Chief of Akwamu Adumasa, Nana Ansah Kwao IV, has urged leaders of businesses and organizations to harness the creative power of dyslexia by putting more dyslexics on their boards, management, and innovative units.
He cited a recent study that revealed that 40% of millionaires in the United Kingdom are dyslexic. The report credited this to the uncanny ability of dyslexics to solve complex problems and anticipate market trends.

Nana Ansah Kwao, who is also a broadcast journalist and host of the talk show, That’s My Opinion, on Joy FM, was a panelist in discussion on ‘The Triumphs of Dyslexia’ on Springboard Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran.
In her contribution, dyslexia campaigner and Founder of Africa Dyslexia Organisation, Rosalin Kyere-Nartey, cited the recent inclusion of dyslexic thinking in the dictionary as a notable victory in the quest for recognition. She described it as an unconventional approach to problem-solving, information assessment, and learning.

Sir Richard Branson, who is himself a dyslexic, championed its inclusion in the dictionary to help highlight dyslexics’ uniqueness and creativity, said Ms. Kyere-Nartey.
Dyslexia is a term used to describe people with specific learning disabilities. Many dyslexics view their condition as a liability rather than an asset, internalizing the negative labels thrust upon them.
Due to a lack of awareness about their condition and how to leverage their unique abilities, it sometimes takes years for them to embrace their differences and realize their potential for incredible achievements.
Nana Ansah Kwao intimated that he only realized he was dyslexic when his child’s teacher invited him for a discussion about the learning challenges his child was facing. “I said to myself, hold on, that’s me you’re describing right there”, he said.
Some of the world’s greatest innovators and entrepreneurs are known dyslexics. Names like Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Spielberg, and Henry Ford – ten of whom control a combined net worth exceeding 200 billion dollars – could easily have once been struggling students who being misjudged.
On the signs of dyslexia, the panelists cited students who consistently struggle with reading and writing. Their handwriting is often illegible, and they struggle to grasp lessons that involve writing. Their report cards are frequently marked with low grades.
Dyslexic children are often dismissed as being lazy by parents and teachers alike. Many of them become the targets of ridicule and in some cases physical beating because of these wrong perceptions.
“In their quest for acceptance, they can easily fall into bad company and channel their creative abilities into social vices,” Nana Ansah Kwao IV warned.

On a positive note, Nana Ansah Kwao IV predicted that dyslexic children or students could become the breadwinners of their families if they are managed better.
“I attended ten different schools in trying to complete my O-levels and repeatedly got thrown out for not being good enough. My father was terribly disappointed but was unaware that I was dyslexic and needed a different approach to learning,” he stated.
Rosalin Kyere-Nartey urged educators to look beyond the apparent limitations to the ‘superpowers’ of dyslexics, namely curiosity, innovation and creativity. She challenged the conventional perception of intelligence that focused on the ability to read, write, chew and pour to get As. “Intelligence should be an individual’s capacity to identify problems, understand them, and find solutions,” she stressed.
Both speakers emphasized the importance of awareness among parents, carers, and educators. Understanding dyslexia is crucial to preventing talented individuals from falling into negative patterns and to help channel their abilities positively. They encouraged parents who see the symptoms to have their children properly assessed to enable them to support them better. They also called on policymakers to equip public assessment centres with modern equipment and trained personnel to enable them to support vulnerable families at lower costs.
On the question of ideal careers for dyslexics, Nana Ansah Kwao IV noted, “Dyslexics excel in careers involving speaking, sales, marketing, presenting, and analysing issues. I was a top salesperson for leading UK brands for years.”
Could dyslexics be undiscovered diamonds in the rough? What if everyone understood this condition and contributed to making life easier for dyslexic individuals, especially children in their formative years?
This is a clarion call to parents, educators, and everyone to try and understand the dynamics surrounding this condition. It’s crucial to deepen awareness of dyslexia and employ an all-hands-on-deck strategy to maximize the hidden potential of dyslexics. By doing so, we will not only enrich their lives but also unlock a wealth of innovation and creativity that can benefit society.
Springboard, your virtual university, is a weekly personal development and learning broadcast hosted on diverse platforms by the Springboard Road Show Foundation in partnership with MTN Ghana, the Enterprise Group, and the Ghana Grows Program, an initiative by Mastercard Foundation, Springboard, and other partners. The broadcast has been airing since 2008 and is hosted by executive coach, pastor, and author, Rev. Albert Ocran.
Kindly click this link to enjoy the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/mV8SneEoYo6F46H3/