CLOGSAG Urges President Mahama to Scrap Redundant Agencies
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG) has appealed to President John Mahama to abolish agencies like the Technical, Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Commission for Technical and Vocational Educational Training (COTVET), citing duplication of functions with the Civil Service. Apexnewsgh reports According to CLOGSAG’s Executive Secretary, Isaac Bampoe Addo, the Civil Service already performs technical and vocational training, making these agencies unnecessary. “The President should also look at services that are being hived off from the Civil Service… it’s a duplication, just creating roles,” he emphasized. Bampoe Addo believes these agencies are a waste of government resources, created without proper consultation with relevant councils. He described TVET and COTVET as “really unnecessary, just to create another bureaucracy.” In a related development, Bampoe Addo has also appealed to President Mahama to re-introduce the general orders policy, which would provide clear guidelines for transactions and eliminate discretionary decision-making. “Let’s bring back the general orders… it will give the processes on any transaction, and in the Service, there is nothing like discretion,” he noted. This appeal comes amidst ongoing discussions about the merger of some ministries announced by President Mahama. CLOGSAG’s concerns highlight the need for efficient governance and effective resource allocation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Appoints Haruna Iddrisu as Minister of Education
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, as the new Minister of Education. Apexnewsgh reports This appointment reflects Iddrisu’s extensive political experience and proven leadership capabilities, garnered from his years as a longstanding MP and former Leader in Parliament. Iddrisu has built a reputation for his strong advocacy for social equity and economic reform. As Minister of Education, he is expected to bring a results-driven approach, prioritizing policies that address critical challenges such as access to quality education, teacher welfare, and curriculum reform. With his wealth of experience in championing legislative initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth, Iddrisu is well-equipped to tackle the daunting task of addressing Ghana’s educational challenges. The implementation of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has been a significant concern, and Iddrisu’s leadership will be crucial in reviewing and enhancing this policy. President Mahama’s commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of education was a cornerstone of his campaign. With Iddrisu at the helm of the Ministry of Education, stakeholders and citizens are hopeful that the sector will see significant reforms and improvements. Iddrisu’s nomination is subject to parliamentary approval. If confirmed, he will join other newly appointed ministers, including Kwame Governs Agbodza for the Ministry of Roads and Highways and Agnes Naa Momo Lartey for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Prioritizes Education Over Punitive Legislation for LGBTQ+ Issues
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed his preference for promoting family values through education rather than pursuing punitive legislation against the LGBTQ+ community. Apexnewsgh reports This stance was made clear during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference, where Mahama emphasized the importance of instilling family values in the younger generation through a revised curriculum. Mahama believes that this approach will better preserve Ghana’s cultural and moral values, rather than relying on harsh legal measures like the controversial LGBTQ+ bill. He suggested that the bill would have more legitimacy and success if it were a government-sponsored initiative but clarified that his administration may not prioritize a legislative approach. Instead, Mahama advocated for a more inclusive and educational approach, stating, “We won’t need a bill to enforce our family values… it’s us agreeing on a curriculum that inculcates these values into our children as they’re growing up so that we don’t need to legislate it.” This stance marks a departure from the hardline views held by some members of his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who have pushed for the swift passage of the bill in its current form. Mahama’s position on LGBTQ+ issues has been a subject of discussion in the past. In 2024, he declared his opposition to LGBTQ+ relationships, citing his Christian beliefs. However, his recent comments suggest a more nuanced approach, prioritizing education and dialogue over punitive legislation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Takes Swift Action to Address Food Shortages in Senior High Schools
President John Dramani Mahama has moved quickly to tackle the food shortages affecting Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service in Accra on January 12, 2025, President Mahama acknowledged the challenges in providing adequate meals to students. “We have a challenge currently with feeding students in secondary schools,” he said. To address the crisis, the President directed the Chief of Staff to work closely with the Ghana Education Service to distribute food supplies stored in warehouses in Tema. These supplies, initially imported to mitigate the impact of droughts, will now be redirected to meet the immediate nutritional needs of students. President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, emphasizing that logistical challenges should not disrupt students’ education. “This government remains dedicated to ensuring every Ghanaian child has access to quality education, free from interruptions caused by logistical issues,” he said. The directive comes after the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) warned of worsening food shortages in schools, prompting appeals for parents to step in and support their children’s meals. This government response aims to relieve parents and school authorities while safeguarding the wellbeing of students. The swift action underscores the administration’s focus on addressing challenges within the education sector and ensuring students can learn without disruptions. Further measures are expected to ensure a long-term resolution to food supply issues in the nation’s secondary schools. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
FSHS: Parents must pay for feeding, accommodation – Angel Carbonu of NAGRAT
Angel Carbonu, President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), has proposed a significant adjustment to Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy. Apexnewsgh reports In a radio interview with Accra-based Okay FM on January 10, 2025, Carbonu suggested that parents should be made to pay for their children’s feeding and accommodation in senior high schools. According to Carbonu, the current economic climate has made the Free SHS program unsustainable in its present form. He emphasized that while the program has undeniable benefits, the government’s financial constraints necessitate a review. This proposal aligns with a similar suggestion by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), which urged parents to assist with feeding challenges in senior high schools. Carbonu criticized the government’s reliance on the National Food Buffer Stock Company, citing delayed food allocations to schools. He suggested sending students home temporarily while stakeholders discuss solutions and emphasized the need for a Minister of Education to lead these deliberations. Ghana’s financial challenges, described by Carbonu as “debt-ridden” and “distressed,” have left the nation with limited resources to sustain subsidies like Free SHS. He proposed targeted support, focusing on tuition and offering bursaries to financially distressed families rather than providing blanket subsidies. Ultimately, Carbonu called for open dialogue, urging the government to initiate a national economic discussion to address the current crisis and promote transparency about Ghana’s financial challenges. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Unveils Plans for National Conferences to Address Governance and Education Challenges
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to organize two major national conferences aimed at tackling key challenges in Ghana’s governance and education sectors. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the 92nd Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana in Winneba, Mr. Mahama outlined initiatives to strengthen the justice system and improve the education landscape. The first conference, dubbed the National Constitutional Review Validation Conference, will focus on reigniting discussions on the stalled constitutional review process. The conference aims to build consensus on proposed amendments, promote judicial independence, and ensure inclusivity in the decision-making process. According to Mr. Mahama, “To this end, the new NDC administration is resolutely committed to strengthening our justice system. Justice and peace are the bedrock of our national aspirations.” He emphasized that the conference would align proposed amendments with the collective aspirations of Ghanaians. On the education front, Mr. Mahama announced a National Education Review Conference to examine Ghana’s education system from kindergarten to tertiary, including technical and vocational education. The initiative aims to identify barriers to quality education and propose actionable reforms. The President expressed optimism that the conference would generate fresh ideas to align education outcomes with national developmental needs. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering justice and fairness while addressing systemic inequalities and transforming the education sector for a brighter future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Thieves Strike Again: Tamale Buffer Stock Warehouse Ransacked
In a devastating blow to the School Feeding Program, a buffer stock warehouse in Tamale was ransacked by unknown thieves on the night of Friday, January 3rd. Apexnewsgh reports The thieves made off with a significant quantity of food supplies, including beans, corn, gallons of oil, and mackerel, leaving the warehouse virtually empty. The incident has caused significant disruption to the vital program, which relies on these food supplies to feed students. What’s more alarming is that this is not the first time the warehouse has been targeted. A previous incident occurred on December 8, 2024, where several bags of rice and cooking oil were allegedly stolen. Suspicions are mounting that the theft may have been carried out by party foot soldiers, given its occurrence shortly after the recent elections and the concession of defeat by the NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. A group of selected SHS Headmasters and members of CHASS visited the warehouse to assess the damage, and what they found was a scene of devastation, with empty shelves and signs of forced entry. The authorities are working diligently to apprehend the remaining perpetrators and recover the stolen food supplies. Four suspects have already been arrested in connection with the latest incident and are currently assisting the police with their investigations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Uncertainty Clouds Reopening of Senior High Schools in Ghana Amid Feeding Provision Concerns
The scheduled reopening of Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana on January 3, 2025, hangs in the balance due to concerns raised by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) over the lack of provisions for student feeding. Apexnewsgh reports In a letter dated December 30, 2024, CHASS called for the reopening to be postponed until their demands are met. CHASS National President Baro Primus emphasized that the decision stemmed from unresolved issues, including unpaid arrears related to perishables, recurrent fees, and transportation costs for food items. Despite repeated reminders, the authorities have failed to address these pressing concerns, leaving schools struggling to manage their resources effectively. The Ghana Education Service (GES) had previously announced the reopening dates for SHSs, with Form One and Form Three students expected to resume classes on January 3, 2025. However, the uncertainty surrounding the feeding provisions has thrown the reopening plans into disarray. As the clock ticks closer to the scheduled reopening date, students, parents, and educators anxiously await a resolution to ensure a smooth reopening process. The Ministry of Education and GES must respond swiftly to address the concerns raised by CHASS and prevent disruptions to the academic calendar. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
School Feeding Caterers Receive Outstanding Salaries After Minister’s Promise
Caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme have started receiving their outstanding third-term salaries, following a promise by the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dakoa Newman. Apexnewsgh reports Nana Amoh Otu Sekyi, National President of the School Feeding Caterers Association, confirmed the development in an interview with the media. While some caterers have successfully accessed their funds, others are yet to do so due to bank holidays and limited access to banking services in rural areas. Sekyi expressed optimism that all caterers will receive their salaries by January 2, despite the initial challenges. The payment of outstanding salaries is a significant relief for the caterers, who had been waiting for their dues. The Ghana School Feeding Programme is a crucial initiative that provides meals to students in public schools, and the caterers play a vital role in its implementation. Sekyi also expressed hope that the outstanding salaries from 2019 will be settled soon. The chief accountant had called him on December 31 to discuss the issue, and Sekyi is scheduled to meet with the accountant on January 2 to follow up on the matter. The development is a positive step towards resolving the long-standing issue of unpaid salaries for the school feeding caterers. It is expected that the payment of outstanding salaries will boost the morale of the caterers and ensure the smooth implementation of the Ghana School Feeding Programme. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
A New Direction for Education: Trump’s First Term Policies
Donald Trump’s first term as president was marked by significant appointments, including Linda McMahon as the head of the US Small Business Administration. Apexnewsgh reports For the Department of Education, Trump chose Betsy DeVos, who served on a private college board and briefly on a state board of education. While some analysts were worried about her lack of experience in education, many conservatives believed she would excel at streamlining the department and limiting its authority.¹ DeVos’ appointment sparked concerns among educators that public education would be at risk under the Trump administration, particularly for vulnerable students such as those with disabilities, and indigenous and low-income students. However, conservatives argued that the department was bureaucratic and ineffective, and that DeVos would bring much-needed change. During his presidency, Trump aimed to reduce the federal government’s role in education, promoting technical education as an alternative to traditional universities. The Trump administration also sought to roll back policies introduced by President Joe Biden, including protections for transgender students. Trump’s education policies were shaped by his belief in limited government intervention and his commitment to promoting vocational training and technical education. His administration’s efforts to reform the education system were controversial, with some arguing that they would harm vulnerable students, while others saw them as necessary to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the education system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com