The Broken Chalkboards: Upper East Peace Council Chair Decries Rising Student Riots
Alhaji Sumaila Issaka, Chairman of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, has voiced grave concern over the growing trend of student riots in the region, a worrying development he believes is fast becoming a destructive norm among secondary schools. In a recent interview for the documentary “The Broken Chalkboards,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen for Apexnewsgh, Alhaji Issaka laid bare the scale of the problem and the urgent need for dialogue and reform. “It’s been a very difficult situation in this region, especially the way this rioting has been going on. It’s now like a canker and so contagious. The moment Zamstech demonstrates, the next day Gowrie is demonstrating, the next day Bongo is demonstrating, the next day Big Boss, and then on and on,” Alhaji Issaka lamented. He noted that while older institutions such as Navrongo Senior High School, Notre Dame, and Bawku Senior High School, as well as the training colleges, where students are considered adults, rarely report such incidents, the wave of unrest continues unabated among the newer institutions. “What I personally don’t understand is why these demonstrations, when you have an SRC that can present your grievances to the authorities,” he added, underlining his bewilderment at the preference for destructive protest over dialogue. Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. The Peace Council, Alhaji Issaka revealed, had previously initiated peace clubs in several schools as a proactive measure to curb the violence. However, these efforts were hamstrung by a lack of funding, making it impossible to sustain regular outreach. “It’s been of great disturbance to us, especially the destruction on the campuses,” he said, noting the heartbreak of seeing already scarce resources in one of Ghana’s poorest regions destroyed by students themselves. He recalled, “They will not pass Presec or Achimota and give us a bus here if the supplies are very few. Yet we continue to destroy the few that we have. When we went to school, we didn’t demonstrate, but now it’s like they are so proud of it.” Alhaji Issaka expressed his frustration at the often trivial reasons for these demonstrations. “Most of the time they are so flimsy, so annoying that you cannot tolerate them,” he said. He cited the example of students at Gowrie Senior High School insisting on shower facilities despite vandalizing existing ones, and then demanding the dismissal of the headmistress when standpipes were provided instead. In other cases, students ignored bans on personal electronic devices and overloaded dormitory sockets, leading to repeated fires and costly repairs, only to protest when precautionary measures were implemented. “What bothers me most is that the reasons are so flimsy. And if that is even the case, must you go and damage the property of the school? Then you keep complaining, we don’t have this, we don’t have that,” he said. He recounted students insisting on using coal pots for science practicals instead of the safer Bunsen burners of his own school days, and the paradox of demanding better conditions while destroying what little is available. The recurring destruction, Alhaji Issaka noted, ultimately impacts innocent parents who are forced to pay for damages. “After every investigation, money will be paid. And this money will come from the parents,” he explained, recounting a personal experience at Senegal Senior High, where burned motorbikes had to be replaced, ironically benefitting some teachers but compounding hardship for families. Another disturbing trend is the rise of tribalism in school leadership, a stark contrast to the diversity and harmony of past decades. “To the extent that, if you are not a Kassena-speaking boy, you cannot be Senior Prefect in Navrongo Secondary School. If you are not a Guruni speaking boy, you can’t be the Senior Prefect of Big Boss, Tongo Senior High School. If you are not a Kusasi-speaking boy, you cannot be a Senior Prefect of Bawku Secondary School. Why? So this is what is happening? Even though they are extending it to their heads, insisting that if you are not from that area, you shouldn’t be a head. Really?” he asked incredulously. He reflected fondly on the past, when students and leaders from various backgrounds worked together without division, and called the current climate “a big headache.” Despite setbacks, the Peace Council is determined to revive its outreach efforts. Alhaji Issaka detailed recent and ongoing attempts to coordinate with regional education authorities and NGOs to reintroduce peace-building programs in schools. Plans are in place to divide the council into groups and visit schools across the region, fostering dialogue and conflict resolution skills among students. The council’s goal is clear: to help students understand the importance of using the SRC as a channel for grievances, rather than resorting to violence. “Let the students understand that the SRC is there to represent them at the various meetings. And if they have any grievances, they should pass them to those committee members. So that when they go, they table it,” he advised. Alhaji Issaka believes much of the unrest stems from a lack of awareness and leadership among students, and from the influence of troublemakers. He noted that simple disputes, such as the theft of a phone, which is itself contraband, can quickly escalate into widespread violence and even tribal conflict. “Two students fight, and the Bawku incident crops up. You come, and it’s your kinsman against another man, and you just join the fight.” He urged proper reporting and resolution of issues through the appropriate channels, rather than resorting to mob justice or property destruction. “If you suspect somebody, report him to the authorities. And if they search him and find your phone, they give it to you. But these fights, now, the tribal fighting is in these two schools. Which was not the case before.” Alhaji Issaka closed with an impassioned plea for a return to civility and the prioritization of dialogue, warning that continued unrest threatens not only the schools but the entire region’s progress. “We want us to grow. Yet, we are last in everything.
The Broken Chalkboards: Upper East Regional Minister Urges Discipline and Improved Infrastructure to Tackle School Riots
The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has expressed deep concern over the growing spate of student riots in second-cycle institutions across the region, describing the trend as “worrying and needless.” In a documentary engagement with Apexnewsgh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, the Minister recounted his personal experience since assuming office five months ago. He revealed that the wave of disturbances began under his tenure at St. Benedict’s Secondary School, where a stolen meal sparked clashes that later took on tribal undertones. “Can you steal food and be fighting? Did you steal a tribe? Can you understand that?” he asked, questioning how minor disputes were being allowed to escalate into violent confrontations. He explained that subsequent riots stemmed from issues such as stolen mobile phones, broken water systems, poor sanitation facilities, and disputes over discipline and welfare. For instance, in one case, students rioted after going days without water and being forced to fetch from nearby communities, exposing female students to safety risks. Mr. Atanga identified indiscipline and weak enforcement of school regulations as major drivers of the unrest. He lamented that rules prohibiting items like mobile phones were often flouted with the complicity of some staff. “Until all of us stand by the fact that these are the things we don’t want and we all abide by it, we will face these issues,” he said, urging teachers and school authorities to strictly enforce existing regulations. He also criticized the current disciplinary regime, which he believes has emboldened students to challenge authority. “During our time, when you committed a crime, your masters were allowed to punish you, and nobody could attack them. Today, they say nobody should punish misbehaving students. The teachers are there, but the students are running down the masters,” he noted. The Minister called for a review of disciplinary measures to restore teachers’ authority while protecting students’ rights. “Unless we get back to the drawing board and look at which offenses are punishable, we are likely to keep seeing this indiscipline,” he warned. Beyond discipline, Mr. Atanga highlighted the role of poor infrastructure in fueling discontent, particularly the lack of toilets and water facilities. He urged district assemblies to prioritize school sanitation and water provision through the Common Fund and other initiatives. “It is not proper for a secondary school to be there without a toilet facility, forcing students to share public toilets or practice open defecation. This exposes especially the girls to serious risks,” he stressed. He also cautioned against conflicts among school management and staff, noting that internal divisions often influence and embolden students to riot. “Let us work as brothers and sisters. If you urge students to attack your colleague, remember others are watching, and one day, it will be you,” he advised. The Minister further shared insights into how riot investigations should be handled, warning against hastily labeling injured or present students as culprits. “When you see a student in blood after a riot, don’t immediately conclude he is a bad person. Sometimes those injured are the ones resisting destruction. If you punish the wrong people, you embolden the real perpetrators,” he explained. He urged authorities to focus on identifying ringleaders and dealing with them firmly to deter repeat offenders. “Any student found to be leading riots should be dealt with radically, but we must ensure we get the right people,” he emphasized. Mr. Atanga concluded by urging teachers, parents, assemblies, and students to work together to restore discipline, strengthen regulations, and improve infrastructure. Only through collective responsibility, he said, can the disturbing trend of school riots be curtailed. “If students obey regulations, management cooperates, and facilities are improved, we can reduce the violence. But if we continue to pamper indiscipline, we will be training troublemakers who may carry their misconduct into other schools and communities,” the Minister cautioned. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Tobacco’s Silent Threat: FDA Discusses Public Health, Policy, and Cultural Change
In an era where lifestyle choices are increasingly scrutinized for their long-term health implications, the conversation surrounding tobacco use remains one of the most critical public health dialogues globally. In an exclusive and illuminating engagement, Mr. Abel Ndego, the Upper East Regional Director of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), provided a stark, evidence-based dissection of the tobacco epidemic. This dialogue, far more than a simple interview, serves as a documentary-grade testament for those still ignorant of the profound dangers of tobacco and the robust legal framework designed to combat its scourge. The session, spearheaded by Editor-in-Chief Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, transcended basic awareness, delving into the science of addiction, the specifics of Ghana’s legislation, and the nuanced battle against deeply entrenched cultural practices. Mr. Ndego framed the discussion with sobering global statistics that underscore the urgency of the FDA’s mission. “Over 8 million people die from tobacco use and second-hand smoke globally each year,” he stated, affirming its position as the world’s leading preventable cause of death. This grim tally includes approximately 7 million deaths from direct use and 1.3 million non-smokers succumbing to second-hand smoke exposure, with a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income nations. Translated into a daily horror, tobacco claims nearly 22,000 lives every day. These figures are not abstract; they represent a relentless public health emergency that national authorities like the FDA are mandated to address through education, regulation, and enforcement. A central thrust of the engagement was dispelling myths and revealing the hidden equivalencies in tobacco consumption. With emphatic clarity, Mr. Ndego highlighted one of the most alarming facts: “Going through one hour session of shisha is equivalent to smoking between 100 and 200 sticks of cigarettes.” This revelation often stuns casual users who perceive shisha as a social, filtered, and less harmful alternative. The reality is that a single shisha session delivers a massive dose of toxicants, debunking its benign reputation. The chemical cocktail within tobacco smoke, Mr. Ndego explained, is a brew of over 3,000 harmful substances. “Formaldehyde, what they used to make formalin for the embalming of dead bodies, is found in there. We have tar… a lot of carcinogens… heavy metals like lead and cadmium.” These components are directly linked to cancers, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and a host of other dire health consequences. The addictive engine driving this consumption is nicotine, a substance that creates a physiological “hunger,” compelling repeated use and deepening dependency. “There is proof also,” Mr. Ndego added, “that people who have smoked continuously for more than five years are most liable to lose 10 years of their life.” Beyond education, the FDA’s work is firmly rooted in legislative action. A cornerstone of Ghana’s strategy is the ban on public smoking, a law whose rationale extends beyond the individual smoker. “It’s a crime to smoke in public,” Mr. Ndego asserted. The science of second-hand smoke is unequivocal: “All the health risks of the smoker, the secondhand smoker is liable to them as well. And so why would I suffer for somebody’s enjoyment?” The definition of a public space is intentionally broad. “Even your private vehicle, as long as you pick a passenger, ceases to be private… You cannot smoke there.” Enforcement, he clarified, is a shared responsibility. “The beauty of this is that… you can even effect citizen arrests. If somebody is smoking in your environment, you can report the person to the police.” The FDA has complemented this law with extensive stakeholder engagements, distributing “No Smoking” stickers and educating groups like the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to ensure terminals and vehicles are compliant. Perhaps less known is the illegality of a common market practice. “It is a crime to sell single sticks of cigarettes to people,” Mr. Ndego declared. This prohibition, under Section 6 of the Public Health Act, is fundamentally about informed consent. A cigarette pack carries mandated pictorial health warnings and graphic images of diseased organs, which communicate the product’s risks. A single stick offers no such warning. “The space on a single stick is so small… it must be sold in the pack so that the health warning can really send a message.” Selling illicit, unregistered cigarettes that lack these warnings altogether is an even more severe contravention. One of the most sensitive aspects of the FDA’s work involves engaging with cultural institutions. In many regions, including the Upper East, tobacco is woven into traditional rites. “If you want to marry, they will tell you that you have to present tobacco… greeting your in-laws,” Mr. Ndego noted. The FDA, in a respectful and collaborative manner, has initiated dialogues with the Regional House of Chiefs. “We have been engaging… to see how together they can substitute the tobacco for something else,” such as a symbolic monetary representation. While acknowledging that altering longstanding traditions “takes time,” Mr. Ndego reported a receptive audience attuned to the health and developmental arguments. Simultaneously, the authority is battling the tobacco industry’s adaptation through technology. The market is now flooded with sleek, discreet nicotine delivery devices. “We have e-cigars… some come in the form of pens… I even saw one that was like a smartwatch,” Mr. Ndego described. These products, often appealing to youth, vaporize nicotine-laced liquids, leveraging technology to perpetuate addiction. The FDA remains vigilant, recognizing that regulation must evolve as quickly as the products it seeks to control. Ghana’s comprehensive approach extends to stifling the tobacco industry’s influence. “Tobacco companies are not permitted by law to sponsor any event in Ghana. They cannot even donate money to save a life… They cannot brand any products,” Mr. Ndego outlined. This near-total ban on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship is a critical World Health Organization-backed measure to denormalize tobacco use and prevent targeting the youth. Furthermore, the state employs fiscal policy as a deterrent. Significant fees for product registration, “you would not pay less than, I think, ten to fifteen thousand dollars” per brand, combined with heavy taxes, aim to limit accessibility and generate revenue for public
Importers and Exporters Applaud Delay of Smart Port Note as Stakeholders Seek Broader Dialogue
A wave of relief swept through Ghana’s trade community this week as importers, exporters, and associated businesses welcomed the decision to postpone the much-anticipated Smart Port Note (SPN) initiative. The announcement, made by the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) in a widely circulated public notice, came after industry stakeholders raised concerns about the need for deeper consultation and clarification before the system’s rollout. The SPN, originally slated to take effect on February 1, 2026, was unveiled by the GSA on December 23, 2025, with the promise of modernising port operations and stamping out inefficiencies. However, as the implementation date approached, unresolved issues, particularly around operational logistics, regulatory compliance, and the introduction of new fees, prompted calls for a careful reassessment. According to the GSA, the postponement is intended to allow more time for meaningful dialogue with all affected parties. “This is a careful adjustment of one of our major port digitisation initiatives,” the Authority stated. “We want to ensure that operational, regulatory, and implementation concerns are fully addressed before the system goes live.” For industry leaders, the pause is not only welcome but necessary. Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, explained to Citi Business News why the deferment was critical: “Messages have gone out globally to exporters and suppliers, alerting them to a potential new charge that would ultimately be passed on to local importers. When we examined the proposed figures, some of the values were quite high. It was clear we needed to defer the rollout, reconvene, and ensure all stakeholders, including those raising cost concerns, had a seat at the table.” Michael Obiri-Yeboah, Convenor of the Coalition of Concerned Exporters, Importers and Traders, echoed this sentiment, describing the delay as “a step in the right direction.” He stressed the importance of inclusive discussion: “We’ve seen prominent voices within the port community express reservations about the SPN. This postponement validates our concerns and opens the door to proper stakeholder engagement. Now, we can clearly articulate why the SPN may not be necessary in its current form, or work collaboratively to shape a more effective policy.” With the postponement in place, the mood among stakeholders is one of cautious optimism. Many believe that sustained engagement and open dialogue will ensure that any future digitisation of Ghana’s ports is both efficient and equitable, balancing the needs of government with the realities faced by those who keep the nation’s trade flowing. As the GSA prepares for renewed consultations, the business community is hopeful that the next version of the Smart Port Note will reflect a broader consensus, one that truly supports Ghana’s ambitions as a modern hub for international commerce. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Trade Minister Announces Major Loan Recoveries and Probes at Ghana EXIM Bank
The atmosphere was one of transparency and resolve as Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, addressed the nation during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 21. At the heart of her address was a significant development in the country’s efforts to tighten financial oversight and ensure the prudent use of state resources: the recovery of GH¢107 million in loan repayments and a fresh investigation into questionable loan disbursements by the Ghana EXIM Bank. Standing at the podium, Minister Ofosu-Adjare outlined the government’s multi-pronged approach to strengthening the credit system. She explained that, in 2025, Ghana EXIM Bank disbursed a total of GH¢304 million in loans under a stringent new policy. “This is not money for the boys or money for the girls,” she emphasized, underscoring the seriousness with which her ministry now approached credit creation. “You must satisfy requirements. You must show the credit you are taking will benefit the economy, and above all, you must demonstrate your ability to repay.” Her remarks reflected a shift toward greater accountability in public lending. The Bank’s stricter credit policy was already bearing fruit: GH¢107 million had been successfully recovered from loans that had long gone unpaid. “Recovery efforts on legacy loans are ongoing,” she continued. “We have initiated legal proceedings on several cases, and others have been referred to the appropriate security agencies for further action.” But even as the government celebrated these achievements, the Minister did not shy away from ongoing challenges. She revealed that some loan disbursements remained shrouded in mystery, with officials unable to account for how the funds had been issued or used. These cases, she said, had been swiftly referred to security agencies for thorough investigation. “There are loans that we do not know how they were disbursed,” Ofosu-Adjare admitted candidly. “We have referred them to the appropriate quarters to be dealt with expeditiously.” The Minister’s address was a clear signal that, under her watch, financial stewardship would not be taken lightly. With GH¢107 million recovered and further investigations underway, the government was not only reclaiming lost funds but also restoring public confidence in Ghana’s financial institutions. As the session concluded, observers noted a renewed sense of accountability—a promise that every cedi lent by the state must serve the nation’s interest, and that those who violate this trust will face the full scrutiny of the law. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Eric Adjei’s Vision Transforms NEIP Into a Launchpad for Ghana’s Young Entrepreneurs
When Eric Adjei ESQ. stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) in January 2025, he brought with him more than just a new title; he brought a wave of optimism and resolve that has reverberated across the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. From his first day, Mr. Adjei made it clear that entrepreneurship in Ghana would no longer be treated as a buzzword or a distant dream. “We must move beyond rhetoric,” he declared at his inaugural staff meeting. “Our young people deserve real opportunities, measurable, visible, and life-changing.” With these words, NEIP began a transformation from a policy-driven institution to a results-oriented engine of job creation and innovation. At the heart of Adjei’s approach lies a simple but powerful conviction: Ghana’s future depends on the ingenuity and energy of its young people. Under his stewardship, NEIP has redirected its focus toward small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by the youth. Practical support, accountability, and measurable outcomes have become the guiding principles. This renewed direction soon found its flagship in the Edwumawura Programme, a nationwide intervention that quickly became the talk of the entrepreneurial community. Edwumawura, meaning “Job Creator,” is more than just a catchphrase. It is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation, regardless of where they live. From the busy streets of Accra to the most remote villages, the programme has reached Ghanaians who might otherwise have been left behind. The Edwumawura Programme was launched with fanfare but backed by substance. Its aim: to provide startup capital, business development services, and mentoring for individuals with promising ideas—especially at the grassroots. The process is inclusive and decentralized, ensuring that opportunity is not a privilege of the few, but a right for all with drive and determination. One young participant, Amina, from Tamale, recalls how the programme changed her life: “I always had ideas but no way to make them real. Edwumawura gave me training, a small grant, and the confidence to begin my poultry business. Now, I employ three people from my community.” Stories like Amina’s are becoming increasingly common. Across Ghana, young entrepreneurs are starting businesses, creating jobs, and building hope, thanks in large part to NEIP’s revitalized approach under Adjei’s guidance. But Adjei’s vision extends beyond traditional business models. Recognising the explosive growth of the digital economy, he championed a bold new initiative: NEIP would support content creators as legitimate entrepreneurs. In a country where millions of youth consume and create digital content daily, this was a game-changer. Workshops and mentorship sessions sprang up in cities and towns, focusing on skills from video editing to digital marketing. For the first time, Ghanaian content creators were given training, access to funding opportunities, and help in building digital brands with global reach. Kwame, a young YouTuber from Kumasi, shares his experience: “Before NEIP’s support, I struggled to monetise my channel. Now, I understand branding, and I’ve tripled my income. NEIP treated me like any other entrepreneur.” This push into the digital space reflects a broader understanding of modern entrepreneurship—one that values creativity, technological savvy, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing global economy. Observers note that Eric Adjei’s background as a lawyer blends seamlessly with his entrepreneurial drive. He insists on accountability and transparency, regularly engaging with stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. His collaborative style has fostered partnerships that multiply the impact of NEIP’s programmes, drawing in investment and expertise from across the spectrum. Through it all, Adjei has maintained a relentless focus on innovation-driven growth. He is often seen visiting project sites, speaking with beneficiaries, and seeking feedback on how programmes can be improved. “Real impact,” he often says, “comes from listening to those we serve.” As NEIP continues to roll out new initiatives, expectations are soaring. The Edwumawura Programme and the content creation support scheme stand out as two pillars of a new era, one in which entrepreneurship is accessible, rewarding, and central to Ghana’s economic development. For Ghana’s youth, Eric Adjei’s leadership marks a turning point. No longer is entrepreneurship reserved for the privileged or the well-connected. Today, ideas are nurtured, innovation is celebrated, and young people are empowered to become the job creators of tomorrow. In the words of one beneficiary, “With NEIP and Mr. Adjei, we know our dreams are possible. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
The Broken Chalkboards: Upper East CHASS Chair Warns of Rising Student Unrest, Calls for Collective Action
In a compelling segment of the documentary “The Broken Chalkboards,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh, Richard Akumbas Ayibilla, the Upper East Regional Chairman for the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), lays bare the troubling rise of student unrest in the region’s schools. His address, at once candid and urgent, delves into the deepening crisis of discipline, the shifting causes of school riots, and the collective responsibility required of educators, parents, policymakers, and communities to restore order and nurture the next generation of responsible citizens. Mr. Ayibilla began by tracing the evolution of student unrest in the Upper East Region. In the past, riots were often rooted in grievances over poor food or lapses in teaching, issues, he said, that while troubling, at least had some bearing on the core mission of education. “Discipline is the keyword in every educational institution,” he emphasized. “When discipline is present, students learn, complete assignments, maintain a clean environment, and build positive relationships. Ultimately, disciplined students leave school better prepared for life.” Yet today, the triggers of unrest have shifted dramatically. “Now, most of the riots across all the schools start from mobile phones,” he lamented. In schools such as Navrongo, St. Benedict, and Bolga Tech, what might begin as a minor dispute over a stolen or misplaced phone can rapidly escalate, drawing in friends, then entire clans, and sometimes splitting along tribal lines. What should be a tool for learning instead becomes a spark for chaos. “What starts as a seemingly minor issue can draw in friends and even entire clans, turning schools into battlegrounds over technology that should only be a tool for learning.” Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. While Mr. Ayibilla acknowledges the educational potential of mobile phones, from research and AI tools to global connectivity, he is troubled by the reality he sees. Students, he observed, rarely use their devices for academic enrichment. Instead, the lure of social media, especially platforms like TikTok, drives many to create content for attention and potential income. “For some, it’s just to go into TikTok, create content, and get likes,” he observed. Particularly disheartening for him was an encounter with students who believed speaking intentionally poor English in their videos would make them go viral. These behaviors, he warned, are more than mere distractions. They can fuel deeper conflicts, leading to arguments, resentment, and property destruction. “Essential resources, from furniture to vehicles, have been damaged during riots, further straining already limited school supplies,” he said. The consequences are not limited to broken rules but extend to broken trust and broken property, deepening the crisis in already under-resourced schools. Despite these challenges, Mr. Ayibilla remains unwavering in his advocacy for core values: commitment, discipline, hard work, teamwork, honesty, and excellence. “If students are committed, discipline will naturally follow,” he asserted, drawing an analogy from the classic cartoon Captain Planet: “When you put your powers together, you are more powerful.” He proudly recounted practices from his own school, where honesty is not just taught but lived. Lost items are reliably returned, a testament to the school’s culture of integrity. “If you come to my school and lose money or valuables, don’t worry. Once a student picks it, you will get it back,” he affirmed, suggesting that habits of honesty in youth sow the seeds of integrity in adulthood. Discipline in school, he argued, is the antidote to the corruption that plagues society at large. Mr. Ayibilla is adamant that the burden of instilling discipline cannot fall solely on teachers. “Parents are very key,” he insisted. By the time students arrive at secondary school, much of their character is already formed, making the educator’s task all the more formidable. He called on parents to visit schools, build relationships with teachers, and show genuine interest in their children’s lives. “When children are in school, and parents don’t visit, they know their actions at school will go unnoticed at home,” he explained. This absence of parental oversight, he warned, fosters a double life, children well-behaved at home but unruly at school. Extending his call to the wider community, Mr. Ayibilla invoked the proverb, “he who says he doesn’t care, will at the end of the day be the one to pay the price.” Elders, residents, and even market women, he argued, have a role in supervising and guiding the youth. Discipline, in his view, is everyone’s business. Notably, Mr. Ayibilla did not shy away from critiquing the impact of government policies and political interference on school discipline. He observed that sometimes the pronouncements of politicians — such as blanket bans on corporal punishment or directives to reinstate suspended students — undermine the authority of educators and embolden indiscipline. “Punishment is not to destroy, but to correct,” he explained. Sanctions should fit the offense and serve both to reform the offender and deter others, not to crush their spirit. He called for support from all stakeholders, including chiefs, opinion leaders, and policymakers, to ensure that discipline remains consistent, fair, and focused on students’ long-term well-being. In his view, when discipline is subverted for political convenience, the whole educational ecosystem suffers. In an era where public scrutiny of schools is intense, Mr. Ayibilla called for a more nuanced, compassionate evaluation of schools and teachers. He cautioned against condemning all schools or educators for isolated incidents of misconduct, whether in food management, exam performance, or student behavior. “In every society, there are good ones and bad ones,” he noted, arguing that the actions of a few should not overshadow the dedication and integrity of the many. He also challenged the widespread politicization of exam results. The government’s primary role, he contended, is to provide resources and infrastructure, not to sit exams on behalf of students. “If children write exams and don’t pass, ministers don’t write for them,” he said. Instead, he advocated for a focus on student improvement, completion rates, and the intangible benefits of education, such as character development and social competence. Mr. Ayibilla
The Broken Chalkboards: Hon. Volmeng David Nansong suggests reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools
In recent times, become grounds for unrest rather than learning. Hon. Volmeng David Nansong, the Regional Secretary for the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), sat reflecting on an alarming trend: student riots erupting across the region’s secondary schools. His thoughts, captured in an Apexnewsgh documentary titled “The Broken Chalkboards,” produced by Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, were not only observations but a rallying call to action. For parents, educators, and policymakers alike, this was no longer a problem to ignore. David Nansong spoke with the gravity of one entrusted with the hopes of parents and the future of children. “As secretary to the PTA,” he began, “I see the immense role parents play. But what’s truly causing these issues in our secondary schools?” He leaned forward, voice steady: “There are two main issues. The first is the use of mobile phones.” Kindly watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/GSQR3-T6EaE. Mobile phones, once symbols of progress and communication, had become the root of chaos. Although regulations prohibited their use in schools, compliance was abysmally low. Many students did not, in fact, buy these devices themselves; parents, often unknowingly, supplied them. Others acquired phones through less innocent means: gifts from boyfriends, odd jobs, or even theft. School administrators, recognizing the danger, had begun confiscating these devices. The response from students was swift and organized. Plans were hatched to incite confusion and riots, creating opportunities to break into storage rooms, most notably, the senior house master’s office, where confiscated phones were kept. “I can mention Zamse Senior High Technical, Bolga Senior High, and others,” he recounted, “where students broke in and reclaimed their phones. Fortunately, the school management, with the help of the students themselves, identified and apprehended the culprits, who were handed over to the police.” But the aftermath was sobering. Offices vandalized, damages incurred, and in some instances, violence escalated, libraries burned, water systems destroyed, all in pursuit of forbidden phones. The second major catalyst was the spillover of local conflicts, particularly the recent unrest in Bawku. Rivalries between tribes, which found their way into school corridors, fanned the flames of discord. “The conflict didn’t remain in the community,” Nansong explained, “it spilled into the schools, especially in rural areas. Students affiliated with opposing tribes carried tensions into classrooms, turning academic environments into battlegrounds.” It was not uncommon, he noted, for a spark in one school to ignite unrest in another. Through informal networks and social media, students coordinated actions across institutions, threatening the fragile peace that school authorities struggled to maintain. A third, subtler factor was the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy. While the initiative was lauded for making education accessible to all, it unintentionally eroded accountability. “Students now believe that regardless of their performance, they’ll remain in school. There is no demotion, no consequence for failure,” Hon. Nansong observed. “Whether they study or not, promotion is guaranteed.” This lack of academic consequence bred apathy. The abolition of corporal punishment, though a progressive step, left teachers wary. Fearful of repercussions, teachers hesitated to enforce discipline. “Students took this as license to misbehave. Teachers, uncertain of their limits, often turned a blind eye,” Nansong lamented. The cumulative effect was a student body emboldened to challenge authority, sometimes going as far as publicly insulting national leaders on social media, and a teaching staff rendered powerless to intervene. As if these challenges were not enough, the years 2023 and 2024 brought a new crisis: food shortages in schools. Adolescents, still growing and hungry, found themselves subsisting on meager rations, plain maize, garri and beans, porridge without sugar. “At that age, they cannot sustain hunger for long,” Mr. Nansong pointed out. “The lack of proper nutrition led to frustration and, for some, the riots became an outlet for their grievances.” School leaders, bound by bureaucracy and perhaps fear of reprisal, rarely spoke openly of these shortages. Yet, for those in leadership, the link between inadequate feeding and student agitation was clear. By 2025, however, the situation seemed to improve. Reports of food scarcity dwindled, and the frequency of demonstrations reduced. The only major incident that year stemmed from renewed tribal conflict, not deprivation. Hon. Nansong’s message to parents was stern: “Charity begins at home. Parents must be vigilant about what their children bring to school, especially mobile phones.” He urged parents to interrogate the source of any phone call received from their child at school, to visit schools regularly, and to keep in touch with teachers. He recounted a tragic incident where a student, believed by his parents to be attending school, drowned at a hotel swimming pool. School records revealed the student had never reported for the term. “If parents had checked, they would have known,” Nansong said, underscoring the need for constant communication between home and school. Recent debates over student appearance, particularly the directive for students to keep their hair neat and trimmed, sparked national conversation. Mr. Nansong supported the Education Minister’s stance, comparing school regulations to those of security services and training colleges. “In the security services, there are prescribed hairstyles and uniforms. Nursing trainees can’t do their hair anyhow. Why should this be an issue for our students?” he asked. He emphasized that neatness did not preclude natural hair, but rather discouraged neglect and disorder. He dismissed comparisons to the Achimota Rastafarian case, noting that religious exceptions were different from general discipline. “This is not about curtailing freedom; it’s about instilling the standards needed for communal learning and personal responsibility.” Hon. Nansong’s reflections were not a condemnation of today’s youth. “Not all students are bad,” he affirmed, “but certain behaviors threaten the peace and progress of all.” He recounted with sadness how, at Zamsi Senior High, students vandalized the senior housemaster’s office and stole confiscated mobile phones before their final exams. The responsible students were held accountable for the damages. “If a poor widow sends her child to school, and the child destroys property, it is only fair that the student pays for it,” he reasoned. “If you know
Ghana’s Economic Renewal: Vice President Engages IMF Leaders on Path to Sustainable Growth
Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has convened a high-level meeting with the heads of International Monetary Fund (IMF) country and regional offices across Africa. Against a backdrop of shifting economic tides and global uncertainty over debt and development financing, the gathering offered an opportunity to examine Ghana’s economic journey and its place within the continent’s broader narrative. Taking her seat at the table, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was resolute. She began by acknowledging the daunting challenges that had recently confronted Ghana, the currency’s turbulence, inflationary spikes, and the strain of external shocks that had tested the nation’s resilience. But she was equally determined to spotlight the progress made since those turbulent times. “Our present situation is a testament to Ghana’s resolve,” she told the assembled IMF officials. “We have moved from the brink to a place of cautious optimism. Single-digit inflation is not just a statistic, but a sign of stability returning to everyday life. The Cedi has found firmer footing, and real GDP growth is no longer a distant hope, but a present reality.” The Vice President explained that these improvements were not confined to the realm of economic indicators, they were beginning to tangibly uplift businesses, households, and communities throughout Ghana. Farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs were regaining confidence. Investment was stirring anew. The sense of renewal, she stressed, was driven by reforms owned and designed by the Ghanaian people. “These are not prescriptions handed down from abroad,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted. “They are policies we have chosen, and sacrifices we are prepared to make, knowing that the path to recovery is neither quick nor easy.” She acknowledged, however, that the role of international financial institutions such as the IMF remained significant, especially as Africa faced not only its own structural challenges but also the ripple effects of global economic pressures. Yet, there was a new current running through the continent: an emerging self-assurance and a readiness to define Africa’s development priorities on its own terms. “We are not turning away from partnership,” the Vice President clarified. “Rather, we seek collaborations that are balanced, forward-looking, and tailored to our continent’s aspirations. Our relationship with the IMF, for example, must evolve beyond crisis-response programs to embrace true, development-oriented partnership.” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang echoed the vision of President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing that Ghana’s future lay in self-reliance, but not isolation. She pointed to transformative opportunities on the horizon, notably the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises to unlock trade, investment, and innovation across borders. The conversation turned to the challenges that persisted, high borrowing costs, structural bottlenecks, and the need for coordinated action to ensure fair financing for Africa’s development. Yet, there was a palpable sense of hope: that with prudent reforms and supportive partnerships, Ghana and its neighbors could chart a course toward sustainable growth. As the meeting drew to a close, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to this new chapter. The country, she said, would continue to build on its hard-won gains, deepening reforms and strengthening the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future. And as Ghana advanced, it would do so with a clear-eyed vision, guided by national ownership, mutual respect, and a steadfast belief in the potential of its people and partnerships. In the heart of Accra, and in the corridors of global finance, the message was clear: Ghana’s economic story was entering a new phase, one defined not by crisis, but by confidence, cooperation, and the pursuit of lasting progress. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Journalist Leads Crusade Against Youth Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Schools
In an intensified effort to curb rampant substance abuse among young people, multiple award-winning journalist Mr. Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen has shifted his media campaign to school grounds. His latest stop: Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIGBOSS), where he engaged students on the dire dangers and shattered futures linked to drugs and alcohol. His journey to this podium had begun not in a newsroom, but in the shadows. It had started with a camera lens pointed into places most avert their eyes from: the ghettos. His recent documentary, bearing the grim title “Swallowed by Drugs,” was not just a piece of work; it was a testament to a deepening nightmare. The footage he captured in various ghettos was a brutal, unvarnished portrait of a generation in peril. Young men and women, some barely older than the students now before him, lost in a haze of illicit smoke and cheap alcohol, their eyes hollow, their potential leaching away into the dirt floors of derelict shacks. Watch the full documentary: He had spoken to them, these ghosts of what could have been. Their stories were a broken record of tragedy. “I started in school,” one whispered, his voice thin as paper. “My friends said it would make me feel good, make me forget my problems.” Another, shivering slightly, confessed, “It is part of me now. I cannot stop. My family, they don’t know me anymore.” Many had abandoned their education, their homes, their very identities, seduced and then enslaved by substances that promised escape but delivered only a cage. These were not faceless statistics to Ngamegbulam. They were individuals whose dreams had names: the boy who wanted to be an engineer, the girl who once aced her science exams, the aspiring footballer with lightning in his feet. Their dreams, as he would soon tell the listening students, were now “shaky.” A gentle word for a brutal truth: they were dying. Witnessing this collapse firsthand had transformed Ngamegbulam’s role from documentarian to crusader. If he could expose the problem, he reasoned, he must also try to stem the tide. And so, he had intensified his media campaign, turning his focus upstream, to the schools, to the places where the slide often begins, to the students still perched on the precipice of choice. BIGBOSS was one such stop. “If you care to know,” his voice, calm yet urgent, broke the hall’s quiet. “If you care to know, over 400 million people live with the use of alcohol disorder. Yearly, 3 million people die as a result.” He let the global scale of the tragedy hang in the air before bringing it home, sharply, painfully local. “In Ghana, over 50,000 people find themselves in this abuse. Out of that 50,000, 35,000 are students. Just like you. Thirty-five thousand.” A subtle ripple went through the crowd. The number was no longer an abstract global figure; it was a potential classmate, a friend on the next bench, a reflection in the mirror. The remaining thousands, he noted, were “our mothers and our fathers.” But the youth, the JHS and SHS students, bore the brunt. “That means these people we are talking about,” he continued, leaning into the mic, “their dream of becoming that doctor is shaky. Their dream of becoming a nurse is shaky.” He spoke not with the fire of condemnation, but with the empathy of a witness and the clarity of a guide. He dismantled the false allure of alcohol and drugs brick by brick. It was not just a health issue, he explained; it was a future-annihilator. “Through studies, now and then, it’s just a way to improve yourself. It’s a way to help your family, your society, and your country. But when you engage yourself in alcohol, you will see that those dreams will never come true.” Then, he pivoted to aspiration. He gestured beyond the school walls, towards the seats of power and influence. “You admire those in Parliament. Our MPs. You love what they do, don’t you? And you want to be like them, don’t you?” Heads nodded, almost imperceptibly. “So, how do you think you will be like those people when you engage in drinking alcohol and taking drugs? You cannot be like them.” His alternative was simple, powerful, and rooted in self-interest. “The only way we can be like them is by shying away from alcohol and drug abuse. That is the only way you can represent your community in Parliament. That is the way you can be the Speaker. That is the way you can become a minister. That is the way you can also become a president.” He was not there to lecture, he insisted. He was a messenger, delivering a warning they must carry within themselves. “I am here to actually pass this message to you so that as you are going about your duties… You should know that drug and alcohol abuse is one thing that can actually deny you your dream.” His plea became personal, communal. He asked them to remember this gathering when they returned to their homes and communities, where social gatherings often orbit around “drinks and some other goodies.” He pointed to the worrying trend in the region: “Sports [drinking spots] are becoming the order of the day… The more people patronize all these drinking spots, the more people are going to waste every day.” Then, he gave them a charge, a title to wear with pride. “I want you to be an ambassador in your community. An ambassador in your constituency. You should be in that position of also advising members of your community… because it will never help the society to grow.” He concluded with a humility that resonated deeply. He respected their time, their studies, and their busy lives. But he needed one thing from them before he left. A collective declaration. A line in the sand. “Please, you have to say, ‘Say no to drug and alcohol abuse.’ I want you to say that.” For a heartbeat, there