Economist: PNG Government failing due to lack of good advice

The PNG Government has failed to achieve its goals because it does not take heed of advice of learned academics and consultants, a former University of PNG academic and Government departmental head says.

“Instead of relying on learned academics and consultants, the Government opted to rely on advice from so-called consultants in the corridors of Waigani and the streets,” former National Planning Secretary and head of economics department at UPNG, Dr Peter Gallah Kora said. “This is one of the main factors contributing towards failing to achieve Government visions and goals in PNG.”

He told The National in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, that many politicians relied on street consultants for advice and did not listen to academics and consultants for constructive advice and directions.

“In developed countries, the Government highly respects academics because they are the ‘think tank’ of the nation. They heavily rely on them for advice and guidance to steer the country’s development,” Kora said.

He said that university academics in other countries were highly paid, but in PNG, academics go a long way to obtain master’s degrees and other qualifications but were the lowest paid academics in the world.

Towards helping to produce more academics, his foundation, Kora Foundation, initiated to reward and encourage every Chimbu dux student in high and secondary schools and even in tertiary institutions, including universities every December.

“We host a dinner for them and give them encouragement words and give them small cash incentives to keep their heads high and further develop the potential they have,” Kora said.

He said students with the potential to become future academics should be encouraged by their very own academics who have successfully gone through the system and found success in life.

He said they should be the young people’s role models and encourage the young.

“We have to give more encouragement,” Kora said.

“So I kindly urge my colleagues – PhD and master’s degree holders from Chimbu – to come out and support Kora Foundation to promote academic excellence in the province.”