Help Government To Provide Quality Education

A DEPUTY Director in charge of examinations in the Accra Metropolis, Kwesi Asante, has called on parents and teachers to complement government’s efforts in providing quality basic education.

He made this clear at a ceremony by the St Paul’s Lutheran School to mark its fifteenth graduation and second speech day held Saturday in Accra.  

Mr. Asante noted that in as much as government must be responsible for the provision of infrastructure and the development of curricula to enhance teaching and learning, parents had the responsibility to provide favorable learning environment for their wards.  

He cited the need for parents to secure prescribed books for their wards, pay fees and provide adequate pocket money, and ensure that the child adopts the character of learning among others as some of the numerous roles they have to play towards the provision of excellent basic education.

The Examination Director pointed out the need for parents to make good investments in educating their children based on the fact that education is sufficient legacy that they can bequeath to them.

He said teachers must also take advantage of modern innovations and equip themselves with adequate knowledge to impart in their students but also indicated the need for school managements to motivate their staff to deliver efficiently.

“There are innovations each day and teachers must update their knowledge and skills through in-service training programmes, workshops and further education. The teacher must be dedicated to work, employ modern techniques of teaching and use the right resources in lesson delivery” He emphasized.

Speaking on the theme Excellent Basic Education in the 21^st Century, Mr. Asante recorded that the provision of quality education was a key to poverty eradication hence must not be subjected to political wrangling.

A section of grandaunts at the ceremony 

Jemimah Yarquah, Executive Manager of the School, announced that there was an outright ban on corporal punishment in the school.  She said students instead are guided by sets of rules and regulation with their corresponding punishment.

She also mentioned the existence of an electronic platform for the school where school information such as terminal reports, registrations and others could be accessed.

The ceremony witnessed the presentation of awards to deserving students in pre-school, primary, and out gone JHS students amidst colorful performances.

Inflation Rises To 11.4%

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has announced an increase in the general price level of goods and services for June 2013.

The year-on-year inflation rate, as recorded by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of June, stood at 11.4 percent compared to 11.1 percent in May 2013.

The monthly change rate for the month also stood at 2.6 percent in relation to the 2.8 percent recorded for May.

According to the CPI, prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 6.3 percent while alcohol and tobacco recorded an inflation rate of 15.8 percent. 

In the non-food category, communication recorded the lowest inflation of 0.9 percent while housing, water, electricity, gas and other utilities recorded highest inflation of 17.4 percent.  

While clothing and footwear recorded 17 percent, transport, education, hotels and restaurants, health, recreation and culture also recorded 13.1 percent, 16.9 percent, 15.3 percent, 12.4 percent and 15.2 percent respectively in June.  

On regional level, Greater Accra recorded the highest inflation of 13.3 percent in both the food and non-food categories while the Brong-Ahafo region recorded the lowest inflation of 9.7 percent.

Dr.Philomena Nyarko

Acting Government Statistician, Dr Philomena Nyarko, who announced the figures yesterday in Accra, admitted the increase in fuel prices contributed largely to the recent inflation figures.

She predicted that inflation will reduce during the harvest season.  

She also indicated that prices of goods and services in the Upper West and East regions would be recorded separately in subsequent computations.

PRINPAG Cautions Media

THE PRIVATE Newspaper Printers Association of Ghana, PRINPAG, has cautioned owners and publishers of newspapers to ensure that editors and reporters present accurate information on the ongoing court petition to the public.

Executive Secretary, Kenteman Nii Laryea Sowah, indicated in a statement issued on behalf of the association that it is important for journalists to report concisely on the landmark court proceedings rather than express personal opinions and comments that may be pre-judicial to the process.

He made reference to the recent incarceration of Mr. Ken Kuranchie, Managing Editor of Daily Searchlight, and a member of the association who is currently serving a 10-day prison term as the basis for the admonishment.

The Executive Secretary in the statement also advised presenters and panelists who engage in newspaper reviews on mornings shows to be circumspect in discussing issues relating to the Supreme Court case and avoid the use of inflammatory language and comments.

Kenteman Nii Laryea Sowah

Mr. Sowah further appealed of members the association to respect the independence and integrity of the 9-member panel of the Supreme Court and give fair and factual reportage on the proceedings.

He therefore reminded reporters of the various newspapers on the specialized nature of court reporting and emphasized the need to seek further explanation and clarity on information they gather from spokespersons of petitioners and respondents as well as the Court Registrar when the need arises.

He reiterated however that PRINPAG would continue to co-operate and collaborate with the Court in the performance of their constitutional mandate to ensure the conclusion of the election petition with a verdict that reflects truth and transparency which will be an indication to the Ghanaian electorate and the international community that Ghanaians are capable of managing their political affairs.

Why the Pretence?

I wonder why some people always say they are OK when in actual fact, they are not. 

I don't know why some pretend they understand everything but in reality, they don't capture anything. 

At other times too, they act like they are busy but in reality, they are lonely. 

Also, some people convince others that they just want to be friends, but what they really want is more than friendship. 
It baffles me when a guy or girl knows that the person they love has someone else but still pretend it doesn't hurt them, when it actually torments them inside.

Some people also pretend they've moved on, but the truth is, they still waiting. 

Finally, what confuses me the most is when somebody say ''it's over with him or her'', when in actual fact, they mean the opposite of they say. 

I just can't imagine what keeps some people from feeling free to express their exact feelings. Whatever the case may be, I believe one needs not pretend because life is like an ice-cream; we need to eat it before it melts.

Compassion International Gives Shoes to Kids

Compassion International Ghana, a Christian Non Governmental Organization, has presented cartons of brand new shoes to 250 children at the Pentecost Child Development Center at Oyarifa, Accra.

The intervention formed a part of the organization’s Shoe Purchase and Distribution Programme to cater for the health needs of children in deprived communities and also to support those who shy away from school due to lack of school going materials to develop the interest of going school.

Patricia Kubuafor presenting the shoes to Mr,John Anaman

Padmore Baffour Agyapong, Country Director of Compassion Ghana indicated that the support is also to complement the efforts of parents to keep their children in school considering that parents have the desire to educate their children but majority are often faced with financial difficulties.

Mr. Agyapong stated the gesture in the Greater Accra region would be extended to six three communities in the Eastern, Volta, and Central regions in which a total of 12,906 shoes valued at 51,624.00 US Dollars will be distributed as a form of protection for less privileged children especially in situations where some go to school without shoes to ensure they are safe from foot borne diseases that they are likely to contract.

He also noted that needy children must not be left to their fate and pointed out the need for society to be proactive in addressing challenges they face.

Patricia Kubuafor, Partnership Supervisor of the organization, presenting the items stressed that the organization will not relent on its effort to contribute to the holistic development and welfare of disadvantaged children through partnership with churches across the country.   

John Anaman, District Pastor of the Church of Pentecost, was grateful the organization for taking up an initiative that reflected what they stand for and expressed hope that children who benefit from the programme would grow to attain high levels in society.

He therefore appealed to other benevolent organizations in the country to walk in the path of Compassion Ghana International.

Compassion International Ghana began operation in 2005 and has succeeded in establishing more than 100 child development centers to provide needy children the opportunity to rise above their circumstances to realize their dream and become what God created them to be.

MTN CLIMAX YELLOW CARE PROJECT

MTN Ghana has officially brought to an end the 21 days of Yellow Care Project in Accra with a number of activities.  

The 21 Days of Yellow Care Project is an annual community enhancement programme, which enables MTN staff across all its 22 operating countries to set aside 21 days in the month of June, to volunteer and undertake community development projects in the communities in which it operates. 

The company through the voluntary project undertook a total of 18 educational projects in selected communities across the country.

Notable among them is the refurbishment of six school blocks at Osu Salem Junior High School which has not seen any major rehabilitation since its establishment according to a staff member of the school. 

Seven schools as part of the project also benefited from Information Computer Technology (ICT) training centers as well as career counseling sessions.

MTN also introduced a pilot video conferencing service which is aimed at creating a virtual classroom for easy learning and interaction between students and teachers.

The technology which will allow both privileged and less endowred schools in the country to tap knowledge from one another through the internet was first introduced to the La and Osu Presbyterian Senior High Schools which are to benefit from it at no cost for two months.

The telecommunications service provider also extended helping hands to the staff and students of some schools for death in locations such as WA, Savelegu, Jamasi, Bechem and Mampong.

Mrs. Amma Benneh Amposah, acting Chief Executive Officer of MTN, at the closing ceremony in Accra indicated that the company would also continue to invest in other sectors of the economy such as the health sector aside the effort to improve on education in the country.

She added that the company would also invest in the network and technology infrastructure to ensure that customers experience the cutting edge service delivery. She was therefore full of gratitude for individual and corporate partners that contributed their quota to the success of the voluntary the company undertook.  

The head teacher of Star Basic School, a beneficiary of a fully furnished computer laboratory and other learning materials, expressed gratitude to the company and assured maintenance of the materials adding that they would go a long way impact positively on teaching and learning in the school.

The global theme for this year’s projects was “Investing in Education”, and the sub-theme for Ghana was “Education – A Tool for Development”.        

‘EMULATE VALUES OF THE KENTE’

Queen Asabea Cropper has asked Ghanaians to revisit the concept behind the weaving of the traditional the Kente Cloth and take inspiration from it in order to continue to live as united people.     

The celebrated Queen of Highlife recalled that the cloth was designed on the idea of unity in diversity in which the same thread with different colours was used in the creation the traditional masterpiece hence it is important for all persons to adopt this philosophy and live together as a nation with different backgrounds.

Queen Asabea made the call at the launch of Kente Festival in Accra scheduled for September this year’s on the theme “drawing inspiration from the Kente cloth to unit Ghana for development.”

She noted that the essence of the festival is to create a platform on which Ghanaians from all walks of live would be brought together to appreciate the need to live in harmony and encourage the youth to pass the wisdom behind the cloth to generations to come.

Describing the intricate nature of the traditional cloth, she indicated that it was designed on the spirit of humility, patience, love, understanding and communal spirit, and added that people need to emulate these values.

She also highlighted the commendations from some great leaders that encouraged her and her brother Nene Agyeman Cropper also known as the Kenteman to continue projecting the image of the traditional masterpiece.

Queen Asabea Cropper, Agyman Cropper with Deputy Torism Minister, Dzifa Gomashie and David Donto at the festival launch

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Dzifa Gomashie, also expressed the need for all Ghanaians to promote and patronize the Kente cloth and contribute to the sustenance of the creative industry adding that it is important to appreciate what belonged to us other than giving preference to those of other cultures.  

Activities lined up for the weeklong Kente festival include Kente, and Fugu and Beads Exhibition, presentation of awards to Ghanaians in the diaspora, courtesy calls on presidents of the National and the ten Regional House of Chiefs.

Queen Asabea Cropper and the Kenteman in the company of Jaydu Blay Ambolley also treated audience to resounding highlife music at the launch.

UG NAMES LAW FACULTY AFTER MILLS,OTHERS

The University of Ghana, Legon, has named its Faculty of Law and four other buildings after some prominent persons who made significant inputs to the development of the university.

The Faculty of Law Building

The Faculty of Law building is now called Atta Mills-Akua Kuenyehia in recognition of Prof Evans Atta Mills who secured the initial funds for the construction, procurement of generators and elevators for the building when he was President while Prof. Akua Kuenyehia was credited for ensuring the completion of the building as Dean of the faculty.

The naming ceremony which formed a part the university’s 65^th  anniversary had some major establishments such as the School of Performing Arts Dancehall, the School of Nursing Building, the Science and Physics Laboratories were named after Prof. Alberta Mawere Opoku, Prof. Ayodele Akiwumi, Prof. Adzei Bekoe and Prof R.D Beata respectively.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, indicated that the Law Faculty building which stands out as one of the modern structures on the campus was named after the late President Mills and Prof Kuenyehia due to their hard work and vision for the growth of the faculty. 

He added that the naming was also to inspire individual academics to dream big and think far about means through which they can contribute to the growth of the university. 

Dr. Cadman Mills who was at the naming of the Law Faculty described the gesture by the university as one which his late brother would have cherished most considering that he spent 25 years of his life at the faculty.

Nutifafa Kuenyehia, husband of Prof Kuenyehia and Dr. Mills both expressed gratitude to the university for the honour done their families.

Prof. Alberta Mawere Opoku was cited for formalizing dance education in Ghana and her effort in the establishment of the Department of Dance Studies.

Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Vice Chancellor of the University together with Dr. Cadman Mills unveilling the plague at the  Law Faculty.

Prof. Ayodele Akiwumi was honoured for playing crucial roles in the commencement of undergraduate nursing programme in the university, Prof. Adzei Bekoe for his service as a Pro Vice-Chancellor and Prof R.D Beata was remembered for imparting knowledge in students in the field of Physics.