Scientists in limbo: Ghanaian science scholars murdered sleep
A sharp progress in science and technology in Ghana is sure to increase economic boom as it did in Malaysia. However after half century of self rule the country still experiences power cuts and power rationing. The hydroelectric plant at Akosombo is incapable of meeting the energy needs of the country. Consequently, Ghana, which almost became nuclear power in Africa has energy crisis. Meanwhile the nuclear reactor at Kwabenya is wasting away. Some of the finest scientists and engineers in the country operate the reactor. These fine brains have proven to be scientists and engineers in limbo. When Scientists in Iran (amidst stiff UN sanctions) develop nuclear energy, those at the reactor in Ghana sleep. These fine brains just as the failed politicians hawk their imaginary inventions on radio and TV talk shows in Armani suits.

In the meantime, the political leaders have totally lost confidence in these scientists and engineers. As a result, the politicians prefer to award lucrative engineering contracts to Chinese and European engineers and scientists. Almost all the contracts for first class roads constructions in Ghana are awarded to these engineers. The sky crappers littering Accra were also built by them. All the engineering edifice of a class went to these companies. GNPC was the only institution, which took a bold decision in using Ghanaian engineers and scientists in prospecting for crude oil but had scars to show for it. It nearly went into administration. What happened was in the past few decades GNPC depended largely on Ghanaian engineers and science flops in prospecting crude oil in the country. After decades of waste of state funds no crude was discovered. Some few years later, some American experts using data gathered by GNPC staff found oil in areas GNPC had already explored for oil.
The irony is greater percentage of the wealth from this rare natural resource is gone to the company, which discovered the oil. Ghana owns only 10% of the oil. Just a couple of investors and their shareholders own the company I believe. Ghana with a population of 20 million people with higher developmental needs owns just 10%. To add insult to injury a company called EO owned by two Ghanaians own 3.5%. While the population of 20 million people own a meagre share of 10%, two people through some under hand dealings own 3.5%.

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