of leadership experience. Regardless, the position of "Dining Hall Prefect" gave him the foundation of leadership and selfless-service he continued to build upon. Let me reiterate here that, the Secondary school is an environment where we go not to learn only academics but also learn various extra-curricular activities e.g. Music and Dance, Debates, Sports, Leadership skills, etc. In truth, many of us live on some of those extra-curricular talents and skills rather than our intended field of studies today. Indeed, I know of erstwhile Science students who are now national athletes in lieu of science related fields today; and it will also interest you to know that, most notable Ghanaian musicians like Ayigbe Edem, Okyeame Kwame, Abrewa Nana amongst the lots were once Entertainment Prefects in their respective secondary schools/colleges.

Again, the Secondary school is akin to a country or a government where the School Prefect (SP) or Asst. School Prefect (ASP) is likened to the President and Vice President respectively, and other school appointees could be referred as the 'Ministers'. Take the Student Representative Council (SRC) to be the cabinet and you won't be wrong. Do we think these systems were introduced in the Schools just for the fun of it? Absolutely not! My point here is that, not all students could have the opportunity to occupy these positions in the Secondary Schools, but it takes elected QUALIFIED students who must possess or be seen to have exceptional leadership traits to warrant those positions. The position of Dining Hall Prefect is the one that no weak student could venture because of its sensitive nature, as matters of 'food and stomach' in Secondary schools is tantamount to the unfriendly pairing of gasoline (Petrol) and fire. Therefore in my candid view, the Dining Hall Position is the cradle that nurtured the vetted Minister's leadership skills--a trait that subsequently manifested in his communal and political endeavours. Afterall, he's just 35 years old and his academic ladder is limitless in the sky.

Another fact is that, being a great leader or Minister for that matter, is not by the number of degrees in one's closet, but his competence, resilience, adaptability, selfless service, integrity, passion and above all his/her humility. The decision of the President to have a "salad bowl" of appointees is a laudable one we all need to commend. If you don't agree with me, just stretch your hands in front of you and measure the height of your fingers--none is equal, but together they give a tighter grips! We should bear in mind that the President himself rose from the grassland to the Graceland! Also, our elders summed it all by saying that, a child who knows how to wash his hands dines with the elders. Mr. Akandoh learnt how to wash his hands meticulously in the "Dining Hall" and let's not begrudge him at the dining table with his elders today.

Mr. Akondoh, I wish you success and never relent on your effort to serve your country. Work hard to bring your critics and supercilious ones to your fold at the end of the day!!

Frank Goka.
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