President Kuffour's Media Chat

Yesterday the President of Ghana the honorable John Kuffour had his media chat with the press. Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to watch it on TV because I had a meeting at the University of Ghana, but I got whiffs of it as I hopped between taxis on the way to my meeting. Enough to make me shake my head in disbelief.
After the President's speech (which I'm sure was carefully prepared to highlight the achievements of the present government) the media had a chance to ask questions. I had expected intelligent, thought provoking questions after all, this was the creme-de-la-creme of the press, wasn't it?

I was sadly disappointed when the Hotel Kuffour issue propped up again. Aren't there more serious things to talk about than the bussiness interests of the president's son? What happened to the questions about bridging the digital divide? Telecommunications? HIV and AIDS?
I give kudos to the lady that asked about the steps the government was taking to encourage human resource developement. That was a question I could really relate to. Why? You try paying almost $8,000 a year as school fees and you will relate as well!

Kuffuor's description of how the government was encouraging the banks to grant loans as a way of putting money in the pockets of the common man was shot full of holes. Granted the government policy leaves banks with a lot of cash to offer as loans, but what's to ensure that they actually do so? Is there a government official at every bank's loan office to ensure compliance? Of course not.

Not up to a week ago I applied for a loan to pay my school fees. I was turned down flat, by two different banks. Whither government policy? What's the use of telling me all about "putting money in the pocket of the common man" when I'm at risk of being kicked out of school because I can't afford the fees?

Anyway, that's enough political maundering for today.