IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW VICE CHANCELLOR

The current brand of democracy transcending the African landscape bores ample credence to the fact that there is no enough organic connection between the western democratic ideal and the cultural heritage of the African people. The assertion by Dr.Dzisah (2009) that Africa can not transport democratic seeds from the capitalist gardens of Paris, London and Washington and expect it to blossom therefore holds water. From his own angle, Awoonor (1990) believes that Africa's democracy is on a life support since it lacks the communitarian principle of consultation and shared values.

Cultural, sociological and historical elements aside, democracy in Africa today lacks the Jefferson oxygen; the vibrant information tool of successful democracies across the globe. With more than 40% of her populace being illiterates, the western apparel of hippopotamus coinages and flamboyant language in the life of a toddling democracy is no less than simply a Trojan horse. The absence of telepathy between the African factor and the western concept has a semblance in the educational fabric.

The tag 'brain drain' is more of a cliché today than a concern. With young African scholars pouring onto the western front, the mal-nutritional intellectual front raises eye brows. Just as the saying goes; 'prevention is better than cure', It is imperative that we diagnose the root cause of this phenomenon than find solutions to it as it keeps ascending to unimaginable proportions. It is against this backdrop that I find the words of the new vice chancellor of the University for Development studies ProfessorbHaruna Yakubu, as very timely. His promise to transmogrify the university into a more practical centre is worth it.

Education in Ghana is a paradox of 'hyped-certificates' in the midst of ignorance. The absence of practical concepts makes both teaching and learning very cumbersome. It either out-stretches the curriculum or down plays it.

Again, it is when we have practical strings attached to the theoretical knowledge that we can be able to churn out useful talent. The skimpy educational set has resulted in under-developed professionals in most of our tertiary institutions. No wonder more graduates always perform below the expectation of their employers. But what else can we expect? One will certainly dance in a style reflective of the tune of the drum beat.

The country has certainly come very far when it comes to educational matters. But we certainly must strive to greater heights, since the grass hopper must not be too quick to congratulate itself until the fire storm dies out. It is about time we pay careful attention to education in this country. It is the last best hope for a country which finds her self in a world where knowledge governs ignorance.

At this point in our country's history, it is more than necessary that we garnish our education with a more world class outlook. In this regard, we cannot afford to repeat the mistake of the democratic experiment. Our style of education must assume the pan African posture. The western style of education must go through some genetic engineering to assume a more Ghanaian context. This is the time to position ourselves to groom scholars for national, continental and global excellence. I wish the Professor a successful term of office.

In God we trust!
The writer is the leader of Orange Education Ghana and a member of the African leaders' project of the African leadership Academy based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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