Former Regional Minster Rockson Bukari laments over ongoing indiscipline in schools
The former Upper East Regional Minister Mr. Rockson Bukari has seriously lamented over the current indiscipline ongoing in various schools. Apexnewsgh.com report The former minister believes indiscipline in basic schools makes a significant impact on children’s education. When there is a lack of discipline in the classroom, it can disrupt the learning environment, making it difficult for students to concentrate and fully engage in their studies. Persistent disciplinary issues can lead to a loss of instructional time and may result in a decline in academic performance. Furthermore, indiscipline can create an unsafe and unpleasant environment for both students and teachers, which further hinders the learning process. Addressing the people of the Gambibgo community and officials of Ghana Education Service on Friday at the inauguration of the Gambibgo ICT center, Mr. Bukari noted that there is a lot of indiscipline going on in various schools today, stressing “That is why the children are not learning. I want to plead with the Ghana Education Service (GES) that, they should organize moral talks early in the morning for the children in schools”. He advised the teachers to always take charge of the school children by engaging them in what is expected of them to do. “Anything they go to school they should always gather them and tell them what to do. For in the bible said honor thy mother and father. The children don’t respect their teachers, and this is from the parents. “I want to appeal to all parents in Ghana that, the teachers are the center of engagement and must be respected. They must be given all the support they need from parents when necessary. “Parents should take care of their children. The people of Gambibgo must also give support to their children. If the children are indisciplined, parents must be blamed, the teachers alone cannot handle the children they can only impact knowledge. Teach your children to respect the teachers, they must learn to respect their teachers. If they don’t respect their teachers they will not also teach them well”. “The children must learn to be humble because humility is a law in heaven. Because, if you are not humble, you cannot succeed in life. You must learn how to say I am sorry and thank you. The children today don’t know how to say I am sorry and thank you. Why? Teach them how to say thank you I am sorry. what I want to say is that we parents, we don’t even know the kind of children we are giving birth to nowadays, they don’t have respect so I would like to entreat we parents to try and teach them how to say ” sorry and thank you” “I would also like to plead with Ghana the Education Service to bring back morale in school. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Gambibgo ICT lab Center inaugurated
The Chief and people of Gambibgo have inaugurated an ICT lab to empower students in the Community. The ICT lab is noted to be the first of its kind in the Gamibgo Community. Addressing the congregation during the inaugural ceremony, Samuel Asante the Training Coordinator for the Maxim Nyansa Foundation said, in today’s rapidly evolving world, technology plays a pivotal role in every aspect of our lives. It has transformed the way we communicate, work, and learn. Therefore, the establishment of this ICT lab is not just a room filled with computers and wires; it is a platform for innovation, creativity, and growth. According to Mr. Asante, the significance of the Gambibgo lab goes beyond its physical space and the impressive array of hardware and software at our disposal. It signifies our dedication to providing the best possible education to our students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the 21st century. “This ICT lab is more than just a collection of computers; it is a gateway to limitless opportunities. It will empower our students to explore new horizons, engage in collaborative learning, and develop essential digital skills that are integral to their future success. “In this lab, students will learn not only how to use technology but how to harness it for solving real-world problems. This is going to be the beginning of acquiring programming skills, exploring the world of robotics, delving into the realms of artificial intelligence, data science, and creating digital content that could change the world”. He believes the lab will facilitate a seamless integration of technology into the curriculum. It will allow our teachers to adopt innovative teaching methods, making lessons more engaging and interactive. As a result, our students will be better prepared to excel in a fast-paced and technology-driven society. Mr. Asante expresses his deepest gratitude to their sponsor organization in the Netherlands, the Macina Foundation, the chief of Gambibgo, the school management committee, the headmistress of Gambibgo primary school, teachers, parents, students and all those who have contributed to the realization of this project. Gamibgo Chief, Sadik Ayine Inusah expressed satisfaction, especially with the cooperation he has received towards the ICT Lab project. According to Chief Sadik, It is his birthright as a Gambibcan to work hard to see to it that his community and the entire Gambibgo are developed. “Wherever I think I can reach my hand as long as I know the help am going to get is legitimate help, I will go for it without any political malice. I am not a politician”. He appreciated the PTA for its wonderful work over the years since they started to construct the ICT center. “At a point, I gave a promise that, I wanted to have my first computers in the center, at a certain level, I came to the realization that I needed to put in money to complete it rather than waiting for completion of the center before I bring in the computers. So, at a point, I decided to pump in money and then, you know the lord is always listening, the lord brought in Macina Foundation and Maxim Nyansa to support in this case and that’s why I have singled them out to honor them on this occasion” The Chief during his speech also recommended the Bolga East NPP parliamentary candidate Mr. Silas Amoah Mathew for his contribution to the community welfare. “I recommend this young man for having eagle eyes and ears to where we try to get something done. He is always there to do it for me. I would like to thank the honorable Silas Amoah Mathew who has been there all these years. I understand the current dynamics of Bolga East where people would want to push you into the lines of politics. I am a Royal and I am not intending to do politics. The young man has done great work for the Gambibgo community. And I am here today to tell you that he has done well for the Gambibgo community and the entire Gambibgo people are so grateful to you”. Speaking about the security of the ICT center, Chief Sadik said, is dear to their heart. “When I was trying to bring in these computers, there was one cardinal rule that I should have a security man because we don’t want a computer to come in and the next day is missing. It will interest you to know that we don’t have a security man in the school. I have followed my good DCE and I have also followed to GES Director and he told me how he is constrained to provide security man for the school”. He revealed that, he had made a request for security through the government to help safeguard the computers. The Upper East Regional Education Director Bright Nawae who was represented by his Human Resource (HR) did not hide his excitement for the well-furnished Gambibgo ICT lab center. He said, the ICT Lab center will help shape the students’ knowledge in the current world of Technology. He extended his gratitude to the Gambibgo Chief, Macina Foundation, Silas Mathew Amoah, Maxim Nyansa, Vrienden Van de Christopher (VVC), school management, and everyone who has contributed in one way or the other. 20 schools within the Bolga district benefitted from the ICT training with teachers numbering 34 receiving certificates. The idea was to help these teachers take the knowledge acquired from the training to their various schools. Personalities, such as the District Education Director George Asira, the former Regional Minister Rockson Bukari, the NPP Parliamentary candidate Mathew Amoah and others were all present at the inauguration. Some pictures taken at the inauguration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
The MITDS Journey
In 1990, Professor David Millar, the President of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (MITDS), had a vision to create an Open University. This vision he shared with his wife, Mrs. Lydia Mamata Millar. With great determination, they both acquired a piece of land for the school facility. Professor and Mrs. Millar worked tirelessly towards their dream, and in 2014, he officially launched the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies (which he first registered Open University). He became the Foundation President of the Institute and has been its President. He firmly believed that every long journey begins with a first step and that every night ultimately gives way to a new day. Located in Yikene, a community in the Bolgatanga Municipal, MITDS quickly became known as the first private and Open University in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Despite the presence of several local universities in Ghana that have established partnerships with external universities under the Open University Concept, the landscape of tertiary education in Ghana such as MITDS was significantly influenced by Prof. Anamoah-Mensah’s report in 2006. This report challenged Ghanaian universities to transition from traditional on-campus, satellite campus, and distance learning models to Open University Systems. In response to this call, Prof. Millar and his institution, the MITDS (Millar Institute for Tertiary Development Studies), emerged as one of the first fully Ghanaian-owned institutions to address the recommendations put forth by Prof. Anamoah-Mensah. MITDS has taken steps to ensure that it operates within a duly composed and functional Council, ensuring transparent governance. Furthermore, the various structures and programs offered by the institute have obtained the necessary Accreditations Affiliation of MITDS since inception has always been granted by University for Development Studies (UDS). Hence they have since been awarding the degrees. Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) provided the legal status of institutional accreditation and reaccreditation, program accreditation and reaccreditation, and institutional audits thus far. In 2014, MITDS was established as an institution. Four years later, in 2018, they held their first graduation ceremony for the inaugural class of students. However, the institution faced challenges in attracting students, leading to low enrollment numbers. According to records from MITDS in 2018, the student population was 105. Out of the total number, 4 students deferred their programmes and 26 were irregular for various reasons. At that time, female enrolment was 30%, which fell short of the school’s target of 50%. To address this issue, Professor Millar, the head of MITDS, announced during the graduation ceremony that they had made the decision to gradually phase out their undergraduate programs, starting with no longer accepting Level 100 or Level 200 students. This decision was described as a temporary measure, and Prof. Millar mentioned that they would assess the situation and reactivate the program if circumstances improved. Currently, MITDS is focusing on expanding their offerings of Master’s and PhD programs. To further promote research, they also actively pursued research grant opportunities that include scholarships for students. In 2018, Professor Millar enthusiastically announced that MITDS has designed and is now offering Post-Graduate Certificate Courses. These courses were developed in response to the high demand from individuals already employed and seeking career-oriented short courses. As a result, MITDS has introduced a range of six-month Post-Graduate Certificate Courses, including: – Policy and Strategy Studies – Information and Informatics – University Administration – Advanced Business Administration – International Relations – Agri-Business Studies In 2018, MITDS collaborated with the University of Bern in Switzerland and engaged in a two-year Community-based Sustainable Food Programme in Kalbeon and Gowrie-Kunkwa. Additionally, MITDS collaborated with ECOLAND Germany (BMZ) to prepare for a Diploma Programme in hands-on Organic Farming and Bio-dynamic Agriculture, which was expected to conclude in October 2021. Professor Millar expressed his satisfaction in giving back to these communities, who have been long-standing partners and social laboratories for MITDS. He also promised to continue cooperation with them whenever the opportunity arises. In response to the One District One Factory policy of the New Patriotic Party, MITDS has identified seven potential projects for implementation. We are currently working towards securing buy-ins for these projects. The projects include: The GARWASI Project (formerly known as the Grass for Charcoal Project). This project has been expanded to include the development of paper for paper bags and toilet rolls using the same technology. Expansion of the Groundnut Sector under Irrigation. Transformation of Groundnut vines into organic fertilizer. Addressing the challenges posed by Fulani Herdsmen. Transformation of the Bolgatanga Meat Factory into a multi-purpose Abattoir. Development of the Bamboo plant for the production of matchsticks and toothpicks. Linking the Wulugu Ranching project with Nasia Rice Production. Establishment of the Pwalugu multi-vegetable Factory. Implementation of the Walewale Organic Fertilizer Factor In 2022, Professor Millar and the MITDS introduced a groundbreaking innovation involving grass. During his graduation speech, Professor Millar announced that MITDS’s flagship program, aimed at promoting a grass economy in northern Ghana has resulted in remarkable accomplishments. These accomplishments include: – The development of Grass Charcoal Briquette (GARWASI PROJECT), an alternative to tree-charcoal in the pursuit of sustainable renewable energy. This project has garnered attention from the FAO, leading to the signing of a ten-month contract worth Ghs 400,000. This contract will enable the introduction of this technology to five communities on a pilot basis, with the potential to expand to twelve additional communities. – Another noteworthy milestone is the successful transformation of everyday grasses into brown paper, which can be utilized for various purposes. In 2018, the school made the exciting announcement that its second and third internal refereed journal, the Ghana Journal for Culture and Development (CULTRAD), had been released for public consumption. Additionally, during that same period, the school published four essential course books, specifically designed for the Masters and PhD programs. These books are readily available for purchase. A few years ago, the institute established a unit dedicated to editing, proofreading, and restructuring final post-graduate thesis works, particularly PhD theses, into published books. This process is similar to what is practiced
62% of pupils in Basic schools cannot read-Education Minister frowns
Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum revealed that over the past ten years, there has been a significant increase in the number of primary 2 pupils capable of reading. Specifically, the percentage has risen from a mere 2% to 38%. However, this also implies that 62% of primary 2 pupils still do not possess reading skills. During the launch of the National Education Leadership Institute in Takoradi, Dr. Adutwum stated, “Back in 2015, only 2% of our primary 2 students demonstrated reading ability in this country. However, thanks to President’s investment and efforts, resources were allocated to conduct the National Standardized test in 2022, enabling access to every primary 2 student nationwide.” Dr. Adutwum stated that the recently released test results show that 38% of students have the ability to read, which he finds unsatisfactory. He also mentioned that the remaining 62% cannot read, which is so worrying. According to Dr. Adutwum, it is crucial to cultivate a new generation of education leaders who prioritize learning outcomes and strive to improve the educational landscape in Ghana. He expressed the need to move away from traditional apprenticeship leadership and accelerate the implementation of successful approaches like the Wesley Girls’ model. Dr. Adutwum emphasized the importance of studying and comprehending the factors that contribute to effective schools in Ghana, while also acknowledging the value of apprenticeship experiences. The establishment of the National Education Leadership Institute aims to support this process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Over 120 children attends Nadeng Zein Academy free of charge—Hajj Issah Bukari
During the school graduation ceremony held at the Bolgatanga premises on Saturday September 9, 2023, Hajj Issah Bukari, the Executive Director of Nadeng Zein Academy, announced that more than 120 vulnerable children currently enrolled in the school are receiving free education. Apexnewsgh.com reported “We have close to 130 children in this school who don’t pay a dime and the essence behind the whole thing is to also give others the opportunity to education at no cost or at affordable cost. In this case at no cost because they don’t pay anything and it was as a result of the way we were brought up”. According to Hajj. Issah Bukari, every term the school is incurring little over Ghc 40,000.00 for vulnerable children who cannot afford paying school fees due to one or two circumstances. “So, in a year the school forfeit Ghc 120,000.00 from students attending the school free” Sharing a brief history about his upbringing, Hajj Bukari said he lost his father when he was about completing form 4. “So, I couldn’t go to secondary school and quickly got myself employed with GES as a messenger and it wasn’t so easy then”. “So, when I set up these school, I was also looking for vulnerable children who as a result of the loss of a parent or other reasons cannot afford educated themselves. “We want the children to be educated free, so that wherever they go, wherever they reach in the society, they will remember this school and they will learn to also give out to others like we are doing” Hajj stressed Professor David Millar, the President of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies and the chairman of the graduation ceremony, expressed his satisfaction regarding Hajj. Issah’s significant contributions to the people of the Bolgatanga Municipality. “Hajj, if I want to count one of the major contributors to Bolgatanga, it is you’. He further admonished parents to continue supporting the school by performing their rightful duties. On his part, the school Head Master of Nadeng Zein Academy Alhaji Baba Razak expressed excitement with the school performances in both past and present. “For us, we are committed in making sure that the children excel in their academic performance and so over the years, the school have registered and continued to register 100% performance in the BECE exams. Every year the performance keep improving against the previous years. “We are pleased to share that the 2022 BECE exams at Nadeng Zein Academy Alhaji were a great success. Thanks to the strong support of our parents, dedicated management, and teachers, we achieved outstanding results and ranked first in the Municipality’s league table in 2022. We are now diligently preparing for the upcoming 2023 BECE exams, ensuring that we continue to excel in our academic pursuits” Alhaji Bukari said. He however, announced that next year, that the school will be introducing a new policy that will provide support and guidance to very weak students to enable them able to catch up with the rest of the students in the class and this will not be done by the teachers and management alone, we will involve the parents and together we can come out with a strategy. Students performed some activities such as drama, chronograph, cultural dance and other traditional performances. Below are some interesting pictures: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Tragedy Strikes: AAMUSTED Student Loses Life in Hall Procession Accident
A somber atmosphere has descended upon the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) as the community mourns the loss of Prosper Owusu, a third-year mathematics student. The unfortunate incident occurred during a hall procession, resulting in the untimely death of Owusu. On Friday, August 25, 2023, Owusu and several other Opoku Ware II Hall students were participating in various activities within the hall. Owusu, who held the significant role of “chief priest” for the hall, was engaged in conducting traditional rituals near an open flame. In a tragic turn of events, Owusu’s attire caught fire during the ritual, causing severe injuries. Despite the immediate efforts of his fellow students to extinguish the flames, their attempts proved futile. Consequently, Owusu was urgently transported to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Meanwhile, the best efforts of the medical team, Prosper Owusu succumbed to his injuries on September 1, 2023, leaving the university community and his loved ones in shock and grief. The university’s management has initiated an investigation unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us at +233256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Adutwum announces aviation and aerospace courses for 12 SHSs next academic year
The Minister of Education in Ghana, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has revealed plans to introduce aviation and aerospace courses in 12 senior high schools starting from the next academic year. The initiative is aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the country, in order to equip Ghanaian students with the skills necessary to compete in the fourth industrial revolution. Dr. Adutwum made the announcement during a visit to Afia Kobi Ampem Girls Senior High School, which is recognized as the first high school in Ghana to have successfully developed a miniature airplane as part of their engineering projects. The Minister commended the girls for their efforts and used the opportunity to motivate and encourage them to continue working hard in the field of engineering, while also preparing themselves for further education opportunities abroad. Next year, there are about 12 schools that will be offering aviation and aerospace courses and in their case it is not going to be a club but an academic programme,” he stressed By providing opportunities for students to learn about aviation and aerospace, the Ministry hopes to inspire and nurture their interest in these fields from a young age. This will enable them to pursue career paths in aviation, aerospace, or related industries, thereby contributing to the development of the nation in various spheres. The introduction of aviation and aerospace courses in schools will broaden the horizons of students and expose them to new possibilities in the STEM fields. It will also help address the gender imbalance in these sectors by providing more opportunities for girls to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men. With the establishment of STEM schools and the inclusion of aviation and aerospace courses, the Ministry of Education aims to create a future workforce equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the nation’s development. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to promoting STEM education and empowering girls to pursue science-related careers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister has not granted any interview or made any statement– Spokesperson
The Ministry of Education has refuted what they described as a “deliberate spread of false information and the misuse of media to cultivate negative sentiments against the Education Minister without recourse to their own professional tenets”. The statement further emphasized that the Ministry of Education has consistently provided textbooks to schools across the country. It called on the media to adhere to professional standards and verify information before publishing or broadcasting. The Ministry also warned against the deliberate spread of false information, stating that such actions undermine the government’s efforts to improve the education sector. It urged the public to disregard any reports or statements that are not officially released by the Ministry or its authorized spokespersons. The issue of textbook shortages in schools has been a longstanding concern in the country, and the Ministry has been working to address it. The government has implemented various initiatives to ensure that all schools have adequate textbooks, including the distribution of free textbooks to schools and the provision of funds for schools to purchase additional materials. The Ministry stated its commitment to continue working towards improving the education sector and called on the media and the public to support its efforts. It also urged individuals to report any instances of false information or misinformation to the appropriate authorities. The spreading of false information and the misuse of media platforms to create negative sentiments is a growing issue in many sectors, including education. The Ministry’s condemnation of such actions highlights the need for responsible journalism and the importance of verifying information before it is disseminated to the public. The statement said Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Just In: GES Promotion test result released, out of 80,810 candidates 55,917 passed
The statement issued Ghana Education Service says, “Management of Ghana Education Service (GES) is pleased to inform all teaching staff that results for the promotion test held in February 2023, to various teaching grades in the Service have been released. Out of 80,810 candidates who took the test, 55,917 candidates representing 69% were successful. Below are the details: Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Education Minister denies cancellation of Alawa
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has refuted claim suggesting that it has cancelled teachers’ and nurses’ allowance in the country. Following the press statement attributed to sector minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the cancellation of allowance for teachers and nursing students is categorically false and unfounded. Read the statement signed by Kwasi Kwarteng, spokesperson for the Ministry below: Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com