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
WAEC Receives Additional GH¢35 Million to Facilitate 2024 WASSCE Marking
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has received a significant boost to its operations with an additional GH¢35 million funding from the Ministry of Education. Apexnewsgh reports This injection of funds is expected to facilitate the continuation of the 2024 WASSCE marking and expedite the release of results by the end of December. The Ministry of Education had earlier released GH¢25 million to settle part of the GH¢118 million debt owed to WAEC. With this additional funding, WAEC can now complete the scanning of objective answer cards and conclude the processing of results for the 2024 WASSCE school candidates. In a statement, WAEC expressed its gratitude for the funding and assured stakeholders that it is working diligently to ensure the timely release of results. However, the Council also appealed to the Ministry of Education to release the remaining balance of its outstanding debt to enable it to pay supervisors, invigilators, script checkers, and suppliers of examination materials. The release of WASSCE results has been eagerly anticipated by students, parents, and educational institutions. The additional funding is a welcome development, and WAEC’s commitment to releasing the results by the end of December will come as a relief to many. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ensign Global College Receives Presidential Charter, Now a Full-Fledged University
In a historic moment, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo conferred a Presidential Charter on Ensign Global College, transforming it into a fully-fledged university. Apexnewsgh reports This milestone, achieved on December 19, 2024, underscores the government’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and nation-building. Established in 2014, Ensign Global College has been a renowned institution for training global leaders in public health. With its innovative academic programs, the college has addressed rapidly evolving health challenges in Ghana. The Presidential Charter grants the institution autonomy to award its own degrees, diplomas, and certificates, marking the end of its affiliating relationship with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Professor Stephen C. Alder, President of Ensign Global College, expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo, reiterating the institution’s vision to be a world-class academic institution promoting prosperity and growth in Africa. “This charter ushers in a new era of growth and impact for our beloved institution,” he said. As Ensign Global University, the institution plans to expand its work in public health, introduce new programmatic areas, and tackle emerging threats such as environmental degradation and human trafficking. The university will also facilitate the Master of Business Creation program in partnership with the University of Utah. With its newfound status, Ensign Global University is poised to make a significant impact in Ghana, Africa, and the world. As Professor Alder emphasized, “We will do this through graduates who are highly competent and innovative leaders, research and knowledge curation that leads to groundbreaking solutions, and engaged service with people, communities, and institutions around the world.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
WAEC Expresses Dissatisfaction with Government’s Partial Payment Amid WASSCE Results Delay
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has voiced its disappointment with the Ghanaian government’s release of GHS25 million, a fraction of the GHS118 million owed to the Council. Apexnewsgh reports This payment is deemed grossly inadequate to facilitate the release of the delayed 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. The delay has sparked widespread concern among students, parents, and educational institutions, as WAEC’s financial struggles continue to disrupt its operations. John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, criticized the government’s payment, emphasizing the Council’s substantial financial obligations. “The GHS25 million is just a drop in the ocean,” Mr. Kapi stated. WAEC owes its technicians GHS25 million, which must be cleared before they can begin working on the equipment needed to process the results. The urgency of the situation is palpable, with Mr. Kapi explaining that the technicians will demand outstanding payment before commencing work. The delayed release of the WASSCE results has created uncertainty for thousands of students awaiting admission to tertiary institutions. Educational stakeholders have urged the government to address the funding shortfall as a matter of priority, warning that prolonged delays could undermine confidence in the examination system and disrupt students’ academic progression. As the situation unfolds, WAEC maintains that the release of additional funds is critical to complete the necessary operations and deliver the results. With the academic future of thousands of students hanging in the balance, the government must act swiftly to address the funding crisis and ensure the timely release of the WASSCE results. Source: Apexnewsgh.com