Distinguish Scholars Write To Obama �On Changes Africa Need

The Distinguished Scholars of Africa, a group of Africa scholars who have the interest of the Africa Continent at heart in terms of development, have charged African leaders to go back and learn from the great wisdom of their ancestors for a better development of the continent. The organization made this submission at its 2014 forum held at the National Insurance Commission in Accra last week. The programme which was held under the theme; �Cultures of Wisdom: A Vital Link in National Development Efforts�, attracted a lot of great sons of the soil including Professor Nketia, Professor Oti Boateng, a representative of the Asantehene- Otumfour Osei Tutu from the Manhyia Palace, the C.E.O of the Amen Scientific Herbal Hospital, some Members of Parliament among many other great scholars in Ghana. In his welcome address the President of the association- Dr. Nana Oppong, lamented the fact that although Ghana, and for that matter Africa as a Continent has people with great wisdom, they do not make efficient use of what to do to develop the Continent. He observed that although Ghana is trying its best to develop, what they are doing is not enough. He was of the views that, despite the great intellectuals Ghana have, the nation cannot make any good use of them in the sense that citizens do not tap into the wisdom of the ancestors and great leaders of history. Dr. Oppong, stated emphatically that the mental and cultural decay of the people and the African leadership is causing the continent expensively in terms of development. He stressed on the need for to go back to our root and learn from the wisdom of our great ancestors and forefathers to enable us survive as a people with great heritage. He underscored that, �if we do not have enough people of wisdom to run the nation, we would surely not develop�, stressing that wisdom is a very powerful tool for development. He therefore charged the African leadership, and for that matter, Ghana as a nation to respect our culture and values left for us as a legacy from our ancestors to promote national development in terms of discipline, honesty and hard work in all aspects of our delivery. Also reading the speech on behalf of the Asantehene- Otumfour Osei Tutu II, the Paramount Chief of the Asante Agona Traditional Council, Nana Frempong Anokye Ababio, stated that Africans are not in control of their Continent and cultural values. Otumfuo lamented that Africa orientation is completely ruined in many ways and our heritage is gradually wearing away. He lamented Ghanaians, and Africa as a Continent have sacrificed our tradition, food and even our beautiful way of dressing by all standards in exchange of foreign culture. Also on his part, Professor Nketia (now 98 years of age)- one of Ghana�s greatest sons great integrity, also stressed on the need for our educational systems and academic syllabus to lay more emphasis on the importance of the Africa culture and our values, bewailing that Africa is gradually losing its beauty to the white man in too many ways. He also advised the youth and the young ones to demonstrate a lot of respect toward their elders and be ready to learn from the wisdoms of their ancestors. He called for discipline, hard work and determination among the youth in all their aspects of life and be ready to welcome corrections from their elders to help shape their lives for a better future. The Honorable Member of Parliament for Afigya Sekyere East- Dr. Henric David Yeboah, also touched on the area of good education. He stated that, �The development of a nation depends many factors; however in the course of all these, good education is a very important tool for in this regard,� He stressed on the need to make education easily assessable to all, both the rich and the less privileged alike. The MP, differentiated book education from good education, explaining that book education is basically the book knowledge acquired from the classroom, whereas good education is when one is able to practice this book knowledge on his field of work with all competency, respect, and dedication for effective productivity. In light of this, the Distinguish Scholars of Africa have written a letter to President Obama of the United States of America to, not aid Africa with money but help harness the good fortunes Africans have.