Nsarkoh condemns reckless prophets, requires science and fact-based tradition in Ghana – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefFebruary 23, 20264 Mins read10
Nsarkoh Condemns Reckless Prophets, Calls for Science and Fact-Based Tradition in Ghana
Introduction
Ghanaian corporate leader Yaw Nsarkoh has delivered a powerful critique of the country’s declining tradition of evidence-based public discourse, warning that Ghana cannot build a quality civilization on a foundation of gossip, superstition, and reckless punditry. Speaking at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) Quality Week Celebration on February 23, 2026, Nsarkoh called for a return to scientific rigor and fact-based dialogue in national debates.
Key Points
- Corporate leader Yaw Nsarkoh delivered a stinging critique of Ghana's collapsing tradition of information and evidence
- He condemned self-styled prophets who make predictions about elections and deaths of public figures
- Nsarkoh called for scientists to actively advocate for fact-based culture in public life
- He highlighted the critical role of NMIMR during the COVID-19 pandemic that remains largely unknown to the public
- The speech addressed the broader issue of political polarization fueling misinformation in Ghanaian society
Background
Yaw Nsarkoh, a prominent Ghanaian business executive, delivered his keynote address at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research Quality Week Celebration held at the University of Ghana, Legon. The event brought together researchers, scientists, and public health officials to discuss the future of medical research and public health in Ghana.
The timing of Nsarkoh’s speech is significant given the increasing influence of social media and the proliferation of self-proclaimed prophets in Ghanaian society. These figures often make bold predictions about political outcomes, celebrity deaths, and other public events, frequently without any scientific basis or evidence.
Analysis
Nsarkoh’s speech represents a critical intervention in Ghana’s ongoing struggle with misinformation and the erosion of evidence-based public discourse. His criticism of “reckless prophets” and the broader media landscape reflects growing concerns about how superstition and unverified claims are undermining rational debate in the country.
The Challenge of Political Polarization
One of Nsarkoh’s most significant observations was the role of political polarization in driving misinformation. He argued that Ghana’s “out-of-control climate of political polarization” has made malice a fuel for misinformation at the highest levels of society. This insight connects to broader patterns observed globally, where political divisions often create fertile ground for conspiracy theories and unverified claims.
The Role of Scientists in Public Discourse
Nsarkoh’s call for scientists to step into the space of public advocacy represents a significant shift in how scientific institutions approach their role in society. Rather than remaining confined to laboratories and academic journals, he urged NMIMR researchers to actively engage with the public through media partnerships and communication strategies.
This approach recognizes that scientific knowledge alone is insufficient if it remains inaccessible to the general population. By advocating for “aggressive media partnerships,” Nsarkoh is essentially calling for a democratization of scientific knowledge that could help counter the influence of misinformation.
The COVID-19 Context
Nsarkoh’s reference to NMIMR’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola scare highlights a critical gap in public awareness. His statement that “without you, the story of COVID in Ghana would have been corresponding to carnage” underscores the vital importance of scientific institutions in national emergencies. Yet, the fact that this contribution remains largely unknown to the public reveals a significant communication failure that needs to be addressed.
Practical Advice
For Ghana to build a more fact-based public discourse, several practical steps can be taken:
For Scientific Institutions
1. **Develop comprehensive media strategies** that translate complex scientific findings into accessible language for the general public
2. **Create partnerships with mainstream media outlets** to ensure accurate scientific information reaches wider audiences
3. **Invest in science communication training** for researchers to improve their ability to engage with the public
4. **Establish regular public engagement programs** that bring scientific knowledge directly to communities
For Media Organizations
1. **Implement stricter fact-checking protocols** before publishing claims, especially those related to health and public safety
2. **Prioritize expert voices** in coverage of scientific and technical issues
3. **Create dedicated science and fact-checking sections** to build public trust in evidence-based reporting
4. **Develop partnerships with scientific institutions** to ensure accurate coverage of research findings
For Citizens
1. **Develop critical thinking skills** to evaluate the credibility of information sources
2. **Seek out multiple sources** before accepting claims, especially those that seem extraordinary
3. **Support media outlets and institutions** that prioritize evidence-based reporting
4. **Engage with scientific content** through public lectures, museum visits, and educational programs
FAQ
What did Yaw Nsarkoh specifically criticize in his speech?
Nsarkoh criticized the prevalence of hearsay, guesswork, rumors, gossip, myths, and superstition in Ghana’s public discourse. He particularly condemned self-styled prophets who make predictions about election results and deaths of public figures, calling them “the vilest offenders of all.”
Why did Nsarkoh focus on NMIMR scientists specifically?
Nsarkoh challenged NMIMR scientists to step into the space of public advocacy because he recognized their crucial role in Ghana’s health security, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He believed they have a responsibility to actively promote fact-based culture in public life.
How does political polarization contribute to misinformation according to Nsarkoh?
Nsarkoh argued that Ghana’s “out-of-control climate of political polarization” has made malice a fuel for misinformation at the highest levels of society. This polarization creates an environment where people are more likely to believe and share information that supports their political views, regardless of its factual accuracy.
What practical steps did Nsarkoh suggest for improving public understanding of science?
Nsarkoh suggested that NMIMR pursue aggressive media partnerships and communication strategies to bring scientific knowledge to ordinary Ghanaians. He emphasized the need for deliberate efforts to build public goodwill and literacy around science.
Conclusion
Yaw Nsarkoh’s speech represents a timely and necessary call for Ghana to return to evidence-based public discourse. His criticism of reckless prophets and misinformation, combined with his challenge to scientists to engage more actively with the public, offers a roadmap for addressing the challenges facing Ghana’s information ecosystem.
The success of this vision will depend on the willingness of scientific institutions, media organizations, and citizens to embrace a culture of evidence and fact-based reasoning. As Ghana continues to develop and face complex challenges, the ability to engage in rational, evidence-based public discourse will be crucial for the country’s progress and development.
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