They explained that the strike had placed all academic activities to a halt, bringing unprecedented crises to many students.

Ms Janifer Ametepe, the Public Relations Officer of the group, in an interaction with the Ghana News Agency, GNA said the educational journey of all teacher trainees was at a standstill, which could put the future of the nation at stake.

“Without our tutors, accessing vital course materials and self-studying has become increasingly difficult.”

She insisted their academic calendar was in disarray and the crucial assessments had been postponed indefinitely.

Ms Ametepe said there was a financial burden on final-year students, especially those in rented apartments “because the In-In-Out policy system was overwhelming, which affected their mental health and well-being.”

She stated that several activities were in limbo since students could not determine whether to stay on campus or return home, whilst academic activities had stalled, jeopardising the lives of future teachers.

“We ask for a redress of the CETAG strike so it will be called off. We are also appealing for upholding of the stipulated academic calendar and a commitment to prioritise the need of teacher trainees with financial support.”

She lamented that if the government could not resolve the issues immediately, students would have to request that the colleges be closed to enable them to return home.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has ordered the Controller and Accountant General to uphold the July salary for all striking Colleges of Education teachers.

Mr Dorwu Edem Ismail, CETAG Chairman, at the Akatsi College of Education (Akatsico Chapter), told the GNA that the group was not ready to return to work until all their demands were met for productive academic activities to continue.

A visit by the GNA team to the Akatsi College of Education saw some final-year students engaged in private and group studies whilst others packed out from their respective hostels after the strike action was announced.

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Source: GNA

The Emissary of Education for Montessori Model United Nations-West Africa and Chief of Oblieman in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, Nii Ayitey Anumle Oyanka I (King Oyanka), has pledged to harness his influence and support at all international levels to drive innovation in the educational sector.

Speaking as the guest speaker at the Ga West Municipal Reading Festival (Readerfest) on July 23, 2024, he emphasized the transformative power of reading. He mentioned that, reading forms part of the basic level of every kid’s understanding and by that it is very important for all parents to take keen interest in their ward’s reading abilities.

“Reading is not merely a hobby or pastime, but a transformative experience that can empower us to reach our full potential,” he said.

King Oyanka urged the audience to renew their commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of knowledge, inspiring the next generation to embrace the written word and harness its power for good. He highlighted the significance of reading and storytelling in their culture, noting that it has always been a cherished tradition passed down through generations to educate, inspire, and entertain.

The traditional leader commended the Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Victor Noye Tawiah, for his efforts to elevate Ghana’s education sector. He emphasized that the Reading Festival will become a recurring event with evolving dimensions to continually engage and inspire students.

King Oyanka, who through diverse means has began some innovative interceptions within the educational sectors of both the Ga North and West Municipal Assembly vouched to absorb the reading festival and any other educational promotional activity within the two municipalities to make it a sustainable one.

According to him this generation of children are very intelligent and by that he as a traditional leader and influential person will make sure that the educational opportunities available at his disposal will not elude the current and next generation.

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The GA West Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Victor Noye Tawaih, has made a compelling case as he emphasized on encouraging young girls to pursue ICT studies.

Speaking at a recent event organized by the GA West Municipal Education Directorate, in collaboration with MNUN-West Africa, Mr. Tawiah highlighted the critical role technology plays in modern education and the importance of closing the gender gap in ICT participation.

“From where we stand as a country, we are beginning to see an improvement in the penetration of technology in the teaching and learning process. We believe the empowerment of girls in ICT will go a long way to ensure that we leverage the number of girls in the country against their participation in ICT because the gap is quite wide,” Mr. Tawiah said.

Mr. Tawaih elaborated on the disparity between male and female participation in ICT, emphasising that future efforts must focus on equipping schools with adequate facilities. 

“One sure way is to ensure that we have a lot more ICT facilities in our schools. We entreat the government and all stakeholders interested in developing education to ensure that we properly equip our ICT labs,” he advocated.

Addressing the issue of inadequate resources, Mr. Tawiah stressed the importance of properly outfitting ICT labs with the necessary materials and logistics. He added that when the buildings are there without the requisite tools to study, it remains dormant.

“If you have an ICT lab that is almost empty, you can’t teach the subject. We’re encouraging as many people as possible to support us in building and equipping ICT facilities,” he urged. This initiative is seen as a cornerstone for successfully integrating technology into education.

In addition to his focus on ICT, Mr. Tawiah also highlighted the significance of reading in the educational development of young learners. He introduced the theme of the reading festival: “Learn to read, read to learn, read to explore.”

According to Mr. Tawiah, reading skills are fundamental for students to thrive in the 21st century. “If you can’t read, you can’t understand whatever is going on in your world, so reading forms a basis for our learners to acquire knowledge and understand their immediate environment,” he explained.

The reading festival, organised for the first time in two years, aims to showcase the reading talents of early graders and inspire others to develop a love for reading. 

“The essence of this activity is not only to help learners display their talents and skills in reading but also to encourage those who may not be interested. By seeing what their peers are doing, they will be encouraged to demonstrate and express an interest in reading”.

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The government in 2021 deducted 30 percent of teachers’ salaries to undertake the “one teacher one laptop” project. But the teachers claim over 50 thousand of their colleagues nationwide have not received their laptops despite paying for them.

Some teachers and members of the National Council of the Ghana National Association of Teachers booed the Deputy Minister for Education, Prof. Kingsley Nyarko, at their annual National Council Meeting in Kumasi.

They prevented the deputy minister from delivering his speech on behalf of the government as the council prepared to open their week-long annual meeting.

The opening ceremony of the Council’s meeting was consequently disrupted.

The teachers are demanding that the government fulfills its “One Teacher One Laptop” initiative after making the teachers’ pay for them. “

The GNAT and two other teacher unions in May this year embarked on a nationwide strike to demand better service conditions.

The National Labour Commission which served as a mediator gave government June ending to honour its part of the contract by supplying the outstanding.

SOURCE: MYJOYONLINE

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The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency, Gifty Twum Ampofo has urged students to take interest in volunteerism and internships during vacation immediately after school. This, she said will equip them with the requisite skills and the technical know-how to take-up vacant positions when the opportunity opens. Mrs. Twum Ampofo was advising students during the maiden graduation ceremony organized for the final year students of the St. Paul’s Technical Institute at Kukurantumi in the Abuakwa North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

During the maiden graduation ceremony to formally usher the final year students into the world and say goodbye to them as they take a terminal point of their life, Mrs. Twum Ampofo advised the graduands to desist from negative vices that will tarnish the prestigious image of SPATS. She further advised them to use their cell phones and social media positively and not to use it as a conduit to insult people and other negative activities.

In an interview with GBC NEWS, the Principal of SPATS, Benjamin Adjabeng noted that due to the performance of students who graduate from the school, the Akosombo Textile Limited, ATL, has offered internship opportunities for graduates and students of the Institute. Mr. Adjabeng reiterated that in this 21st century the perception that academically dull students are those who pursue technical education is fading out and further urged parents to prioritize technical education for their wards.

The Assistant Director of Administration at the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, Kwabena Osei Kuffour advised the students not to be discouraged and feel hopeless if their final year results did not qualify them to the tertiary level, but rather, they should use the opportunity to participate in apprenticeship to acquire skills in artisanship to make a living.

The maiden graduation saw the graduating of over 581 students graduating from the various programmes offered at SPATS. St. Paul’s Technical Institute, SPATS, at Kukurantumi was established in February 1957 by the Society of the Divine Word Missionaries of the Catholic Church in Ghana. It is the first technical school established by the Catholic Church in Ghana to equip the youth with employable technical skills. The Institute with over two thousand students currently offers Automobile Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Hardware, Building Construction, Wood Construction, Welding and Fabrication, Solar Photovoltaic System Technology, among others.

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The founder of Svani Group and the the co-founder of the Fidelity Bank, Mr. Thomas Svanikier says, Service to others is a cornerstone of a meaningful life. He believes through service that people can find purpose and make a lasting impact. He added that excellence is not an act but a habit that requires continuous effort, a commitment to improvement, and the courage to set high standards.

Mr Svaniker who was addressing the 31st Congregation of the Valley View University in Accra as a special guest of honour emphasized that “Integrity is the foundation upon which all other values rest. It is about being honest, ethical, and true to your principles, even when faced with challenges”.

He added that “this will guide the students through the complexities of life, and help them to make decisions that you can be proud of”.

Mr Svaniker also noted that given the challenges that confront Ghanaians, especially the youth, the tendency to sacrifice integrity and transparency on the altar of selfish desires and personal gains is high. It is therefore imperative that the graduates and for that matter the youth imbibe some time tested virtues such as patience and strong ethics which will be their guiding principles to surmount the challenges of the times.

“As you embark on your careers, let integrity be the hallmark of your actions. Build trust through transparency and earn respect through ethical conduct”.

He therefore advised the graduates that although Ghana is in the era of rapid change and unpredictability, they should be adaptable, stay curious, and continue to learn.

Mr Svanikier encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence, uphold integrity, and serve with compassion. In doing so, they will not only navigate uncertain times but also create a brighter, more promising future for themselves and those around them.

“Uncertainty can be daunting, but it is also a time of immense opportunity. The world is evolving, and with it, new possibilities are emerging. When I ventured into the financial sector and founded Fidelity Bank, the economic landscape was filled with uncertainties. However, by embracing innovation and staying resilient, we were able to grow and thrive.Similarly, you will face uncertainties in your careers and personal lives. Approach them with a mindset of curiosity and optimism. Seek out opportunities in the midst of challenges and use your creativity to carve out new paths”.

The 31st Congregation was themed: “Embracing Excellence, Integrity, and Service in Uncertain Times.”

Mr Svanikier was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the Valley View University for his meritorious service to humanity.

President Akufo-Addo anld wife Rebecca Akufo-Adoo graced the occasion. The President was honoured an honorary doctorate degree from Valley View University on Sunday, 14th July 2024.

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The Principal of Oasis International School, Mrs. Afua Dake has urged graduates of the school to eschew complacency, and rather focus on their individual dreams to achieve greatness in their endeavors.

She said, their graduation marks the beginning of another pedestal of life which requires concerted effort, dedication, and persistence to carry through.

She was speaking at the 11th Graduation and Speech and Prize-giving day of the school on Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Accra.

Over a period of 13 years, Oasis International School has grown organically from a handful of children learning the alphabet in a small house, to what is now about 600 pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Oasis International School is a learning center of global standards. The Ghanaian culture has also been an integral part of grooming, and this enables the school to imbue creativity and confidence in every child.

Mrs Afua Dake told the graduates not to succumb to circumstances and societal pressures to cut short their dreams, but to be determined and turn challenges into opportunities.

The Chief Executive Officer, of the School, Mrs. Christine-Marie Nyantakyi said the school has driven the performance of students through hard work and Perseverance.

She called for more investment in the education sector to ensure that no child is left behind.
“If there is any we have incanted in you over the years that you have been with the school, it is hard work because we believe in it. And we believe that hard work is the only dignified way to be successful in life”.

Austin Arhin Kusi was the overall best student of the school. He expressed gratitude to the school’s authorities for being impactful to the school.

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The qualifications of teachers in Africa are to be harmonized to ensure that learners across the continent receive standardized quality education.

The harmonization which will be done by the African Union will also address the deficit of teachers in the various member states.

The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation at the AU, Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, in an interview in Accra on the sidelines of the Sixth African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meetings, said the Commission is currently working on the document that will see the realization of the drive.

According to him, the African continent has a 15 million teacher deficit which needs to be bridged by 2030 to achieve Universal Primary Coverage and secondary education.

Acknowledging challenges in Africa’s educational sector which include lack of investment, poor school attendance and disparities in learning outcomes, Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, said although education is in crisis around the world, especially in Africa, the AU is working on policies to improve outcomes.

“We are working on the document to ensure the qualification of teachers is harmonized. There is a deficit so, it will ensure that even though the content is different, the quality will be standardized for the pupils. “

He further explained that “Education in every middle income and low income country is challenged generally and performance is quite different depending on the expenditure on education. Indeed, in Africa, education is in crisis, and so there is a need for more investment into the sector by the individual countries. “

While encouraging countries to explore the use of AI to improve educational outcomes, Prof. Mohammed Belhocine, called for regulation and state-of-the-art infrastructure to take full advantage.

UNESCO, estimates that about 90 billion dollars is needed to finance education in Africa to attain the needed impact.

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The President of International Union University, (IUU), Professor Dr. Muhammed Khair Al-Gabbani, and his partners have announced the provision of educational scholarships to 500 brilliant but needy Ghanaian students to study abroad.

The IUU President and partners are in Ghana to construct a library and a museum in honour of Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. 

The ground made the announcement when they called on Dr. Nuhu Sharubutu in Accra, 

“This year, 500 brilliant and needy students in Ghana stand to benefit from free educational scholarships offered by the International Union University. 

The online scholarship application process will soon be opened for students aspiring to further their education at the university. 

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to attend professional universities in Indonesia, Turkey, and Iran, he reiterated.

According to Dr. Al-Gabbani, a robust education system not only broadens access to opportunities but also enhances health and strengthens community resilience. “Simultaneously, it fuels economic growth to reinforce and accelerate these positive processes,” he noted. 

Dr.Al-Gabbani stated that plans are underway to secure land for the construction of a library and museum in honour of Ghana’s National Chief Imam, Dr. Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, with the groundbreaking expected in September 2024. 

One of the brains behind this initiative, Mr. Nana Yaw Nsiah, believes the construction of a library and museum in the country will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Ghana’s youth.

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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NACCA), has engaged stakeholders in the Oti Region as part of plans to educate stakeholders on the new curriculum for Senior High and Technical schools.

After the new curriculum was introduced by the current government, text books are yet to be introduced by the Ghana Education Service to be used by students at the Senior level.

With this challenge, NACCA has been engaging stakeholders in the country to get their understanding of the new curriculum yet to be introduced.

The Acting Oti Regional Director of Education, Mrs Irene Jacquelinda Attabra, said the global educational landscape is evolving and Ghana is not left behind.

Mrs Irene Jacquelinda Attabra added that, due to the exposure to the content and structure of the new Senior High school (SHS), Senior High Technical school (SHTS), and  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum, there is evidence that it aligns with international best practices, capable of equipping our leaders with 21st century skills and competencies for their further studies, world of work, and adult life and ultimately preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

She said, guided by the education strategic plan (ESP 2018–2030), the development of the curriculum has been a meticulous process, involving the widest stakeholders’ engagement ever, trials, as well as, national and international reviews to ensure its effectiveness. “It is refreshing to note therefore that the new curriculum is very unique,it is learner-entered, promotes Ghanaian value, and ensures inclusivity.”

Nana Okogyeama Asiedu Koram ll, the Paramount Chief of Apesokubi and Representative of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, said in his address that the Chiefs in Oti Region are always ready to support education in Oti Region, be it in infrastructure or any other help the Regional Education may need.

Nana Asiedu added, that the Chiefs in Oti Region have pledged to support education in the Region and made available lands for the education projects.

In addressing and taking the participants through the work of NACCA and how the new curriculum looks, the Cooperate Affairs Director at NACCA, Madam Rebecca Adu Gariba, charged parents, teachers, and students to take the news curriculum seriously, especially the students, because they are the end users of the new curriculum.

Madam Gariba told participants that the work of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NACCA, has made it possible that after graduation from the SHS, SHTS, and STEM, students will be equipped with skills training and will be able to do things on their own, unlike when students are only taken through the theory system.

According to Madam Gariba, the new curriculum has added new things where students will now be taught about things around them and not about things they have no knowledge about.

The Communication and ICT Coordinating Director, Madam Mabel Viviey, emphasised that guidance and counselling coaches are being trained to provide support to learners on subject combinations and their implications for future career pathways.

Madam Viviey said the teachers are now to use the learning areas, and students will be allowed to select subjects on their own and will be able to change those subjects when the need arises.

NACCA has two more Regions to engage in the new curriculum in the country.

According to NACCA, the curriculum implementation will commence in all SHS, SHTS, and STEM schools at the beginning of 2024/2025 academic year.

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