Right now, the whole educational system is Basaaaa, we will go back to three term system—John Mahama
Former President John Mahama has assured Ghanaians that he will not cancel the Free Senior High School (SHS) program initiated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Speaking at a community engagement event in the Bolgatanga East District in the Upper East Region, Mr. Mahama stated that he plans to improve the program if elected in the 2024 elections. Addressing rumors that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) would abolish the Free SHS program, Mr. Mahama clarified that his aim is to enhance the program for the benefit of all students. He acknowledged the current state of the program and stressed the importance of making improvements to ensure its success. “I am not going cancel FSHS. Am going to improve it so that we can get the full benefit of FSHS. We will work hard to abolish the double track, so that our children will all go to school at the same time and vacate at the same time”. “We will go back to a three-term system that is what we have been used to and that is what we are going back to. Right now, you can tell what kind of system they are running, the whole educational system is basaaaaaa” Meanwhile, one of the key changes proposed by Mr. Mahama is the decentralization of the school feeding program. Under his vision, school heads will have the authority to engage local food suppliers from their respective districts. This localized approach will not only improve the quality of meals but also contribute to the growth of local economies. Mr. Mahama emphasized that this announcement aligns with his broader agenda for educational reform. He intends to focus on addressing the challenges within the Free SHS program and implementing measures that will enhance its effectiveness. With this commitment, Mr. Mahama aims to reassure Ghanaians that his presidency would not undermine the progress made in the education sector but rather build upon it. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
National Teaching Council Offers Retake Opportunity for Teachers Who Failed Licensure Exams
In an effort to maintain high standards in the teaching profession, the National Teaching Council (NTC) has granted teachers who did not meet the required threshold in the 2023 Teacher Licensure Exams an opportunity to retake the examination in March of this year. The decision comes after approximately 8,000 out of over 20,000 teachers who participated in the exams fell short of the stipulated pass mark. Dr. Christian Addea Poku, the Registrar of the NTC, emphasized the importance of licensing only qualified teachers to be placed in classrooms. He stated that the council’s role is to regulate and license teachers, not limited to those in public schools. Addressing concerns about the employability of those who failed the exams, Dr. Poku clarified that the licensing process opens opportunities beyond public institutions. While some may be absorbed by the Ministry of Education or the Ghana Education Service, the NTC expects that licensed teachers may also find employment opportunities elsewhere. The figures from the 2023 Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) 2&3 revealed that over 30 percent of the 20,181 teachers who sat for the exams, specifically 9,556 individuals, failed to meet the pass mark. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Interdicting headmasters a wrong step– Nortsu-Kotoe
Peter Nortsu Kotoe, the Ranking member on the Education Committee in Parliament, has criticized the Ghana Education Service (GES) for suspending headmasters as a response to them charging unauthorized fees from first-year students. The GES has recently suspended over eleven headmasters on allegations of charging Form One students unauthorized fees. The Headmaster of Berekum Senior High School, Mr. Afi Yaw Stephen, and the Headmaster of Odomaseman Senior High School, Mr. Joseph Jilinjeh Abudu, are the latest to be suspended for investigation. They have been instructed to hand over their duties to their respective District Directors of Education until further communication from the GES. The lawmaker expressed his concerns about individuals within the Ministry of Education who are involved in offenses but are still in their positions. He criticized the Ghana Education Service for taking such actions and stated that professionals should not be treated in this manner. He raised questions about the scandals and misuse of funds within the Ministry, where money meant for other projects has been diverted for personal use. He questioned why those individuals have not been asked to go on interdiction or step aside from their positions. The lawmaker believes that the Ghana Education Service is misusing their powers and using interdiction as a quick solution without properly investigating the matter. He suggested that instead of immediately resorting to interdiction, the GES should invite headmasters for discussions and understand the reasons behind the unauthorized fees they are charging. He expressed his frustration with the increasing number of interdictions and stated that it seems to have become a routine response for the GES whenever a headmaster is involved. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Head of schools in Upper East Region monitored against unauthorized fees
In the Ashanti Region, seven headteachers from Senior High Schools (SHSs) have been instructed to step aside due to allegations of collecting unauthorized fees from incoming students. The Ghana Education Service (GES) released statements on December 8, 2023, announcing the commencement of investigations into the conduct of these headteachers. The implicated individuals are Mrs. Selina Anane Afoakwa, the Headmistress of Kumasi Girls SHS; Mr. Nataniel Asamoah, the Headmaster of Asanteman SHS; Mr. Andrews Boateng, the Headmaster of Kumasi Senior High Technical School; and Mr. Kwadwo Obeng-Appiah, the Headmaster of Manso-Edubia SHS. Other implicated individuals include Mr. Daniel Boamah Duku, the Headmaster of Agric Nzema Community SHS; Ms. Gladys Sarfowah, the Headmistress of Nkawie Senior High Technical School; and Mr. Ampong Ahmed Omar, the Headmaster of Collins SHS. The GES has stated that these headteachers are facing accusations of imposing various unapproved fees, such as house dues, books, calculators, admission process fees, and charges for printing slips, files, and hymn books. This development follows previous interdictions of Mr. Afi Yaw Stephen, the Headmaster of Berekum Senior High School, Mr. Joseph Jilinjeh Abudu, the Headmaster of Odomaseman Senior High School, and the Headmistress of Ghana Senior High School (GHANASS), Patience Naki Mensah. Unfortunately, there have been allegations of illegal activity within schools in the Upper East Region. It has been reported that a headmaster in this region is requiring parents to purchase school materials and items from the school, even if the parents have already bought some of these items for their children. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Joseph Dindiok Kpemka named after one of the houses in Tempane SHS
During the recent 25th anniversary of the Tempane Senior High School, Hon. Joseph Dindiok Kpemka Esq was recognized and honored by the school authorities. This honor was bestowed upon him during the anniversary celebration which took place at the school premises. The theme for the anniversary was “Championing Academic Excellence in Tempane SHS: the role of Stakeholders”, and as a token of their appreciation for his generosity and continual support towards the development and growth of the school, the school chose to name one of the student houses after him. Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament in the Tempane Constituency, Hon. Kpemka had already left a significant impact through his various contributions. However, even after becoming an MP, he continued his efforts by spearheading various infrastructure projects such as the construction of the school Assembly Hall (which now stands as the largest in the region), the construction of dormitories for both boys and girls, and the addition of over 30 classrooms. Meanwhile, he introduced three new departments: Science, Visual Arts, and French. These initiatives led to an increase in the school’s intake capacity. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
It is “critical” to review the free senior high school policy–ISSER
The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has emphasized the importance of reviewing the free senior high school (SHS) policy in Ghana. According to ISSER’s analysis of the 2024 budget expenditure plans, a critical review of certain aspects of the free SHS system is necessary. ISSER has identified fiscal and quality challenges that should be addressed. The free SHS policy, introduced by the Akufo-Addo government in 2017, has led to increased enrollment across the country. However, the implementation of the policy has faced difficulties such as accommodation and logistical challenges, which have negatively affected the quality of education. Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has also raised concerns about the comprehensive nature of the policy and questioned whether it could be more targeted towards the poor. Former President John Mahama has suggested that a review of the policy would be considered if he were to return to power, but the government has rejected this as an attempt to cancel the policy. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Vote NPP to keep Mahama’s E-block Schools functioning – Adutwum
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister for Education, has made a request for a third term for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in order to utilize the E-block projects initiated during the Mahama administration. The minister believes that the current Nana Addo administration is making significant progress in revolutionizing the education system in the country. During a debate on the 2024 budget in parliament, Dr. Adutwum revealed that many of the community day schools established by Mahama have now been equipped with boarding facilities, allowing them to accommodate more students. Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has argued that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia represents the future of Ghana, while stating that former President Mahama belongs to the past. However, his statement was met with disagreement from Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah of the Minority, who expressed concerns about the country’s future if it relies on the Vice President. Buah also highlighted the challenges in the 2024 budget, particularly in the energy sector. Deputy Minority Chief Whip Comfort Doyoe Ghansah Cudjoe, addressing the media after the proceedings, stressed the need for independence in the country and emphasized that former President Mahama is the only one who can offer it. She warned that the country is not prepared for any nonsense from any politician, including the Vice President.
We’ll be forced to cancel cocoa road projects over galamsey activities – COCOBOD
The Head of the Anti-illegal Mining Unit at Ghana COCOBOD, Prof. Michael Kwateng, has issued a warning that Cocoa road projects may face cancellation if illegal mining activities persist, leading to the destruction of cocoa farms. Prof. Kwateng explained the detrimental impact of galamsey activities on cocoa production, citing a significant reduction in the projected cocoa production. COCOBOD had aimed to purchase 850,000 tonnes of cocoa this year but has fallen short, unable to reach even 700,000 tonnes due to the influence of illegal mining and smuggling. The financial challenges faced by COCOBOD as a result of this decline have prompted a shift in focus. The current priority is the completion of ongoing Cocoa Roads construction projects. Prof. Kwateng indicated that once these projects are finished, COCOBOD may refrain from awarding new contracts, signaling a potential halt to future cocoa road initiatives. “Illegal mining is having negative implications on cocoa production. This year we projected to purchase 850,000 tonnes, but as we speak now, we have not hit even 700,000 tonnes, which means galamsey and smuggling are affecting cocoa production.” He added “I have recommended that cocoa road projects should be cancelled because illegal miners have destroyed the cocoa farms. So very soon COCOBOD will stop cocoa road projects,” Prof. Kwateng said. Prof. Kwateng stated this during an engagement between the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit of COCOBOD, chiefs, and cocoa farmers in Akyem Asafo, Eastern region. The engagement was prompted by the petition by cocoa farmers from Akyem Asafo, expressing concern over the seizure of 860 acres of cocoa farms by the Chief of Akyem Asafo, Nana Barima Boampong Darkwanin. The land was purportedly taken for establishing military bases but was instead used for illegal mining. Prof. Michael Kwateng, addressing the Chiefs and farmers, emphasized the legal repercussions under the Economic Plant and Protection Act, Article 47. This act prohibits the sale of cocoa farms and any destruction of cocoa plants without the consent of Ghana COCOBOD. He said individuals found breaching this law are liable to face legal consequences. The Concerned Farmers Association of Akyem Asafo decried the ongoing destruction of their cocoa farms for illegal mining, highlighting the erosion of their source of livelihood. They called for COCOBOD’s intervention to curb this menace. —Starrfm—
Pusiga: Contractor set to lock up 3-unit block and put it FOR SALE as a result of govt inability to …
Fuseini Amadu Yamdella, a well-known local contractor from Anes El-yak Company Limited in the Bawku area, has expressed his frustration at the government’s failure to pay him for a construction project. As a result, he has decided to put a ‘FOR SALE’ tag on a 3-unit classroom block and KVIP (Public Toilet) that he built in Boya Natinga, located in the Pusiga District of the Upper East Region. Despite considerable borrowing on his part to complete the classroom building, the government has not taken any action to compensate him. This has led to Mr. Amadu’s decision to lock up the completed school building, which is currently being used by teachers and students. According to Mr. Amadu, the government has not fulfilled its obligation to pay him for the construction of the 3-unit classroom block, which was part of the 1 million dollars per constituency initiative. Although he handed over the project to the Northern Development Authority (NDA) in 2020, three months after its completion, the government has still not paid him the agreed contract sum. “Contractor suppliers have been on his neck for the money i owe them and they believes the assembly has paid me for the project”. Mr. Amadu told Apexnewsgh.com The contractor who is dissatisfied with the situation has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Assembly, NDA, and government, demanding payment. Should they fail to comply, he plans to shut down the school on October 23, 2023. Upon contacting the District Chief Executive (DCE) Abdulai Zuberu, he stated that it is incorrect for Mr. Fuseini Amadu Yamdella to attempt to lock the school building. He explained that Mr. Yamdella’s name was not listed as the main contractor in the contract document signed with the Northern Development Authority (NDA). The DCE also pointed out that the initial payment was made to the original contractor, Anes El-yak Company Limited. However, he assured that efforts are underway at the central level to settle the outstanding debt. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
We still have classrooms under trees in Gambibgo, help me fix it—Gambibgo chief to authorities
Chief of the Gambibgo, Sadik Ayine Inusah has revealed that classrooms under trees still exist in his community. According to a report put together by 10 CSOs including STAR-Ghana, CAMFED, and ActionAid added that at the current pace, it will take Ghana more than 300 years to eradicate the over 5,400 schools under trees, sheds, and dilapidated structures. Studying under a tree makes the learning environment less conducive and limits the effectiveness of teaching and learning. While trees can provide shade, they may not offer sufficient protection from adverse weather conditions. Rain, wind, extreme heat, or cold temperatures can all affect the comfort and safety of students, potentially disrupting their concentration and overall well-being. Addressing authorities and community members at the inauguration ceremony of the Gambibgo ICT Lab on Friday, September 13, 2023, the chief said: “It is said that when a pregnant woman is in maternity, she does not pretend to be covering her private part”. He went ahead: “I am looking strangely into my Barbar tree, is it not surprising and shocking to hear that in this 21st century, Gambibgo still have classrooms that are sitting under a tree? Should we wash this behind the carpet? “No, I won’t do that. What you are seeing there is a classroom and is my sincere hope and prayer that the District Chief Executive, District Education Director, and even the Regional Education Director are here. And this will let them know that we still have a classroom sitting under a tree”. “Help me because I want to fix it so that the future generations will know that their fathers fought for them”. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com