You should follow your own advice and write with clarity. More than two thirds of this article focuses on some redundant summary of critical Marxism without a shred of linkage with what the article proposes to be its subject ... read full comment
You should follow your own advice and write with clarity. More than two thirds of this article focuses on some redundant summary of critical Marxism without a shred of linkage with what the article proposes to be its subject matter: lessons from the work of Dr. Yaw Nyarko, who I believe would be ashamed of this article.
I know Dr. Nyarko to be a prominent economist and academic. But what's the point in merely telling us about his biography and the pedigree of NYU where he teaches? Where are the lessons you promised in your title to draw from his work?
francis kwarteng 10 years ago
Hello PK,
Write to Dr. Yaw Nyarko to find out what he feels about this. I sent him a copy. Moreover, I mentioned his contributions to the formation of Ashesi University.
I mentioned the hard work he put in towards cont ... read full comment
Hello PK,
Write to Dr. Yaw Nyarko to find out what he feels about this. I sent him a copy. Moreover, I mentioned his contributions to the formation of Ashesi University.
I mentioned the hard work he put in towards contributing to the elevation of NYU via his teachings, his work in opening NYU branches in the Middle East, etc.
The prestigious awards, grants, and editorial work; his consultations and advisory roles vis-a-vis international institutions, his academic publications,etc., all go to tell you what lessons individuals could learn from his work if they too work hard.
Then, discussing socialism (Nkrumah) and liberal market economy (Yaw Nyarko) was merely to compare their weaknesses and strengths (and what they have done to African economies). The linkage between socialism and free market economy is also very clear. You are blind to see it because I did not explicitly say so.
The failure of our educational systems to teach students critical reading and critical thinking skills is part of the problem.
A writer does not necessarily have to be explicit about everything he/she talks about. Deductive reading based on a passage's subtext should be enough to tell a reader all he/she needs to know. Besides, this is a series. Go back and read the rest if you are so inclined.
Finally, I cited the pedigree of his NYU's pedigree to show his positive contributions to making NYU what it's today. This is another lesson which our leaders can draw from Yaw Nyarko's tireless work, that if Yaw Nyarko can make work (with other) to make NYU a world-class institution, what is there to say Africans on the continent can't do the same if resources are available (I cited other conditions). I am surprised all the lessons are right before you and you still couldn't see any.
Please go back and read it again. You may see all the lessons. If you want me to enumerate them for you via deductive reasoning/critical reading, then I will be obliged to do so. Don't hesitate to write to Dr. Yaw Nyarko. I have discussed aspects of the series on him over the years.
Thanks.
GOLD COAST 10 years ago
The lack of critical,innovative and original thinking in our schools and outside - as exemplified in government and our cultural traditions - is Africa's curse.We are taught from childhood not to speak up;challenge authority ... read full comment
The lack of critical,innovative and original thinking in our schools and outside - as exemplified in government and our cultural traditions - is Africa's curse.We are taught from childhood not to speak up;challenge authority or question our elders.As such,we are a nation of lazy people with lazy minds(according to Kufuor), and can't create or manufacture anything worth exporting. Even Kufuor himself brought in Indians to build Flagstaff House,and Chinese to build roads - after Nkrumah had spent millions to build and elevate Legon and KNUST.
Africans suffer from mental slavery(thanks to Bob Marley),and decadent cultural norms and practices, which we are unwilling or incapable of renovating and adapting.The Japanese, Chinese,Indians,South Koreans, Malaysians,Singaporeans - and even the Vietnamese - have all adapted to the educational and economic challenges of the 21st century,while we parade CHIEFTAINCY as our greatest contribution to world civilization.
You should follow your own advice and write with clarity. More than two thirds of this article focuses on some redundant summary of critical Marxism without a shred of linkage with what the article proposes to be its subject ...
read full comment
Hello PK,
Write to Dr. Yaw Nyarko to find out what he feels about this. I sent him a copy. Moreover, I mentioned his contributions to the formation of Ashesi University.
I mentioned the hard work he put in towards cont ...
read full comment
The lack of critical,innovative and original thinking in our schools and outside - as exemplified in government and our cultural traditions - is Africa's curse.We are taught from childhood not to speak up;challenge authority ...
read full comment