The English Language mock examination in Ghana has sparked controversy after a question paper surfaced labeling the country’s president as the Mother Serpent of corruption. The question, which has been widely shared on social media, reads, The president of the country was described as the Mother Serpent of corruption. This means that…. The possible answers provided further fueled the controversy.
The question paper, shared by Adom News on August 7, 2023, has raised eyebrows due to its contentious nature. The label Mother Serpent of corruption originated from a response by Martin Amidu, the former Special Prosecutor, to claims made by the presidency against him after his resignation in November 2020. Amidu accused President Akufo-Addo of being the mother serpent of corruption while presenting himself as an anti-corruption figure.
Since then, opposition party officials and communicators have frequently used this label against the incumbent government. The inclusion of this controversial question in the exam paper has elicited varied reactions from Ghanaians.
In addition to the Mother Serpent of corruption question, another question on the exam paper focused on the impact of graft and hardship on Ghanaians under the governing New Patriotic Party administration. The question asked, The massive corruption and hardship in the country is making it difficult to put body and soul together. This means that life is….
Question 3 in the exam paper also referenced the ongoing investigation into former Water and Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah’s stolen money. Describing it as the tip of the iceberg, candidates were asked to explain the situation, providing options such as There is more money in her bedroom, The iceberg flooded her bedroom, She can spend $1 million on ice cream, or She is in financial difficulties.
Public opinion on these controversial questions has been divided, with some criticizing Confidence Preparatory, the organization responsible for the exam paper, for being petty. On the other hand, there are those who see nothing wrong with addressing these issues in an educational setting.
It is important to note that while these questions have generated controversy, they provide an opportunity for students to engage in critical thinking and discuss pertinent national issues. The inclusion of real-world examples in educational assessments can foster a deeper understanding of societal challenges.
In conclusion, the English Language mock examination in Ghana has become the center of attention due to its provocative questions that touch on corruption, hardship, and ongoing investigations within the government. The controversy surrounding the exam paper has elicited mixed reactions from Ghanaians, highlighting the need for balanced perspectives and open discussions on national issues in educational settings.
