UER: Interior Ministry Snubs Offer for Temporal Passport Office Proposal by Alagumgube
The Upper East Region is facing a daunting challenge in applying for passports, this is because since 1957 till date, the region cannot boast of a single room called ‘Passport Office’ and it’s a situation that has become a “shameful and embarrassing” for the leadership of Alagumgube a Ghanaian diaspora community in the United States of America. Apexnewsgh reports According to Mr. Gabriel Agambila, President of the Organization Alagumgube, the difficulties encountered by the people of the Upper East Region in applying for and renewing their passports are alarming. The problem is so dire that people are risking their lives traveling to Tamale and Wa in the Upper West Region just to apply for and renew their passports. This has prompted Mr. Agambila to write a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting their permission and intervention on a pressing matter. However, he further revealed his plea seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Despite his efforts, he has not received any response or acknowledgment from the Ministry. As a leader hungry for the welfare of his people, Mr. Agambila is eager to resolve this issue, he had hoped that the Ministry would take his request seriously and provide the necessary assistance. But the silence from the Ministry has left him feeling ignored and disheartened. To address this issue, Mr. Agambila and members of Alagumgube are offering to provide temporary office space for passport applications in the region. The organization is also willing to provide computers to facilitate the application process until a permanent office is constructed by the government. The Upper East Region, with a population of over 1.3 million people, is one of the most populous regions in Ghana. Despite this, the region lacks a dedicated passport office, forcing residents to rely on alternative, often inconvenient, options. Mr. Agambila’s offer to provide temporary support is a welcome gesture, but unfortunately, such a gesture can only be materialized with the cooperation of the Interior Ministry. Unfortunately, the construction of the Passport Application office which was started over 2 years ago has not seen the light of the day. The Project is currently abandoned with no sign of work going on. Painfully, CSOs in the Upper East Region are comfortable with such unfortunate development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Apaak: CHASS’ Letter Exposes Challenges in Free SHS, Mahama Has a Plan
A recent letter from the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) to the government has sparked renewed debate on education reform in Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports The letter, dated November 13, 2024, highlights critical concerns over the implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy, citing severe shortages of essential resources that have left schools struggling to function effectively. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has seized upon this letter as validation of former President John Dramani Mahama’s proposed educational reforms. Mahama’s plan aims to address the “debilitating implementation challenges” faced by the FSHS initiative. According to Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, NDC’s spokesperson on education, the issues raised by CHASS echo long-standing criticisms of the Akufo-Addo administration’s management of FSHS. Dr. Apaak emphasized that parents, guardians, and education sector stakeholders should be “gravely concerned” about the deteriorating situation. He criticized the NPP government and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for appearing indifferent to the plight of students and educators across the country. Mahama’s vision also includes technological advancements, such as introducing artificial intelligence labs in select schools, enhancing digital literacy, and providing laptops and tablets for students. Additionally, he pledges to restore the role of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and foster partnerships with religious institutions in school management. Mahama also plans to address corruption in the school placement system by making the Computerized School Selection & Placement System (CSSPS) merit-based and transparent. Dr. Apaak emphasized that Mahama’s track record in education reform demonstrates his capability to effectively address Ghana’s educational challenges. According to Dr. Apaak, Mahama “will not inflate enrollment figures” or “compromise on quality,” as has been alleged against the current administration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com