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Daring to Dream

EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS ~THE KEY TO GHANA'S FUTURE

By Michelle Eghan
Ashesi Class of 2005

Why do we have dreams? I believe that dreams give us something to aspire to and also to believe in. Dreams give us an opportunity to indulge in hopes or aspirations that others might think unattainable or just a waste of time. In life, when dreams are achieved, or goals are reached, people feel a sense of accomplishment, pride, and self belief. This is why it is such a profound testimonial to all Ghanaians, through the efforts and determination of Mr. Patrick G. Awuah, Jr. (founder and president of Ashesi University), that dreams can indeed come true. Mr. Awuah has been able to implement his dream to empower Ghana's young minds and even more importantly, has been able to give back to his fellow countrymen, the belief that anything is still possible in this gut-wrenching and unforgiving world.

I have heard the phrase, "knowledge is power" so many times that the deeper meaning behind it has long been forgotten. Through our in-class discussions about economics and Ghana's present HIPC (highly indebted poor country) status, I often hear my fellow classmates complaining about the World Bank and IMF policies. According to them, these two organizations are mainly responsible for Ghana's current economic situation. At Ashesi University's inauguration I realized that Ghanaians don't need to have the World Bank or the IMF making policies and impacting upon their lives. We need strong ethical and inspired leadership. With education and dedication to ourselves and to our country, we can turn the current situation around. There might be some argument as to if this can really be done, but if in doubt, look to Ashesi as proof that it can be done. Knowledge is power and through education we can help ourselves to attain goals that we thought to be out of reach, just as Mr. Awuah did with the establishment of Ashesi University.

According to Mr. Paul Effah, who spoke on behalf of Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, the Honorable Minister of Education, only 30% of qualified students are being accepted at public universities. That leaves 70% of the youth with three main choices: study abroad, attend vocational school, or find a job or trade. The first choice is to go abroad and study there. I made that choice in 2000. I left Ghana with the belief that I had no other option left to me if I wanted to receive a good education. After a year abroad, I decided to come back to Ghana because I realized that if I didn't leave then, then I would be stuck there for quite a number of years until I gained enough work experience to be of any use to my country's development. I chose to come back, was again disappointed by what I saw in Ghanaian higher education, and was preparing to leave for a sophomore year in London, when I heard about Ashesi University. Some might call it divine providence or fate, which is what I believed it to be. With Ashesi, I was able to stay in Ghana and receive an education which in my opinion has surpassed my freshman year in the United States. I encourage anyone who is sceptical about this claim to come visit Ashesi University and see for him or herself.

With Ashesi, I am receiving the best of both worlds. I am able to receive an excellent education and stay in Ghana where I believe that I can help my country become a greater place, and more importantly, where I can be close to my family. The second choice that students have is to attend vocational school. This choice is valid and some even prefer this type of education. Any credible education is good education. However, with this option I believe that many students may be denied their true calling. This means that the students lose out and the country also loses out. A student may be denied expressing his/her true passion which in turn lets the nation down as well as they do not benefit from the student's talent or skill. The third choice that students have is to find a job or trade. This option doesn't guarantee good value jobs and many of these students find themselves with lower level jobs that don't pay much and that aren't that much of an inspiration. How can Ghana become more developed and self-sufficient if its citizens aren't given the opportunity to develop their minds and utilize their cerebral potential?

This is why Ashesi's inauguration is such a monumental occasion. Students will now have a place where they can study and receive an education that is parallel to one they would receive if they were in the United States. As the Honorable Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi stated, "Ashesi University can contribute to our collective national development goal of improving the quality of life of all Ghanaians by reducing poverty, raising living standards through sustained increase in national wealth and a more equitable distribution of benefits".

With Ashesi's diverse lecturers and professors from both Ghana and the United States, it's no wonder that our minds are being shaped so that we can all become leaders in whatever fields that we choose to be in. Ghanaians can become more reliant on our own citizens who have Ghana's best interests at heart so that we don't have to rely on foreign organizations such as the World Bank or the IMF. Ashesi also sends out the message to others that dreams can come true with a little perseverance and patience. Anything is possible and dreams can be attained. The inauguration of Ashesi University shows that anything is possible if you strive towards it with character and determination.

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