A retired educationist, Mr K. B. Asante, has observed that the overemphasis on examination is partly to blame for the country’s educational problems. He said the dictatorial nature of examinations in Ghana’s schools de-emphasised the critical element of education – acquiring knowledge to be able to solve problems in the society. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Asante said while passing exams was important, creating the impression that the ultimate aim of education was passing examination, was counterproductive. Mr Asante also has concerns about the form of examinations in the country’s schools. He believes setting up objective tests for students was not really a proper assessment but conceded the teeming number of students per class makes it practically impossible for the teacher to mark essays. He said the curricula should allow teachers some flexibility to determine how and what to teach students. “If you want real education, you need to get the students to enjoy and understand what they are learning,” he added. He is even more worried about the values the society has about education. “When we were young, the people we looked up to, were people with knowledge, people who were supposed to be very learned. Now [however], society has different values – if you make money you are important – so people go to school, even young people, aspiring to a certain position to make money,” he noted. He said, under those circumstances, education is no longer a means to acquire knowledge and help the society. “These days the emphasis is on passing the exam, getting a First Class, getting a profession and the aim is to live well, to put it bluntly, make money and that is the value of society. When you have such value predominating, you cannot get the best out of education,” he stated. The former diplomat said parents must take keen interest in the education of their children, stressing that relying on extra classes will not necessarily work. Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana