The Inadequacy of Assessing Econometric Dissertations without a Strong Mathematical Background: A Response to Mr. Kwasi Pratt Jnr.

Mr. Kwasi Pratt Jnr. has concluded that the NPP would not have selected Dr. Bawumia as a running mate if they had read his Ph.D. dissertation submitted to the Department of Economics at Simon Fraser University. However, it's important to note that the veteran journalist could not cite a single sentence in the dissertation to support his claims, raising questions about the basis of his critique.

After reading his attacks, I knew he was dishonest, mischievous, disrespectful, and disingenuous because I had read Dr. Bawumia's dissertation before. I studied quantitative methods and econometrics at graduate school but read the Research Method section twice to follow his analysis. One has to ask what mathematics background Mr. Kwasi Pratt has to be able to deal with Bawumia's research method sections to make such audacious and disrespectful remarks about someone's Ph.D. Dissertation.

Kwasi Pratt Jnr.'s remarks on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's Ph.D. thesis are academically inappropriate due to his lack of expertise in economics and mathematics. Evaluating a Ph.D. thesis requires substantial knowledge of the subject, and Pratt needs this background to be qualified to assess the technical and theoretical aspects of Bawumia's work. Ph.D. theses undergo rigorous peer review by experts, and questioning the validity of such work without substantive evidence undermines the integrity of academic evaluations and the credibility of the institution that awarded the degree.

Furthermore, unfounded criticism can significantly damage the professional and academic reputation of the degree holder and the institution. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, should be based on concrete evidence and presented within appropriate academic forums. As a public figure, Pratt's influence on public opinion underscores the importance of making well-informed and fact-based statements, particularly in specialized fields outside his expertise. His comments unfairly target Bawumia and question academic institutions' integrity and rigorous review processes.

Mr. Kwasi Pratt's attacks on Dr. Bawumia's 1995 dissertation on Ghana's Structural Adjustment Program are academically and professionally troubling. His claims raise concerns about the ability of individuals without a solid mathematical and econometric background to honestly and academically evaluate complex economic research.

Dr. Bawumia's dissertation is not just a piece of literary writing but a complex web of advanced techniques, such as the Randomized Response Technique and the Anonymous Direct Response Technique. It demands a deep understanding of statistical methodologies typically acquired through rigorous academic training. The sheer complexity of Dr. Bawumia's dissertation underscores the necessity of a strong mathematical background in its evaluation.

Assessing such dissertations requires expertise in handling large datasets, performing diagnostic tests, and understanding econometric models' robustness. Such academic research at the doctoral level demands high rigor, including evaluating hypothesis tests, statistical significance, and model interpretation. Graduate-level training in quantitative methods and empirical research experience are crucial for this level of critical analysis.

Therefore, without this specialized background, any evaluation of Dr. Bawumia's work would be incomplete and inaccurate. Mr. Pratt's comments are inappropriate as they lack the necessary academic foundation and disregard the rigorous review processes inherent in academic research. Such remarks unfairly target the degree holder and undermine the credibility of academic institutions and their evaluation standards.