29-08-08
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THE government is developing a bill which will provide a comprehensive law to guide Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in raising private capital and other resources, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, has said.
The Local Government Bill, he said, would “establish a Municipal Finance Authority with the mandate to mobilise resources from both internal and external resources on behalf of the MMDAs, to channel them into productive ventures”.
Mr Baah-Wiredu, who said this at the opening of a two-day inter-district forum at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Accra, underscored the need for alternative and affordable sustainable sources of financing to be sought for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
That, he said, would wean them off the central government financing and at the same time ensure sustainable and consistent development at the rural level since the implementation of decentralisation came with additional financial responsibilities.
Mr Baah-Wiredu said domestic revenue had become weak due to several reasons, including over-reliance on central government transfers, which were also under very intense pressure from all quarters of the economy.
“The capital markets, both domestic and international, are one of such alternative sources of financing for governments, private sector and districts. Capital markets have always served as a cheaper source of long term capital, which is mostly required for rural development,” he stated.
He said the bill would also include mechanism for knowledge transfer to MMDAs in any area which lacked the capacity to contribute to rapid economic empowerment, growth and poverty reduction.
Mr Baah-Wiredu indicated that the bill would also help the functioning of the Ghana Municipal Finance and Management Initiative, which is to assist MMDAs to significantly increase their internally generated funds, identify ways of minimising and finally eliminating financial leakages, among other things.
The Managing Director of African Connections Ghana Limited, a business consultancy firm, Dr Ayesha S. Hakeem, said this was the time for the country to accelerate the pace of her economic development toward achieving middle income status by re-invigorating her financial system and creating a bond market which would enable her to cost effectively borrow locally and internationally for sustainable rural development.
“In order to ensure middle income status, Ghana must commit its resources in a manner that allowed it to accelerate development. This requires the public and private sectors to take full advantage of current financial market conditions,” she said, adding that in order to develop a vibrant bond market, there was the need for regular in-service financial training for local government officials.
She said there was therefore the need to facilitate capacity building for MMDAs to recognise and understand various financial solutions available to them, saying that such capacity building would assist MMDAs to put in place internal structures that would serve as catalysts for collaboration with the private sector in a public-private partnership.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
'There are more avenues for BECE candidates'
Page 50
28-08-08
A DEPUTY Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Mrs Angelina Baiden-Amissah, has said the inability of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates to qualify for senior high schools does not mean that they have failed.
According to her, there were other avenues such as vocational and technical schools through which they could continue their education.
Reacting to recent concerns about the alleged failures of BECE candidates, Mrs Baiden-Amissah said 50 per cent of BECE candidates were able to qualify for senior high schools last year, and that the ministry was expecting more candidates to qualify this year.
A section of the media had reported that 50 per cent of BECE who wrote 2007 and 2008 examination had failed.
But Mrs Baiden-Amissah said although the candidates did not fail, the ministry was not happy with about half of the candidates not being able to qualify for senior high school.
She blamed the failure of some candidates to secure the required marks for qualification for placement into senior high schools on the candidates themselves, parents and teachers.
She said most final-year junior high school (JHS) candidates did not take their studies seriously, adding that they spent time watching pornographic and other movies instead of using their precious time to study.
Mrs Baiden-Amissah also said some parents did not care about the education of their children as they did not take the pain to go to their (children’s) schools to find out the progress of academic work.
Some parents, she said, left the house at dawn and returned late, thereby unable to monitor what their children did, and stressed the need for parents to show interest in their children’s education.
For teachers, she said, some of them were not serious as they did not sit in class but spent time doing other things, saying that some teachers did not even prepare lesson plans, let alone notes.
Mrs Baiden-Amissah said the government would continue to provide social intervention programmes such as the Capitation Grant and School Feeding Programme, as well as facilities to ensure effective teaching and learning.
28-08-08
A DEPUTY Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Mrs Angelina Baiden-Amissah, has said the inability of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates to qualify for senior high schools does not mean that they have failed.
According to her, there were other avenues such as vocational and technical schools through which they could continue their education.
Reacting to recent concerns about the alleged failures of BECE candidates, Mrs Baiden-Amissah said 50 per cent of BECE candidates were able to qualify for senior high schools last year, and that the ministry was expecting more candidates to qualify this year.
A section of the media had reported that 50 per cent of BECE who wrote 2007 and 2008 examination had failed.
But Mrs Baiden-Amissah said although the candidates did not fail, the ministry was not happy with about half of the candidates not being able to qualify for senior high school.
She blamed the failure of some candidates to secure the required marks for qualification for placement into senior high schools on the candidates themselves, parents and teachers.
She said most final-year junior high school (JHS) candidates did not take their studies seriously, adding that they spent time watching pornographic and other movies instead of using their precious time to study.
Mrs Baiden-Amissah also said some parents did not care about the education of their children as they did not take the pain to go to their (children’s) schools to find out the progress of academic work.
Some parents, she said, left the house at dawn and returned late, thereby unable to monitor what their children did, and stressed the need for parents to show interest in their children’s education.
For teachers, she said, some of them were not serious as they did not sit in class but spent time doing other things, saying that some teachers did not even prepare lesson plans, let alone notes.
Mrs Baiden-Amissah said the government would continue to provide social intervention programmes such as the Capitation Grant and School Feeding Programme, as well as facilities to ensure effective teaching and learning.
Ghana creates environment for business to thrive
Page 29,2008
28-08-08
GHANA has made enormous progress in creating an enabling environment for business to thrive, the Manager of Employers Training at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr Arnout De Koster, has said.
According to him, the fact that Ghana has placed sixth among 46 African nations in the area of doing business, demonstrates the progress made by the country thus far.
Mr Koster stated this at the opening of a three-day workshop on Effective Employers’ Organisations being attended by representatives of the Ghana Employers Association, Council of Indigenous Business Association (CIBA) and the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
He said the issues of starting business and employers legislation were some of the challenges confronting the country, and that the workshop was, among other things, aimed at addressing those challenges.
He said the ILO, a United Nations body, was not only composed of governments but also of employers associations and trade unions.
The President of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), Mr Charles Cofie, said employers organisations were an essential part of every country and representing business interests with a strong voice.
He said further that employers organisation had challenges and constraints inhibiting their effectiveness and that addressing them would require enhanced skills, competence, desirable behaviour and capacity building.
He mentioned that the GEA had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dutch counterpart through which the Dutch would provide technical as well as financial assistance to the association.
Mr Cofie said also that the Dutch had presented the GEA with $25,000, and that the money would support the association’s data advocacy programme.
A representative of the Dutch Employers Corporation Programme, Mr Andrew Moore, said the programme was to provide development assistance to developing countries.
28-08-08
GHANA has made enormous progress in creating an enabling environment for business to thrive, the Manager of Employers Training at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr Arnout De Koster, has said.
According to him, the fact that Ghana has placed sixth among 46 African nations in the area of doing business, demonstrates the progress made by the country thus far.
Mr Koster stated this at the opening of a three-day workshop on Effective Employers’ Organisations being attended by representatives of the Ghana Employers Association, Council of Indigenous Business Association (CIBA) and the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
He said the issues of starting business and employers legislation were some of the challenges confronting the country, and that the workshop was, among other things, aimed at addressing those challenges.
He said the ILO, a United Nations body, was not only composed of governments but also of employers associations and trade unions.
The President of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), Mr Charles Cofie, said employers organisations were an essential part of every country and representing business interests with a strong voice.
He said further that employers organisation had challenges and constraints inhibiting their effectiveness and that addressing them would require enhanced skills, competence, desirable behaviour and capacity building.
He mentioned that the GEA had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dutch counterpart through which the Dutch would provide technical as well as financial assistance to the association.
Mr Cofie said also that the Dutch had presented the GEA with $25,000, and that the money would support the association’s data advocacy programme.
A representative of the Dutch Employers Corporation Programme, Mr Andrew Moore, said the programme was to provide development assistance to developing countries.
Tears, Grief at Kasoa-as about 100 houses demolished on court order
Page 1 Lead
28-08-08
FIFTEEN bulldozers backed by scores of armed policemen yesterday pulled down more than 100 houses around the Lamptey-Mills area at Kasoa in the Central Region.
The exercise, which started around 7am, was carried out with the aid of some young men in yellow T-shirts with the inscription Vannettee at the back.
They were conveyed by two buses with registration numbers GR 8332 D and GT 1428 F.
At the time the Daily Graphic team arrived at the scene around 8am, a large crowd had gathered in the area with some of those whose houses were affected distraught. They had all their belongings, ranging from clothes, beds, television sets and other personal effects outside their demolished buildings.
As the bulldozers rumbled through the structures, with hundreds of stranded residents wailing and weeping uncontrollably, one person collapsed while a 74-year old visually-impaired woman screamed out curses. The old woman attracted attention as her building was reduced to rubbles, leaving her stranded in the process.
Sitting on the stair leading to the porch of her demolished building, the 74-year old woman, Madam Adzo Agboada, told the Daily Graphic that she was at home in the morning when the police and bulldozers moved in and asked her to vacate her building.
“When I asked them why, nobody told me anything, but directed me to come out and started demolishing the building after throwing our personal effects out,” she said.
She said she had nowhere to lay her head as she had nowhere to go, adding that an amount of GH¢400 which was entrusted to her care got missing in the course of the demolition.
Madam Agboada said no prior notice was given to the residents before the commencement of the exercise.
Another landlady, Gladys Baah, who wept as she spoke to the Daily Grahic, said she was just about to prepare for her daily morning chores when the police and some young men in yellow T-shirts, together with the bulldozers, moved to her house.
“They asked me to get out as the men in yellow T-shirts went into the house and started bringing our things outside,” she said, saying that when she enquired why the action was being undertaken, “I was told by the police and young men that they were carrying out a court order”.
According to her, nobody showed her anything, and indicated that with her building demolished, she had nowhere to take her belongings, let alone sleep.
A banker, Mr Rexford Antwi-Boasiako, who was seen rushing to see the state of his house, said he was at work when one of his relatives called to tell him that his building was being demolished.
He, like the others, said no prior notice was given before the exercise began, adding that “even if they were going to do something like that, they should inform us”.
Margaret Vorsah, another victim, said she did not know whether the place was under dispute or not.
The Kasoa District Police Commander, Superintendent Isaac Buabeng, told the Daily Graphic that the police were in the area to carry out a court order.
He, however, said the exercise had been suspended for now.
The Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Rose Bio Atenga, said the police did not carry out the demolition and that the police were only there to provide security to carry out the Swedru High Court ruling in favour of Hilda Attoh-Dedei Nettey against Ngleshie Amanfro per Nii Kwashie Glorlor II and Ngleshie Amanfrom, Accra.
She said on February 6, 2008 a letter signed by Mr Senyo Dzamefe, Justice of the High Court, was recieved by the police.
The letter, she said, read “the plaintiff, having obtained judgement for recovery of possession of land lying and situated at Odukpong Ofankor in the Awutu Efutu Senya District, specifically obtained in her relief land registry number 3143/1976 and also an order to go into execution granted and dated 4th May, 2005”.
Accordingly, she said, the court requested a reasonable number of police personnel to assist bailiff to execute the writ of possession.
DCOP Atenga said portion of a reminder to the regional commander dated 20th August, 2008 and signed by the Registrar of the Court, Mr Emmanual Donkor, said “this court wishes to remind you of its readiness to carry out with the said execution from 27th day of August”.
She said the Central Regional Commander was asked by the court to assist the plaintiff, Hilda Nettey, to recover “possession of her land” because armed land guards had encroached on the land.
DCOP Atenga said the police headquarters were duly informed after which checks were made at the court to see whether or not there was a stay of execution, saying that the checks showed that there was none.
She denied that 2000 policemen were sent to the area, explaining that the whole region had about 1,500 policemen.
She said 100 police personnel were dispatched to the area to help the bailiff effect the court order, but added that the exercise had to be suspended as a result of security concerns.
Mrs Atenga stated that announcements of the demolition were made in some newspapers and on some radio stations in the country.
An executive member of the Lamptey-Mills Landlords Association, Alhaji Salifu Demsu, told the Daily Graphic that the case was pending at the Appeal’s Court and the Stool Land Boundary Settlement Commission.
He said the landlords were under the Amanfro Stool, and was awaiting the next line of action of the stool.
He said six stools — Ngleshie Amanfro, Papaase, Odukpong Ofankor, Gomoa Fetteh, Awutu and Senya Bereku — were contesting the land in question.
28-08-08
FIFTEEN bulldozers backed by scores of armed policemen yesterday pulled down more than 100 houses around the Lamptey-Mills area at Kasoa in the Central Region.
The exercise, which started around 7am, was carried out with the aid of some young men in yellow T-shirts with the inscription Vannettee at the back.
They were conveyed by two buses with registration numbers GR 8332 D and GT 1428 F.
At the time the Daily Graphic team arrived at the scene around 8am, a large crowd had gathered in the area with some of those whose houses were affected distraught. They had all their belongings, ranging from clothes, beds, television sets and other personal effects outside their demolished buildings.
As the bulldozers rumbled through the structures, with hundreds of stranded residents wailing and weeping uncontrollably, one person collapsed while a 74-year old visually-impaired woman screamed out curses. The old woman attracted attention as her building was reduced to rubbles, leaving her stranded in the process.
Sitting on the stair leading to the porch of her demolished building, the 74-year old woman, Madam Adzo Agboada, told the Daily Graphic that she was at home in the morning when the police and bulldozers moved in and asked her to vacate her building.
“When I asked them why, nobody told me anything, but directed me to come out and started demolishing the building after throwing our personal effects out,” she said.
She said she had nowhere to lay her head as she had nowhere to go, adding that an amount of GH¢400 which was entrusted to her care got missing in the course of the demolition.
Madam Agboada said no prior notice was given to the residents before the commencement of the exercise.
Another landlady, Gladys Baah, who wept as she spoke to the Daily Grahic, said she was just about to prepare for her daily morning chores when the police and some young men in yellow T-shirts, together with the bulldozers, moved to her house.
“They asked me to get out as the men in yellow T-shirts went into the house and started bringing our things outside,” she said, saying that when she enquired why the action was being undertaken, “I was told by the police and young men that they were carrying out a court order”.
According to her, nobody showed her anything, and indicated that with her building demolished, she had nowhere to take her belongings, let alone sleep.
A banker, Mr Rexford Antwi-Boasiako, who was seen rushing to see the state of his house, said he was at work when one of his relatives called to tell him that his building was being demolished.
He, like the others, said no prior notice was given before the exercise began, adding that “even if they were going to do something like that, they should inform us”.
Margaret Vorsah, another victim, said she did not know whether the place was under dispute or not.
The Kasoa District Police Commander, Superintendent Isaac Buabeng, told the Daily Graphic that the police were in the area to carry out a court order.
He, however, said the exercise had been suspended for now.
The Central Regional Police Commander, DCOP Rose Bio Atenga, said the police did not carry out the demolition and that the police were only there to provide security to carry out the Swedru High Court ruling in favour of Hilda Attoh-Dedei Nettey against Ngleshie Amanfro per Nii Kwashie Glorlor II and Ngleshie Amanfrom, Accra.
She said on February 6, 2008 a letter signed by Mr Senyo Dzamefe, Justice of the High Court, was recieved by the police.
The letter, she said, read “the plaintiff, having obtained judgement for recovery of possession of land lying and situated at Odukpong Ofankor in the Awutu Efutu Senya District, specifically obtained in her relief land registry number 3143/1976 and also an order to go into execution granted and dated 4th May, 2005”.
Accordingly, she said, the court requested a reasonable number of police personnel to assist bailiff to execute the writ of possession.
DCOP Atenga said portion of a reminder to the regional commander dated 20th August, 2008 and signed by the Registrar of the Court, Mr Emmanual Donkor, said “this court wishes to remind you of its readiness to carry out with the said execution from 27th day of August”.
She said the Central Regional Commander was asked by the court to assist the plaintiff, Hilda Nettey, to recover “possession of her land” because armed land guards had encroached on the land.
DCOP Atenga said the police headquarters were duly informed after which checks were made at the court to see whether or not there was a stay of execution, saying that the checks showed that there was none.
She denied that 2000 policemen were sent to the area, explaining that the whole region had about 1,500 policemen.
She said 100 police personnel were dispatched to the area to help the bailiff effect the court order, but added that the exercise had to be suspended as a result of security concerns.
Mrs Atenga stated that announcements of the demolition were made in some newspapers and on some radio stations in the country.
An executive member of the Lamptey-Mills Landlords Association, Alhaji Salifu Demsu, told the Daily Graphic that the case was pending at the Appeal’s Court and the Stool Land Boundary Settlement Commission.
He said the landlords were under the Amanfro Stool, and was awaiting the next line of action of the stool.
He said six stools — Ngleshie Amanfro, Papaase, Odukpong Ofankor, Gomoa Fetteh, Awutu and Senya Bereku — were contesting the land in question.
Police mount search for Kasoa killer driver
Page 30
26-08-08
THE police have mounted a man-hunt for the driver of a Mercedes cargo vehicle that killed five persons near the toll booth on the Malam-Kasoa road last Sunday afternoon.
The driver of the bus with registration number GW 776 S, escaped from the accident scene when his vehicle ran into two other vehicles, thereby trapping some hawkers, killing five of them on the spot.
ACP Daniel Avorga, Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) told the Daily Graphic that the Benz bus would be taken to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) for testing, adding that “we will make sure the driver is traced”.
He expressed concern about the attitude of drivers who absconded from accident scenes, saying that if they (drivers) were not in any danger there was no need to leave the scenes till the police arrived.
He said for the fear of being tested by the police on the spot, drivers who drove drunk or were on drugs, bolted before the police arrived.
ACP Avorga said a lot of accidents were as a result of human error induced by drugs and alcohol.
He said in all 17 persons, mainly hawkers, of which five died, were involved in the accident, and that some of the victims were sent to the Winneba Government Hospital, others to the Kasoa Health Post and the rest to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
He said the accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred when the driver of a Mercedes Benz bus attempted to overtake other vehicles in traffic at the toll booth area.
ACP Avorga said it was in the process of overtaking, that the bus ran into the other vehicles ahead of it, trapping some of the hawkers, killing three of them on the spot.
26-08-08
THE police have mounted a man-hunt for the driver of a Mercedes cargo vehicle that killed five persons near the toll booth on the Malam-Kasoa road last Sunday afternoon.
The driver of the bus with registration number GW 776 S, escaped from the accident scene when his vehicle ran into two other vehicles, thereby trapping some hawkers, killing five of them on the spot.
ACP Daniel Avorga, Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) told the Daily Graphic that the Benz bus would be taken to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) for testing, adding that “we will make sure the driver is traced”.
He expressed concern about the attitude of drivers who absconded from accident scenes, saying that if they (drivers) were not in any danger there was no need to leave the scenes till the police arrived.
He said for the fear of being tested by the police on the spot, drivers who drove drunk or were on drugs, bolted before the police arrived.
ACP Avorga said a lot of accidents were as a result of human error induced by drugs and alcohol.
He said in all 17 persons, mainly hawkers, of which five died, were involved in the accident, and that some of the victims were sent to the Winneba Government Hospital, others to the Kasoa Health Post and the rest to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
He said the accident, which involved three vehicles, occurred when the driver of a Mercedes Benz bus attempted to overtake other vehicles in traffic at the toll booth area.
ACP Avorga said it was in the process of overtaking, that the bus ran into the other vehicles ahead of it, trapping some of the hawkers, killing three of them on the spot.
Code of practice for caterers
Page 11
27-08-08
THE Food and Drugs Board (FDB) is collaborating with the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) to develop a code of practice to guide caterers providing food for pupils under the programme.
The move is to ensure that beneficiary children are fed with meals prepared under strict hygienic conditions, as well as ensure the overall success of the programme.
Mr Kofi Essel, acting Head of the Food Inspectorate Department of the FDB, announced this at a meeting between officials of the GSFP and caterers under the programme in Accra at the weekend.
He said it was the mandate of the Board to ensure that foods were prepared in a manner that would not injure those who ate them, adding that it was sad to hear of food vendors using ingredients that were not approved to prepare food.
Under the code of practice, he said, the Board would have an audit team that would undertake surprise visits to the premises of the caterers to observe whether or not the code was being adhered to.
Mr Essel urged the caterers not to take food safety, handling and transportation for granted because any lapse could have serious effects on the health of the pupils.
He expressed concern about the manner in which some food vendors coloured the food they prepared for the public, saying that there were also traders who coloured the food items they sold.
He cited the coloration of pork, turkey meat and palm oil, among other things.
The National Co-ordinator of the GSFP, Mr Michael Nsowah, warned that anyone, especially caterers, who tried to sabotage the programme would be expelled.
He appealed to districts who consciously delayed payments to caterers to desist from such unhealthy practices.
Mr Nsowah urged the caterers to be professional in what they did, saying that “reports had it that some food for the pupils were prepared overnight”.
He charged the caterers to prepare food under very good conditions, since other reports had shown that the manner in which some foods were prepared left much to be desired.
Mr Nsowah said the District Implementation Committee, School Implementation Committee and the District Nutrition Officers should always meet and plan the menu for the day.
The spokesperson for the caterers, Mrs Juliana Woode, expressed concern about delays in payments to them and stressed the need for early payments to enable them to prepare adequately and ahead of time.
Some of the caterers deplored the manner in which some teachers were interfering in the operations of the programme, adding that teachers went to the extent of questioning foods that were prepared on certain days.
The caterers said some head teachers admitted pupils throughout the academic year and noted that such situations affected the number of students who were to benefit from the programme.
27-08-08
THE Food and Drugs Board (FDB) is collaborating with the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) to develop a code of practice to guide caterers providing food for pupils under the programme.
The move is to ensure that beneficiary children are fed with meals prepared under strict hygienic conditions, as well as ensure the overall success of the programme.
Mr Kofi Essel, acting Head of the Food Inspectorate Department of the FDB, announced this at a meeting between officials of the GSFP and caterers under the programme in Accra at the weekend.
He said it was the mandate of the Board to ensure that foods were prepared in a manner that would not injure those who ate them, adding that it was sad to hear of food vendors using ingredients that were not approved to prepare food.
Under the code of practice, he said, the Board would have an audit team that would undertake surprise visits to the premises of the caterers to observe whether or not the code was being adhered to.
Mr Essel urged the caterers not to take food safety, handling and transportation for granted because any lapse could have serious effects on the health of the pupils.
He expressed concern about the manner in which some food vendors coloured the food they prepared for the public, saying that there were also traders who coloured the food items they sold.
He cited the coloration of pork, turkey meat and palm oil, among other things.
The National Co-ordinator of the GSFP, Mr Michael Nsowah, warned that anyone, especially caterers, who tried to sabotage the programme would be expelled.
He appealed to districts who consciously delayed payments to caterers to desist from such unhealthy practices.
Mr Nsowah urged the caterers to be professional in what they did, saying that “reports had it that some food for the pupils were prepared overnight”.
He charged the caterers to prepare food under very good conditions, since other reports had shown that the manner in which some foods were prepared left much to be desired.
Mr Nsowah said the District Implementation Committee, School Implementation Committee and the District Nutrition Officers should always meet and plan the menu for the day.
The spokesperson for the caterers, Mrs Juliana Woode, expressed concern about delays in payments to them and stressed the need for early payments to enable them to prepare adequately and ahead of time.
Some of the caterers deplored the manner in which some teachers were interfering in the operations of the programme, adding that teachers went to the extent of questioning foods that were prepared on certain days.
The caterers said some head teachers admitted pupils throughout the academic year and noted that such situations affected the number of students who were to benefit from the programme.
Raising standard of English laguage, parents have role to play
PAGE 11
27-08-08
PARENTS and guardians have a major role to play in raising the standard of written and spoken English of students, a Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr John Nyoagbe, has said.
According to him, the burden of falling standard of English must not be put on teachers alone since they were playing their expected roles.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview, Mr Nyoagbe said, English Language could not only be learnt “within the confines of the periods allocated on the timetable in the classroom”, hence the need for all to support in that direction.
The home, he said, could compliment what happened in the school in many ways.
“The traditional Ghanaian practice is that some parents go out and return home with candies, pastries and bread to children. They can change that by bringing home simple supplementary readers so that the children can read them side by side with the textbooks,” he said.
Mr Nyoagbe said that would go a long way to help students to comprehend the language, enrich their vocabulary and style of writing English.
As parents and guardians play their role, he suggested that teachers revisited some of the old, but effective methods of teaching which impacted positively on children.
“Teachers themselves sometimes may have to revisit some of the old methods where you have to let the letters of the English alphabet contrast with the letters of the Ghanaian language alphabet.”They are not necessarily the same, they overlap at certain points,” he stated.
Mr Nyoagbe said teachers must also know how to get the sounds that went with the various letters; the consonants that were hard and those that were soft, among other things.
He said although English teachers might be teaching English reading skills, comprehension, summary, composition writing and predisposing students to the element of literature, the individual subject teacher and parents had a role to play too.
Participants at a national forum on the falling standard of English language, organised by the Ghana Education Service (GES), called for effective collaboration among the service, teachers and parents to improve written and spoken English in the country.
They requested the GES to organise refresher courses in English grammar for teachers, and asked the teachers to modify their teaching techniques.
The participants attributed the falling standard of English to the poor quality of teachers, the failure of many students to study English as a subject and the lack of effective teaching methods.
The aim of the forum was to find ways of arresting the falling standard of English in schools as indicated by a GES research.
27-08-08
PARENTS and guardians have a major role to play in raising the standard of written and spoken English of students, a Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Mr John Nyoagbe, has said.
According to him, the burden of falling standard of English must not be put on teachers alone since they were playing their expected roles.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in an interview, Mr Nyoagbe said, English Language could not only be learnt “within the confines of the periods allocated on the timetable in the classroom”, hence the need for all to support in that direction.
The home, he said, could compliment what happened in the school in many ways.
“The traditional Ghanaian practice is that some parents go out and return home with candies, pastries and bread to children. They can change that by bringing home simple supplementary readers so that the children can read them side by side with the textbooks,” he said.
Mr Nyoagbe said that would go a long way to help students to comprehend the language, enrich their vocabulary and style of writing English.
As parents and guardians play their role, he suggested that teachers revisited some of the old, but effective methods of teaching which impacted positively on children.
“Teachers themselves sometimes may have to revisit some of the old methods where you have to let the letters of the English alphabet contrast with the letters of the Ghanaian language alphabet.”They are not necessarily the same, they overlap at certain points,” he stated.
Mr Nyoagbe said teachers must also know how to get the sounds that went with the various letters; the consonants that were hard and those that were soft, among other things.
He said although English teachers might be teaching English reading skills, comprehension, summary, composition writing and predisposing students to the element of literature, the individual subject teacher and parents had a role to play too.
Participants at a national forum on the falling standard of English language, organised by the Ghana Education Service (GES), called for effective collaboration among the service, teachers and parents to improve written and spoken English in the country.
They requested the GES to organise refresher courses in English grammar for teachers, and asked the teachers to modify their teaching techniques.
The participants attributed the falling standard of English to the poor quality of teachers, the failure of many students to study English as a subject and the lack of effective teaching methods.
The aim of the forum was to find ways of arresting the falling standard of English in schools as indicated by a GES research.
Best teachers awards launched
27-08-08
Spead
A TOTAL of 82 teachers nationwide will be given awards at this year’s National Best Teacher Awards ceremony slated for October 7, 2008 at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.
A Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Mrs Angelina Baiden-Amissah, who announced this at the launch of the 2008 best teacher award scheme, said the number of teachers who would be rewarded this year had been increased by 20.
She said the overall best teacher would receive a house valued at $55,000 while the first runner-up would take home a 1.8 cc saloon car worth $22,000 plus a computer with full accessories with the second runner-up receiving a 1600 cc saloon car worth $18,000 plus a computer and accessories.
The other award winners, she said, would receive computers, double deck fridges, television sets among other items.
She said apart from the selection of the best teacher and two runners-up, award winners were selected from the basic education, senior high, teacher training, vocational and technical institutions with others being French teachers and ICT teachers and the rest being non-teaching staff.
Mrs Baiden-Ammisah said the awards scheme was to give teachers recognition and rewards for good work done, adding that “the objective of the scheme is to provide a target for teachers to aspire to, encourage excellence in professional performance among teachers, provide incentives for teachers to give of their best in their chosen profession”.
Under the criteria for selection, she said, circuit supervisors shortlisted the names of outstanding teachers in their circuits during normal inspection of schools, and the names of those shortlisted were sent to the district directors of education.
“Head teachers are also encouraged to submit names of their teachers who have excelled in performance to their district directors. The criteria for selection of award winners include professional competence, personality factors, contribution to the community, length of service, innovativeness and creativity in the teaching profession among others,” she said.
Mrs Baiden-Amissah indicated that the teacher was the pivot of development and must be recognised and honoured, saying that motivation in the form of incentives was a factor that closely affected the performance, work and the overall efficiency of any organisation.
The chairpersons of the ceremony, Mr Daniel Wilson and Ms Georgina Addo, who represented United Bank for Africa (UBA) and MTN respectively, pledged to support the awards scheme.
This year’s awards ceremony, which is the 14th, is on the theme: “Teachers Matter”.
Spead
A TOTAL of 82 teachers nationwide will be given awards at this year’s National Best Teacher Awards ceremony slated for October 7, 2008 at Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region.
A Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Mrs Angelina Baiden-Amissah, who announced this at the launch of the 2008 best teacher award scheme, said the number of teachers who would be rewarded this year had been increased by 20.
She said the overall best teacher would receive a house valued at $55,000 while the first runner-up would take home a 1.8 cc saloon car worth $22,000 plus a computer with full accessories with the second runner-up receiving a 1600 cc saloon car worth $18,000 plus a computer and accessories.
The other award winners, she said, would receive computers, double deck fridges, television sets among other items.
She said apart from the selection of the best teacher and two runners-up, award winners were selected from the basic education, senior high, teacher training, vocational and technical institutions with others being French teachers and ICT teachers and the rest being non-teaching staff.
Mrs Baiden-Ammisah said the awards scheme was to give teachers recognition and rewards for good work done, adding that “the objective of the scheme is to provide a target for teachers to aspire to, encourage excellence in professional performance among teachers, provide incentives for teachers to give of their best in their chosen profession”.
Under the criteria for selection, she said, circuit supervisors shortlisted the names of outstanding teachers in their circuits during normal inspection of schools, and the names of those shortlisted were sent to the district directors of education.
“Head teachers are also encouraged to submit names of their teachers who have excelled in performance to their district directors. The criteria for selection of award winners include professional competence, personality factors, contribution to the community, length of service, innovativeness and creativity in the teaching profession among others,” she said.
Mrs Baiden-Amissah indicated that the teacher was the pivot of development and must be recognised and honoured, saying that motivation in the form of incentives was a factor that closely affected the performance, work and the overall efficiency of any organisation.
The chairpersons of the ceremony, Mr Daniel Wilson and Ms Georgina Addo, who represented United Bank for Africa (UBA) and MTN respectively, pledged to support the awards scheme.
This year’s awards ceremony, which is the 14th, is on the theme: “Teachers Matter”.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Vodafone assures GT workers
Page 20
22-08-08
THE Management of Vodafone Plc says in spite of the company's acquisition of majority shares in Ghana Telecommunications Company (GT),the nation’s premier telecom operator will still have Ghanaians at the helm of affairs.
Speaking to journalists at a briefing in Accra, the Leader of the Vodafone Management Team, Mr Eric Bourland, said a number of Vodafone officials from its affiliates across the world would initially be in Accra to ensure a smooth transition.
"We expect to inject some expertise, but it would not be long term. Over the period, it would be Ghanaians who would be in charge and Ghanaian expertise would also be deployed in other places where Vodafone operates," he said, adding that "this is how we do it".
Mr Bourland said from time to time, the company would be having experts coming in to improve operations.
He commended the Ghanaian management of the company for their commitment, saying that their expertise would be required to make the giant leap Vodafone intended to introduce in the Ghanaian telecommunications industry.
He explained that while management would accelerate the deployment of new equipment and services that matched the Vodafone brand, moving from current standards at Ghana Telecom to Vodafone standards would take some time.
Mr Bourland said clients of the company would start seeing changes in three months after the acquisition of majority stake and installation of new equipment.
He mentioned the M-PESA system, among a host of products that would be introduced in the country, adding that the M-PESA is a simple cost-efficient means of transferring money to friends, family and loved ones.
He noted that Vodafone was in the process of relaying equipment that would make services and products of the company more appealing to clients and potential clients.
"Our solutions are customised to meet the needs of each person of an entire enterprise to any level in any industry. To succeed in our delivery of service, we rely on the understanding of our customers and this is what we are committed to doing in Ghana".
He explained that there were various levels of needs that must be met and noted that soon the company would be the leader in both products and services.
Asked why Vodafone decided to invest in Ghana, Mr Bourland said it was part of Vodafone's strategy to provide cheap and efficient telecom services for its clients all over the world.
"We would wish to be judged by our actions, we believe that we are qualified and have the record of accomplishment to change the face of telecommunications in the country and we will do this by demonstrating it on the job.
"We will deliver on our promises and show that we are the right choice," Mr Bourland noted, giving the assurance that "we would work closely with the government and people of Ghana to achieve set targets".
He noted that with the passion shown by the staff, Vodafone had no option but to deliver on its charge of making GT the best in the country.
GT is currently the nation's third mobile phone operator with about 1.4 million subscribers. It also has a fixed line client base of 476,000, which includes 14,000 broadband customers.
22-08-08
THE Management of Vodafone Plc says in spite of the company's acquisition of majority shares in Ghana Telecommunications Company (GT),the nation’s premier telecom operator will still have Ghanaians at the helm of affairs.
Speaking to journalists at a briefing in Accra, the Leader of the Vodafone Management Team, Mr Eric Bourland, said a number of Vodafone officials from its affiliates across the world would initially be in Accra to ensure a smooth transition.
"We expect to inject some expertise, but it would not be long term. Over the period, it would be Ghanaians who would be in charge and Ghanaian expertise would also be deployed in other places where Vodafone operates," he said, adding that "this is how we do it".
Mr Bourland said from time to time, the company would be having experts coming in to improve operations.
He commended the Ghanaian management of the company for their commitment, saying that their expertise would be required to make the giant leap Vodafone intended to introduce in the Ghanaian telecommunications industry.
He explained that while management would accelerate the deployment of new equipment and services that matched the Vodafone brand, moving from current standards at Ghana Telecom to Vodafone standards would take some time.
Mr Bourland said clients of the company would start seeing changes in three months after the acquisition of majority stake and installation of new equipment.
He mentioned the M-PESA system, among a host of products that would be introduced in the country, adding that the M-PESA is a simple cost-efficient means of transferring money to friends, family and loved ones.
He noted that Vodafone was in the process of relaying equipment that would make services and products of the company more appealing to clients and potential clients.
"Our solutions are customised to meet the needs of each person of an entire enterprise to any level in any industry. To succeed in our delivery of service, we rely on the understanding of our customers and this is what we are committed to doing in Ghana".
He explained that there were various levels of needs that must be met and noted that soon the company would be the leader in both products and services.
Asked why Vodafone decided to invest in Ghana, Mr Bourland said it was part of Vodafone's strategy to provide cheap and efficient telecom services for its clients all over the world.
"We would wish to be judged by our actions, we believe that we are qualified and have the record of accomplishment to change the face of telecommunications in the country and we will do this by demonstrating it on the job.
"We will deliver on our promises and show that we are the right choice," Mr Bourland noted, giving the assurance that "we would work closely with the government and people of Ghana to achieve set targets".
He noted that with the passion shown by the staff, Vodafone had no option but to deliver on its charge of making GT the best in the country.
GT is currently the nation's third mobile phone operator with about 1.4 million subscribers. It also has a fixed line client base of 476,000, which includes 14,000 broadband customers.
Library complex for Winneba
Page 17
22-08-08
A ONE-STOREY community library complex estimated at GH¢100,000 is being constructed at Winneba in the Central Region.
The project will comprise a computer room with internet facility, a religious section and an area for children, among other things. The facility is at the foundation stage and is being undertaken through a self-help initiative.
According to the Omanhen of the Effutu Traditional Area, Nenyi Ghartey VII, the facility was being constructed to meet the growing number of students in the area and to provide a fitting place through which they could study after school.
He told the Daily Graphic at a ceremony during which Winneba citizens in Italy presented 100 bags of cement to support the construction of the library project, that the early completion of the library would depend on the availability of funds.
Nenyi Ghartey, therefore, appealed to Winneba citizens home and abroad, philanthropists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support the project to help improve the standard of education in the area, adding that “we are thinking of putting up a meeting room so that the youth associations can use it as a meeting place”.
Currently, he said, youth groups met under sheds and sometimes at drinking spots.
He said the establishment of a community library was mooted by Mrs Comfort Boison, a lecturer at the University of Education, adding that the chiefs also embraced the idea and prepared the plan to that effect.
“A church that was visiting Winneba from the US, the Baptist Tabernacle Church, accepted to support the project,” he said.
The Winneba branch of the Word Miracle Church International (WMCI) is the local partner to the project.
The representatives of the Winneba Citizens in Italy, Mr Prince Entsiwah and Ms Agnes Appiah, indicated that the support was part of their contribution to raise the standard of education in the area.
The town, apart from the university, currently boasts four senior high schools and about 30 public and private basic schools in addition to vocational schools.
22-08-08
A ONE-STOREY community library complex estimated at GH¢100,000 is being constructed at Winneba in the Central Region.
The project will comprise a computer room with internet facility, a religious section and an area for children, among other things. The facility is at the foundation stage and is being undertaken through a self-help initiative.
According to the Omanhen of the Effutu Traditional Area, Nenyi Ghartey VII, the facility was being constructed to meet the growing number of students in the area and to provide a fitting place through which they could study after school.
He told the Daily Graphic at a ceremony during which Winneba citizens in Italy presented 100 bags of cement to support the construction of the library project, that the early completion of the library would depend on the availability of funds.
Nenyi Ghartey, therefore, appealed to Winneba citizens home and abroad, philanthropists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support the project to help improve the standard of education in the area, adding that “we are thinking of putting up a meeting room so that the youth associations can use it as a meeting place”.
Currently, he said, youth groups met under sheds and sometimes at drinking spots.
He said the establishment of a community library was mooted by Mrs Comfort Boison, a lecturer at the University of Education, adding that the chiefs also embraced the idea and prepared the plan to that effect.
“A church that was visiting Winneba from the US, the Baptist Tabernacle Church, accepted to support the project,” he said.
The Winneba branch of the Word Miracle Church International (WMCI) is the local partner to the project.
The representatives of the Winneba Citizens in Italy, Mr Prince Entsiwah and Ms Agnes Appiah, indicated that the support was part of their contribution to raise the standard of education in the area.
The town, apart from the university, currently boasts four senior high schools and about 30 public and private basic schools in addition to vocational schools.
Communication Workers Union welcomes GT-Vodafone deal
Page 21
21-08-08
THE Communication Workers Union (CWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has welcomed the Parliamentary approval of the government’s decision to offload 70 per cent of its shares in Ghana Telecom to the British giant, Vodafone.
The National Chairman of the CWU, Mr David Korley Clottey, told the Daily Graphic that the union was happy that there was financial support for GT, but added that “we, however, hope that it would work for the better”.
All along, he said, the workers had advocated a capital injection, which they believed the management could use for the betterment of the company, but the management on its part said it needed a partner.
“We were not against the sale of GT per se. It is the government that is supposed to ensure that GT stands,” he emphasised.
Mr Clottey indicated that during the discussions, workers were always concerned with the aspects of the agreement that affected them, and “that is what we were trying to find explanation for”.
Those, he said, were about the restructuring and the payment of benefits, among other things, adding that labour was not clear about those issues.
As regards payment, he said the CWU had expected that $40 million towards employee restructuring expenditure would remain with the company and not the government.
“We had wanted the money to be in an escrow account so that management and the union can administer it,” he stated, and indicated that the CWU was still in discussions with the government on the matter.
Mr Clottey noted that another aspect the CWU was not clear about was what the fate of the workers would be after the separation of the training school from GT.
“As leaders, we were in for these explanations,” he said, adding that “we are still not clear about this and are seeking clarification.
He said now that the deal had been approved, workers would have to re-orient their minds, and that they would contribute their quota for the success of the company.
“As we expect better prospects from Vodafone, they would also expect better prospects from us. We would have to re-orient our minds and be in self readiness to perform,” he emphasised.
He said the CWU expected Vodafone to use the company’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in dealing with workers, now that agreement had been approved for it to take over.
“ I have confidence in the workers,” he said.
The decision of the government to off-load 70 per cent of Ghana Telecom to Vodafone over the past couple of weeks, received mixed reactions from sections of the public.
The deal, which received overwhelming support from the GT work force, was, however, kicked against by the opposition parties and pressure groups such as the Committee for Joint Action.
The government stated that its intention to sell part of its stake in Ghana Telecom was not to short-change Ghanaians but to guarantee the viability, security and future of a strategic state asset.
21-08-08
THE Communication Workers Union (CWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has welcomed the Parliamentary approval of the government’s decision to offload 70 per cent of its shares in Ghana Telecom to the British giant, Vodafone.
The National Chairman of the CWU, Mr David Korley Clottey, told the Daily Graphic that the union was happy that there was financial support for GT, but added that “we, however, hope that it would work for the better”.
All along, he said, the workers had advocated a capital injection, which they believed the management could use for the betterment of the company, but the management on its part said it needed a partner.
“We were not against the sale of GT per se. It is the government that is supposed to ensure that GT stands,” he emphasised.
Mr Clottey indicated that during the discussions, workers were always concerned with the aspects of the agreement that affected them, and “that is what we were trying to find explanation for”.
Those, he said, were about the restructuring and the payment of benefits, among other things, adding that labour was not clear about those issues.
As regards payment, he said the CWU had expected that $40 million towards employee restructuring expenditure would remain with the company and not the government.
“We had wanted the money to be in an escrow account so that management and the union can administer it,” he stated, and indicated that the CWU was still in discussions with the government on the matter.
Mr Clottey noted that another aspect the CWU was not clear about was what the fate of the workers would be after the separation of the training school from GT.
“As leaders, we were in for these explanations,” he said, adding that “we are still not clear about this and are seeking clarification.
He said now that the deal had been approved, workers would have to re-orient their minds, and that they would contribute their quota for the success of the company.
“As we expect better prospects from Vodafone, they would also expect better prospects from us. We would have to re-orient our minds and be in self readiness to perform,” he emphasised.
He said the CWU expected Vodafone to use the company’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in dealing with workers, now that agreement had been approved for it to take over.
“ I have confidence in the workers,” he said.
The decision of the government to off-load 70 per cent of Ghana Telecom to Vodafone over the past couple of weeks, received mixed reactions from sections of the public.
The deal, which received overwhelming support from the GT work force, was, however, kicked against by the opposition parties and pressure groups such as the Committee for Joint Action.
The government stated that its intention to sell part of its stake in Ghana Telecom was not to short-change Ghanaians but to guarantee the viability, security and future of a strategic state asset.
'Be guided by national philosophy in education'
Page 43
21-08-08
TEACHERS must be made to keep the national philosophy of education in mind and allow this to influence the way they teach, a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. S.M. Quartey, has stated.
“It is a truism that many of our teachers are not aware of the philosophy of education in Ghana. It is equally true that the few who know it have not carefully given thought to it and they have not considered how this philosophy should influence the way we teach the subject and how it should be assessed at the various levels,“ he said.
Prof. Quartey said this when he presented a paper on “Making Subject Associations Contribute Effectively Towards the Success of the Education Reform” organised by the Consultative Council for Teachers Associations (CCTA) in Accra.
He noted that subject teachers associations in the country needed to have peer discussions on the philosophy of education and national development objectives at the various levels to ensure their members work towards them.
“This calls for a re-examination of the way we teach. At our conferences and workshops therefore, teachers should be selected to demonstrate the best of practices in the teaching of our subject,” he appealed, adding that members should feel willing to articulate their views and experiences in the teaching of specific topics for others to learn.
Prof. Quartey said while subject associations could continue to encourage the presentation of well-researched articles, they should allocate time to examine chief examiners reports from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) on the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
He said the subject associations should have time to examine the type of questions set for the final examinations and their comments should be forwarded to the appropriate quarters for study and rectification.
“The new education reforms pose many challenges in its implementation and subject teachers associations are to be concerned about these. Subject teachers associations are to ensure that teachers are constantly updated about the new ideas in the subject and how to teach the subjects effectively,” he said.
Prof. Quartey indicated that the major contribution that subject associations could make to the educational reform was to ensure that those who taught the subjects did so effectively.
He stressed the need for all teachers to identify themselves with the associations of subjects they were teaching, saying that “new ideas about the subjects do emanate from these teachers associations”.
21-08-08
TEACHERS must be made to keep the national philosophy of education in mind and allow this to influence the way they teach, a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. S.M. Quartey, has stated.
“It is a truism that many of our teachers are not aware of the philosophy of education in Ghana. It is equally true that the few who know it have not carefully given thought to it and they have not considered how this philosophy should influence the way we teach the subject and how it should be assessed at the various levels,“ he said.
Prof. Quartey said this when he presented a paper on “Making Subject Associations Contribute Effectively Towards the Success of the Education Reform” organised by the Consultative Council for Teachers Associations (CCTA) in Accra.
He noted that subject teachers associations in the country needed to have peer discussions on the philosophy of education and national development objectives at the various levels to ensure their members work towards them.
“This calls for a re-examination of the way we teach. At our conferences and workshops therefore, teachers should be selected to demonstrate the best of practices in the teaching of our subject,” he appealed, adding that members should feel willing to articulate their views and experiences in the teaching of specific topics for others to learn.
Prof. Quartey said while subject associations could continue to encourage the presentation of well-researched articles, they should allocate time to examine chief examiners reports from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) on the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
He said the subject associations should have time to examine the type of questions set for the final examinations and their comments should be forwarded to the appropriate quarters for study and rectification.
“The new education reforms pose many challenges in its implementation and subject teachers associations are to be concerned about these. Subject teachers associations are to ensure that teachers are constantly updated about the new ideas in the subject and how to teach the subjects effectively,” he said.
Prof. Quartey indicated that the major contribution that subject associations could make to the educational reform was to ensure that those who taught the subjects did so effectively.
He stressed the need for all teachers to identify themselves with the associations of subjects they were teaching, saying that “new ideas about the subjects do emanate from these teachers associations”.
'Set up continental exams body'
Page 28
21-08-08
THE immediate past Vice- Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, has called on African governments to start up plans to set up a continental examination body to carry out assessment in disciplines such as science, mathematics and languages.
“The assessment should be comprehensive and should cover the context of education in the participating countries. This body should be well equipped with the best available measurement experts, IT experts and data analysts,” he said, adding that the body should also provide comparative data on the various education systems.
Prof Anamuah-Mensah who made the call at the opening of the 26th annual conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) in Accra , also called on teachers and examination bodies in Africa to diversify their modes of assessments “to enable students to apply their knowledge and skills in a scholastic as well as out-of-school context”.
The week-long conference which is being hosted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is being attended by representatives from 18 countries.
It is on the theme: “Contemporary Trends and Tools in Educational Assessment”.
The AEAA is an umbrella organisation of educational assessment and examining bodies in Africa that meets annually to review current trends in educational assessment.
Prof Anamuah-Mensah indicated that assessment had a powerful role to play in the new educational reforms that were sweeping across the continent, and that an effective assessment process could help achieve the stated outcomes of education by directing policy decisions.
“Examining bodies could play a major role in ensuring that education meets national needs and aspirations through the type of assessment models that are perpetuated. The nature of the assessment models could influence classroom instruction,” he stated.
He noted that although the practice of incorporating teachers’ assessment records into public examinations was laudable, a lot needed to be done to reduce the biases to ensure that teachers submitted valid and reliable records.
Prof Anamuah-Mensah said teachers lacked the competence of assessment and the interpretation of assessment results needed to be reviewed, and that “an on-going school-based in service training on test construction, especially, higher-order test items, and interpretation of results should be instituted in the different countries”.
He stressed the need for a greater collaboration among public examination bodies in Africa to share experiences in various aspects of assessment including electronic assessment, continuous assessment, issues of equity and relevance.
Prof Anamuah-Mensah said examination bodies should strengthen their research wings to enable them to conduct studies that would help transform the assessment practices in schools.
In address read on his behalf, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Prof Dominic Fobih, underscored the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the education sector.
He expressed the hope that the deliberations would bring out more ways through which ICT could be incorporated by the various examination bodies.
He told the participants that ICT was one of the key areas of study under the country’s educational reform which took off in September last year.
The Vice President of AEAA and Head of National Office of WAEC, Mrs Patience Ayesu, said the Council was making great strides in the application of ICT in the administration of public examinations.
Some of the areas where the Council had applied ICT, she said, included online registration of candidates, online checking of results, online verification of results and administration of Internet based tests among others.
The president of AEAA, Mr John Rutayisire, called on the various countries to collaborate through networking to improve their examination systems.
21-08-08
THE immediate past Vice- Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, has called on African governments to start up plans to set up a continental examination body to carry out assessment in disciplines such as science, mathematics and languages.
“The assessment should be comprehensive and should cover the context of education in the participating countries. This body should be well equipped with the best available measurement experts, IT experts and data analysts,” he said, adding that the body should also provide comparative data on the various education systems.
Prof Anamuah-Mensah who made the call at the opening of the 26th annual conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) in Accra , also called on teachers and examination bodies in Africa to diversify their modes of assessments “to enable students to apply their knowledge and skills in a scholastic as well as out-of-school context”.
The week-long conference which is being hosted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is being attended by representatives from 18 countries.
It is on the theme: “Contemporary Trends and Tools in Educational Assessment”.
The AEAA is an umbrella organisation of educational assessment and examining bodies in Africa that meets annually to review current trends in educational assessment.
Prof Anamuah-Mensah indicated that assessment had a powerful role to play in the new educational reforms that were sweeping across the continent, and that an effective assessment process could help achieve the stated outcomes of education by directing policy decisions.
“Examining bodies could play a major role in ensuring that education meets national needs and aspirations through the type of assessment models that are perpetuated. The nature of the assessment models could influence classroom instruction,” he stated.
He noted that although the practice of incorporating teachers’ assessment records into public examinations was laudable, a lot needed to be done to reduce the biases to ensure that teachers submitted valid and reliable records.
Prof Anamuah-Mensah said teachers lacked the competence of assessment and the interpretation of assessment results needed to be reviewed, and that “an on-going school-based in service training on test construction, especially, higher-order test items, and interpretation of results should be instituted in the different countries”.
He stressed the need for a greater collaboration among public examination bodies in Africa to share experiences in various aspects of assessment including electronic assessment, continuous assessment, issues of equity and relevance.
Prof Anamuah-Mensah said examination bodies should strengthen their research wings to enable them to conduct studies that would help transform the assessment practices in schools.
In address read on his behalf, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Prof Dominic Fobih, underscored the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to the education sector.
He expressed the hope that the deliberations would bring out more ways through which ICT could be incorporated by the various examination bodies.
He told the participants that ICT was one of the key areas of study under the country’s educational reform which took off in September last year.
The Vice President of AEAA and Head of National Office of WAEC, Mrs Patience Ayesu, said the Council was making great strides in the application of ICT in the administration of public examinations.
Some of the areas where the Council had applied ICT, she said, included online registration of candidates, online checking of results, online verification of results and administration of Internet based tests among others.
The president of AEAA, Mr John Rutayisire, called on the various countries to collaborate through networking to improve their examination systems.
Vilac Int inaugurates school complex
Page 11
20-08-08
A TWO-STOREY building complex for the Vilac International School has been inaugurated at Achimota in Accra.
The school building comprises 46 classrooms, offices, science and computer laboratories, a modern library and a sick bay, among other facilities, aimed at enhancing teaching and learning.
In an address read on his behalf, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Prof. Dominic Fobih, said the government recognised the contribution of private participation in education.
“Private participation in the provision of education is not a new phenomenon but it has increased tremendously in recent times. This is an indication of the confidence the public has in private schools and the fact that you strive for excellence,” he said.
He assured the school management of the government’s preparedness to partner it to enable it to achieve its objectives.
Prof. Fobih said the education reform was well structured to provide a strong foundation for the fundamental transformation of the education system through which children acquire basic literacy, numeracy, problem-solving skills as well as creativity and healthy living.
“The education reform promotes the interconnectivity of the different levels of education ensuring that children have a strong foundation and are adequately prepared for further academic work and acquisition of technical/vocational skills,” he emphasised.
The Executive Director of the school, Mrs Victoria Mensah, in a speech read on her behalf, said the mission of the school was to provide every child with excellent and wholesome education through highly experienced teaching and non-teaching staff, a variety of co-curricular activities, as well as a comfortable, safe and stimulating learning environment.
“Vilac International School will be a world class centre of academic and moral excellence moulding complete personalities for nation-building and service to humanity,” she stated, adding that “this facility is intended to provide the best, not only academically but also morally, emotionally and physically”.
She said in order to sustain the high quality gained from nursery to junior high school (JHS), the authorities had acquired a piece of land to build a senior high school (SHS), which will be ready for the first batch of JHS graduates.
Mrs Mensah stressed the need for the education of the child to be a partnership between school and home.
The Omanhene of the Nsien Traditional Area, Awulae Agyemfi Kwame II, called for the educational system to ensure the total development of children so that they would be well equipped for the task ahead.
The Director of the Basic Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Stephen Adu, who chaired the function, underscored the need for parents to support school authorities in the provision of quality education.
20-08-08
A TWO-STOREY building complex for the Vilac International School has been inaugurated at Achimota in Accra.
The school building comprises 46 classrooms, offices, science and computer laboratories, a modern library and a sick bay, among other facilities, aimed at enhancing teaching and learning.
In an address read on his behalf, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Prof. Dominic Fobih, said the government recognised the contribution of private participation in education.
“Private participation in the provision of education is not a new phenomenon but it has increased tremendously in recent times. This is an indication of the confidence the public has in private schools and the fact that you strive for excellence,” he said.
He assured the school management of the government’s preparedness to partner it to enable it to achieve its objectives.
Prof. Fobih said the education reform was well structured to provide a strong foundation for the fundamental transformation of the education system through which children acquire basic literacy, numeracy, problem-solving skills as well as creativity and healthy living.
“The education reform promotes the interconnectivity of the different levels of education ensuring that children have a strong foundation and are adequately prepared for further academic work and acquisition of technical/vocational skills,” he emphasised.
The Executive Director of the school, Mrs Victoria Mensah, in a speech read on her behalf, said the mission of the school was to provide every child with excellent and wholesome education through highly experienced teaching and non-teaching staff, a variety of co-curricular activities, as well as a comfortable, safe and stimulating learning environment.
“Vilac International School will be a world class centre of academic and moral excellence moulding complete personalities for nation-building and service to humanity,” she stated, adding that “this facility is intended to provide the best, not only academically but also morally, emotionally and physically”.
She said in order to sustain the high quality gained from nursery to junior high school (JHS), the authorities had acquired a piece of land to build a senior high school (SHS), which will be ready for the first batch of JHS graduates.
Mrs Mensah stressed the need for the education of the child to be a partnership between school and home.
The Omanhene of the Nsien Traditional Area, Awulae Agyemfi Kwame II, called for the educational system to ensure the total development of children so that they would be well equipped for the task ahead.
The Director of the Basic Education Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Stephen Adu, who chaired the function, underscored the need for parents to support school authorities in the provision of quality education.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
India marks Day
Page 5
19-08-08
THE President of India, Mr Pratibha Devisingh Patil, has underscored the determination of the country to engage the international community to promote peace and development in the world.
According to him, India would continue to carry into the global arena the message of harmony, pluralism, peaceful co-existance and oneness of human race which were deeply rooted in their national ethos.
“As the world’s largest democracy and a major economy, our role in global political and economic affairs has been responsible and possible.
It is our view that multilateral institutions should be made more equitable and reflect comtemporary realities,” Mr Patil said this in an address read on his behalf by the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam, on the eve of the country’s 62nd independence day celebration on Thursday in Accra.
He said India’s Constitution provided Indians with strong pillars of stability and gave citizens their fundamental rights and freedom.
“Often, we are vocal about our rights but we tend to focus less on our numerous duties. We have duties towards the country, society and family, of which we can ignore none,” he said, adding that “we must remember that while discharging our duties, we have an obligation to act responsibily”.
President Patil said great nations were built with the contributions and hard work of one and all, and that violence undermined progress.
He said there had been instances in the country of people taking the law into their own hands, causing destruction to life and public property, and that “whatever the problem, whatever the cause, whatever the reason, there is no place for violence in our society”.
Addressing the needs of the underprivileged and weaker sections of the society, he said, would make the country’s growth process more stable and equitable.
“Gandhiji gave us an unfalling criteria and a sure test for determining the soundness of our actions. He said that when in doubt, recall the face of the poorest and weakest person whom you have seen and ask if the step you are contemplating is going to be of any use to him,” he stated.
President Patil indicated that it was when Indians worked unitedly that they would realise their full strength and potential, saying that India was a conglomeration of a diversity of cultures, languages and religions which had given Indians resilience and strength.
At the time of independence, he said, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru spoke about Indian as a “rising star, the star of freedom in the East”, and “reminded us that freedom would bring responsibilities and burdens, and that we must face them in the spirit of a free and disciplined people”.
He called on Indians to stand united against the threats emanating from terrorism.
19-08-08
THE President of India, Mr Pratibha Devisingh Patil, has underscored the determination of the country to engage the international community to promote peace and development in the world.
According to him, India would continue to carry into the global arena the message of harmony, pluralism, peaceful co-existance and oneness of human race which were deeply rooted in their national ethos.
“As the world’s largest democracy and a major economy, our role in global political and economic affairs has been responsible and possible.
It is our view that multilateral institutions should be made more equitable and reflect comtemporary realities,” Mr Patil said this in an address read on his behalf by the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Ruchi Ghanashyam, on the eve of the country’s 62nd independence day celebration on Thursday in Accra.
He said India’s Constitution provided Indians with strong pillars of stability and gave citizens their fundamental rights and freedom.
“Often, we are vocal about our rights but we tend to focus less on our numerous duties. We have duties towards the country, society and family, of which we can ignore none,” he said, adding that “we must remember that while discharging our duties, we have an obligation to act responsibily”.
President Patil said great nations were built with the contributions and hard work of one and all, and that violence undermined progress.
He said there had been instances in the country of people taking the law into their own hands, causing destruction to life and public property, and that “whatever the problem, whatever the cause, whatever the reason, there is no place for violence in our society”.
Addressing the needs of the underprivileged and weaker sections of the society, he said, would make the country’s growth process more stable and equitable.
“Gandhiji gave us an unfalling criteria and a sure test for determining the soundness of our actions. He said that when in doubt, recall the face of the poorest and weakest person whom you have seen and ask if the step you are contemplating is going to be of any use to him,” he stated.
President Patil indicated that it was when Indians worked unitedly that they would realise their full strength and potential, saying that India was a conglomeration of a diversity of cultures, languages and religions which had given Indians resilience and strength.
At the time of independence, he said, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru spoke about Indian as a “rising star, the star of freedom in the East”, and “reminded us that freedom would bring responsibilities and burdens, and that we must face them in the spirit of a free and disciplined people”.
He called on Indians to stand united against the threats emanating from terrorism.
Monday, August 18, 2008
..Improving operations of SMEs
Page 28
August 18, 2008
THE Government of Ghana is collaborating with the Republic of Korea for the development of a vibrant and efficient small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
The two countries have, therefore, begun the process of discussing and sharing ideas on how to improve Ghanaian SMEs.
Presenting a document on “Building the Foundation for the Development of SMEs in Ghana” during a courtesy call on Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, a deputy Minister of Trade and President’s Initiative, the President of the Korean Institute for Development Strategy, Dr Seung-Hun Chun, said Ghana needed a comprehensive framework of SME support strategy to build the foundation for the development of SMEs in the country.
He said the country needed to focus on a number of target industries, based on her resource endowment as well as on her internal and external factors, and stressed the need for the country to build a strong industrial base.
He called for the promotion of SMEs, since they were critical for the creation of jobs, stimulation of innovation, entrepreneurship and promotion of local economies.
“Development of sound industrial base is vital for resolving the chronic trade deficit problem as well as for achieving the middle-income country target,” he said, adding that “after a long history of economic stagnation, Ghana faces a momentum for development and prosperity”.
Dr Chun, who outlined a number of recommendations for the development of the SME sector, said the registration, operation and closure of business in the country had inherent weaknesses, and called for an update and revision of the Companies Code of 1963.
He stressed the need for the exemption of SMEs from employment regulation, since SMEs capacity to account for rigid and harsh employment practices fell short.
He said land acquisition or registration for industrial purposes was a tedious exercise, and called on the government to acquire land from landowners and lease such land to potential investors at market rates.
Mr Chun said the rental income should be paid as a compensation to the landowners.
“The Government of Ghana should facilitate an arrangement where landowners can participate in economic projects as financial partners,” he said, saying that the government should also implement the Land Administration Programme as soon as possible.
The burden of tax, he said, fell unequally on SMEs, and called for a reduction of the tax burden on them.
Dr Chun said the government should develop a national policy framework for SMEs, adding that it should “devise and set up SMEs criteria so that its support would be concentrated and distributed appropriately and effectively”.
Among other things, he called for the establishment of SME bank with credit guarantee for SMEs to enable them have access to funds for development.
For his part, Mr Agyeman-Manu said the meeting with the Korean delegation was an opportunity for Ghana to learn from the Korean experiences.
He believed the interaction with the Korean delegation would go a long way to help develop a vibrant SME sector, and the gratitude of the government to the Korean government.
August 18, 2008
THE Government of Ghana is collaborating with the Republic of Korea for the development of a vibrant and efficient small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
The two countries have, therefore, begun the process of discussing and sharing ideas on how to improve Ghanaian SMEs.
Presenting a document on “Building the Foundation for the Development of SMEs in Ghana” during a courtesy call on Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, a deputy Minister of Trade and President’s Initiative, the President of the Korean Institute for Development Strategy, Dr Seung-Hun Chun, said Ghana needed a comprehensive framework of SME support strategy to build the foundation for the development of SMEs in the country.
He said the country needed to focus on a number of target industries, based on her resource endowment as well as on her internal and external factors, and stressed the need for the country to build a strong industrial base.
He called for the promotion of SMEs, since they were critical for the creation of jobs, stimulation of innovation, entrepreneurship and promotion of local economies.
“Development of sound industrial base is vital for resolving the chronic trade deficit problem as well as for achieving the middle-income country target,” he said, adding that “after a long history of economic stagnation, Ghana faces a momentum for development and prosperity”.
Dr Chun, who outlined a number of recommendations for the development of the SME sector, said the registration, operation and closure of business in the country had inherent weaknesses, and called for an update and revision of the Companies Code of 1963.
He stressed the need for the exemption of SMEs from employment regulation, since SMEs capacity to account for rigid and harsh employment practices fell short.
He said land acquisition or registration for industrial purposes was a tedious exercise, and called on the government to acquire land from landowners and lease such land to potential investors at market rates.
Mr Chun said the rental income should be paid as a compensation to the landowners.
“The Government of Ghana should facilitate an arrangement where landowners can participate in economic projects as financial partners,” he said, saying that the government should also implement the Land Administration Programme as soon as possible.
The burden of tax, he said, fell unequally on SMEs, and called for a reduction of the tax burden on them.
Dr Chun said the government should develop a national policy framework for SMEs, adding that it should “devise and set up SMEs criteria so that its support would be concentrated and distributed appropriately and effectively”.
Among other things, he called for the establishment of SME bank with credit guarantee for SMEs to enable them have access to funds for development.
For his part, Mr Agyeman-Manu said the meeting with the Korean delegation was an opportunity for Ghana to learn from the Korean experiences.
He believed the interaction with the Korean delegation would go a long way to help develop a vibrant SME sector, and the gratitude of the government to the Korean government.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Council to oversee 20 Catholic pilot institutions inagurated
Page 38
11-08-08
THE Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev Charles Palmer-Buckle, has inaugurated the Council for Catholic Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
The council’s primary task is to provide strategic direction on the implementation of the Business Plans of the 20 pilot institutions of the Catholic Church.
It shall, among other things, oversee to the mentoring of six selected institutions and centres to become TVET icons, ensure career progression needs of the management and staff of Catholic vocational training centres, and provide policy co-ordination between the church and government.
In his inaugural address, Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said the aim of the Catholic TVET policy was to bring about a transition of vocational and technical training centres and institutes from marginalised and under-resourced entities to vibrant and self-sustaining institutions.
“The Catholic TVET policy thus is towards promoting in the long term a flexible competency-based TVET system with proficiency testing to meet the employment and career aspirations of the youth. Thus the church envisions that the Catholic TVET system becomes an economically and socially sustainable TVET system delivering to Ghanaian youth knowledge, skills and gospel values,” he said.
He said the church could boost 20 business plans meant to guide the pilot institutions and centres to enhance employability and role of vocational and technical schools, ensure sustained financial resources and promote TVET policy advocacy.
Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said the key concerns that the business plans would be addressing were both systemic and operational, adding that they included the outmoded curriculum that called for intensive advocacy and low calibre of instructors.
The Chairman of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Mr M.K. Bulley, said the international community had identified the potential of TVET to offer employable skills to address the unemployment situation and its resultant poverty among the youth.
In a welcoming address, the Catholic Bishop of Keta-Akatsi, Most Rev Anthony Adanuty, said the church believed that the potential existed for her to make significant contribution to the holistic development of the youth and the building of a society that would uphold the culture of hard work.
The 12-member council has the immediate past Rector of Accra Polytechnic, Prof. Ralph Asabere, as its chairman. The other members are, Mrs Elizabeth Villars, Managing Director of Camelot Ghana Limited; Ms Josephine Sey, a retired educationist; Mr Theophilus Opare Annor, a technical educationist, and Mr Asamoah Duodu, Director of the Technical Education Division of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
The rest are Father Michael Gbordzor, Principal of Comboni Technical Institute; Ms Rosa M. Sam, President of the Association of Catholic Vocational and Technical Centres; Nana (Dr) Baah Boakye, Executive Secretary of the NBSSI; Mr Bennet Kpentey, Managing Director of Sync Consult; Mr Dave Anane-Druyeh, General Manager, Catholic Schools; Mrs Philomena Johnson and Mr Steven Godomey.
11-08-08
THE Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev Charles Palmer-Buckle, has inaugurated the Council for Catholic Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
The council’s primary task is to provide strategic direction on the implementation of the Business Plans of the 20 pilot institutions of the Catholic Church.
It shall, among other things, oversee to the mentoring of six selected institutions and centres to become TVET icons, ensure career progression needs of the management and staff of Catholic vocational training centres, and provide policy co-ordination between the church and government.
In his inaugural address, Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said the aim of the Catholic TVET policy was to bring about a transition of vocational and technical training centres and institutes from marginalised and under-resourced entities to vibrant and self-sustaining institutions.
“The Catholic TVET policy thus is towards promoting in the long term a flexible competency-based TVET system with proficiency testing to meet the employment and career aspirations of the youth. Thus the church envisions that the Catholic TVET system becomes an economically and socially sustainable TVET system delivering to Ghanaian youth knowledge, skills and gospel values,” he said.
He said the church could boost 20 business plans meant to guide the pilot institutions and centres to enhance employability and role of vocational and technical schools, ensure sustained financial resources and promote TVET policy advocacy.
Most Rev Palmer-Buckle said the key concerns that the business plans would be addressing were both systemic and operational, adding that they included the outmoded curriculum that called for intensive advocacy and low calibre of instructors.
The Chairman of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Mr M.K. Bulley, said the international community had identified the potential of TVET to offer employable skills to address the unemployment situation and its resultant poverty among the youth.
In a welcoming address, the Catholic Bishop of Keta-Akatsi, Most Rev Anthony Adanuty, said the church believed that the potential existed for her to make significant contribution to the holistic development of the youth and the building of a society that would uphold the culture of hard work.
The 12-member council has the immediate past Rector of Accra Polytechnic, Prof. Ralph Asabere, as its chairman. The other members are, Mrs Elizabeth Villars, Managing Director of Camelot Ghana Limited; Ms Josephine Sey, a retired educationist; Mr Theophilus Opare Annor, a technical educationist, and Mr Asamoah Duodu, Director of the Technical Education Division of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
The rest are Father Michael Gbordzor, Principal of Comboni Technical Institute; Ms Rosa M. Sam, President of the Association of Catholic Vocational and Technical Centres; Nana (Dr) Baah Boakye, Executive Secretary of the NBSSI; Mr Bennet Kpentey, Managing Director of Sync Consult; Mr Dave Anane-Druyeh, General Manager, Catholic Schools; Mrs Philomena Johnson and Mr Steven Godomey.
Legon students go through registration smoothly
Page 11
11-08-08
THE introduction of the on-line registration by the University of Ghana, Legon, for fresh and continuing students has eliminated the long queues, which previously characterised the registration process.
Under the current procedure, students are supposed to register in their own comfort at home from any part of the country that has Internet facilities.
For identification cards however, freshmen and women are expected to go to the university campus where registration for the cards have been categorised into programmes and first letters of their surnames.
For instance, students of the School of Agriculture, Home Science, Engineering, Law and Administration, were expected to pick their ID cards at the ICT Directorate and the Great Hall last Wednesday.
Science, nursing and graduate students were also supposed to take their ID cards last Thursday at the ICT Directorate and the Great Hall.
Bachelor of Arts students with surnames starting with the letter ‘A’, Bachelor of Fine Arts/Diploma (Music & Dance), BA students with surnames starting with the letters ‘B’ to ‘E’, were to have their ID cards last Friday, August 8, 2008.
Bachelor of Arts students with surnames starting with the letters ‘F’ to ‘O’ and Bachelor of Arts students with surnames starting with the letters ‘P’ to ‘Z’, were also supposed to have their ID cards last Saturday according to the categorisation.
A visit to the campus of the university revealed a smooth ID registration exercise with no queues.
Some students suggested that, in future the categorisation of the registration should be stated in their admission letters so that they would know when and where to report for the ID cards.
Students who were not able to do the academic registration outside campus were, however, seen going through the registration process, which was also smooth.
Michael Ansah, a fresh student who went through the process, said it took him about five minutes to complete the registration process, adding that the introduction of the on-line registration was better.
A continuing student, who gave his name as Stephen Akakpo, said if the on-line registration had been introduced earlier, it would have prevented the stress that the students had to go through.
He believed the university had learnt its lessons and was adapting to change, saying that fresh students over the years had gone through a lot of stress during registration.
“The registration has been smooth for those of us who were not able to register at home. Initially I thought a lot of people were going to be here, but the place is virtually empty,” a fresher, Kofi B. Ansah, said.
A registration officer, who pleaded anonymity, said the taking of photographs was being done according to courses or batches, and that not all the students were expected to be on campus for the exercise, adding that it was Engineering, Agricultural Science and Administration students who were being registered.
The officer also described the process as smooth.
After payment of fees in full at designated banks, a student was expected to proceed to do the academic registration through the university’s website using any computer with Internet access before arriving on campus.
The steps for the on-line registration are on the website, after which the student is expected to print the proof of registration.
Upon arrival on campus, he or she is to proceed to the hall of residence and register with the proof of registration.
After that he/she would proceed to the faculty/department for registration.
The university has also designated centres for the ID cards. They include the forecourt of the Great Hall and the ICT Directorate.
11-08-08
THE introduction of the on-line registration by the University of Ghana, Legon, for fresh and continuing students has eliminated the long queues, which previously characterised the registration process.
Under the current procedure, students are supposed to register in their own comfort at home from any part of the country that has Internet facilities.
For identification cards however, freshmen and women are expected to go to the university campus where registration for the cards have been categorised into programmes and first letters of their surnames.
For instance, students of the School of Agriculture, Home Science, Engineering, Law and Administration, were expected to pick their ID cards at the ICT Directorate and the Great Hall last Wednesday.
Science, nursing and graduate students were also supposed to take their ID cards last Thursday at the ICT Directorate and the Great Hall.
Bachelor of Arts students with surnames starting with the letter ‘A’, Bachelor of Fine Arts/Diploma (Music & Dance), BA students with surnames starting with the letters ‘B’ to ‘E’, were to have their ID cards last Friday, August 8, 2008.
Bachelor of Arts students with surnames starting with the letters ‘F’ to ‘O’ and Bachelor of Arts students with surnames starting with the letters ‘P’ to ‘Z’, were also supposed to have their ID cards last Saturday according to the categorisation.
A visit to the campus of the university revealed a smooth ID registration exercise with no queues.
Some students suggested that, in future the categorisation of the registration should be stated in their admission letters so that they would know when and where to report for the ID cards.
Students who were not able to do the academic registration outside campus were, however, seen going through the registration process, which was also smooth.
Michael Ansah, a fresh student who went through the process, said it took him about five minutes to complete the registration process, adding that the introduction of the on-line registration was better.
A continuing student, who gave his name as Stephen Akakpo, said if the on-line registration had been introduced earlier, it would have prevented the stress that the students had to go through.
He believed the university had learnt its lessons and was adapting to change, saying that fresh students over the years had gone through a lot of stress during registration.
“The registration has been smooth for those of us who were not able to register at home. Initially I thought a lot of people were going to be here, but the place is virtually empty,” a fresher, Kofi B. Ansah, said.
A registration officer, who pleaded anonymity, said the taking of photographs was being done according to courses or batches, and that not all the students were expected to be on campus for the exercise, adding that it was Engineering, Agricultural Science and Administration students who were being registered.
The officer also described the process as smooth.
After payment of fees in full at designated banks, a student was expected to proceed to do the academic registration through the university’s website using any computer with Internet access before arriving on campus.
The steps for the on-line registration are on the website, after which the student is expected to print the proof of registration.
Upon arrival on campus, he or she is to proceed to the hall of residence and register with the proof of registration.
After that he/she would proceed to the faculty/department for registration.
The university has also designated centres for the ID cards. They include the forecourt of the Great Hall and the ICT Directorate.
Friday, August 8, 2008
TUC presents certificates to four associations
Page 45
08-08-08
THE Trades Union Congress (TUC) yesterday inducted and presented certificates to four affiliate associations in Accra.
They are the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Makola Traders Association, Madina Traders Association and the Ghana Union of Physically Disabled Workers.
At the ceremony, the acting Secretary-General of the TUC, Mr Kofi Asamoah, said the event formed part of the union’s policy of extending coverage to the informal sector and ensuring the application of minimum labour standards.
He said the four organisations came at a time the TUC had adopted a three-year strategic plan (2008-2010) covering education, training, policy, research, organisational development, restructuring and international organisation.
The strategic plan, he said, sought to professionalise its operations, reach out and maintain constant touch with “our members in order to provide service more efficiently and effectively”.
Mr Asamoah said as part of its programme to equip members, the union was currently discussing the possibility of establishing an educational fund, adding that the discussions were currently at the tripartite level.
“Many of you in the informal economy have neither regular hours of work nor regular incomes. This poses major challenges to you and your families, especially in old age. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that you take urgent steps to be members of the social security scheme,” he told representatives of the associations.
He said the TUC looked forward to the passage of the National Pension Reform Bill as soon as practicable to provide the necessary legal framework on pensions for all working people to ensure social protection.
The President of MUSIGA, Mrs Diana Hopson, said identifying with the TUC would go a long way to help the union, adding that the efforts to join the TUC started some eight years ago.
She expressed the hope that the union would gain a lot by joining the TUC, which had championed the cause of workers over the years.
The Chairman of the Makola Traders Association, Mrs Deborah Yemoteley Quaye, said with the support of the TUC, the association would be more organised.
The President of the Madina Traders Union, Mr Yaw Nkrumah Sekyere, said the union would be better off with its membership with the TUC.
08-08-08
THE Trades Union Congress (TUC) yesterday inducted and presented certificates to four affiliate associations in Accra.
They are the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Makola Traders Association, Madina Traders Association and the Ghana Union of Physically Disabled Workers.
At the ceremony, the acting Secretary-General of the TUC, Mr Kofi Asamoah, said the event formed part of the union’s policy of extending coverage to the informal sector and ensuring the application of minimum labour standards.
He said the four organisations came at a time the TUC had adopted a three-year strategic plan (2008-2010) covering education, training, policy, research, organisational development, restructuring and international organisation.
The strategic plan, he said, sought to professionalise its operations, reach out and maintain constant touch with “our members in order to provide service more efficiently and effectively”.
Mr Asamoah said as part of its programme to equip members, the union was currently discussing the possibility of establishing an educational fund, adding that the discussions were currently at the tripartite level.
“Many of you in the informal economy have neither regular hours of work nor regular incomes. This poses major challenges to you and your families, especially in old age. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that you take urgent steps to be members of the social security scheme,” he told representatives of the associations.
He said the TUC looked forward to the passage of the National Pension Reform Bill as soon as practicable to provide the necessary legal framework on pensions for all working people to ensure social protection.
The President of MUSIGA, Mrs Diana Hopson, said identifying with the TUC would go a long way to help the union, adding that the efforts to join the TUC started some eight years ago.
She expressed the hope that the union would gain a lot by joining the TUC, which had championed the cause of workers over the years.
The Chairman of the Makola Traders Association, Mrs Deborah Yemoteley Quaye, said with the support of the TUC, the association would be more organised.
The President of the Madina Traders Union, Mr Yaw Nkrumah Sekyere, said the union would be better off with its membership with the TUC.
Moulding the child is not for teachers alone
Page 11
08-08-08
THE Headmaster of the Ministry of Health School, Mr Joseph Noble-Nkrumah, has said that moulding of the child is not the responsibility of school authorities alone, but that of parents as well.
He regretted that parents saw the issue of moulding the child or character formation of the child as the duty of school authorities and teachers, even though they equally had an important role to play.
Mr Noble-Nkrumah said this during the 26th Speech and Prize-giving Day at the Additrom School at Adabraka in Accra and pointed out that it was unfortunate parents had left the issue of character formation of the child solely to the school.
“Unfortunately, many of us have relegated this important role to the school. This is because we set off to work very early and hardly do we have the time to appraise how the child fared during the day,” he said, adding that “it is our actions and inaction in this regard that cumulatively destroy these children”.
He, therefore, stressed the need for parents to be supportive in the formative years of children so that they would grow up to become responsible citizens.
Mr Noble-Nkrumah urged the students to take advantage of the solid foundation that had been laid for them, saying that “you have no right to fail yourselves or disappoint all of us”.
He said the competition in the world was keen, and therefore, they needed to work extra hard to make it.
The headmistress of the school, Ms Deborah Baddoo, said with changes in recent times, it had become necessary to keep pupils and teachers on the alert.
In view of this, she said, counselling sessions and talks had been held for pupils on their careers, choice of schools and programmes they could pursue in senior high schools.
As part of its support to the sick, she said, the school in December last year presented toiletries, disinfectants, biscuits, drinks and an amount of GH¢150 to the Fevers Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
She said the school organised a health walk to sensitise the public to the need for clean environment and the benefits of physical exercise.
She was happy about the school’s performance during the 2007 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in which the 30 candidates presented scored 100 per cent with 10 distinctions.
The event was on theme: The Challenges of the New Education Reforms: The Role of Private Schools”.
08-08-08
THE Headmaster of the Ministry of Health School, Mr Joseph Noble-Nkrumah, has said that moulding of the child is not the responsibility of school authorities alone, but that of parents as well.
He regretted that parents saw the issue of moulding the child or character formation of the child as the duty of school authorities and teachers, even though they equally had an important role to play.
Mr Noble-Nkrumah said this during the 26th Speech and Prize-giving Day at the Additrom School at Adabraka in Accra and pointed out that it was unfortunate parents had left the issue of character formation of the child solely to the school.
“Unfortunately, many of us have relegated this important role to the school. This is because we set off to work very early and hardly do we have the time to appraise how the child fared during the day,” he said, adding that “it is our actions and inaction in this regard that cumulatively destroy these children”.
He, therefore, stressed the need for parents to be supportive in the formative years of children so that they would grow up to become responsible citizens.
Mr Noble-Nkrumah urged the students to take advantage of the solid foundation that had been laid for them, saying that “you have no right to fail yourselves or disappoint all of us”.
He said the competition in the world was keen, and therefore, they needed to work extra hard to make it.
The headmistress of the school, Ms Deborah Baddoo, said with changes in recent times, it had become necessary to keep pupils and teachers on the alert.
In view of this, she said, counselling sessions and talks had been held for pupils on their careers, choice of schools and programmes they could pursue in senior high schools.
As part of its support to the sick, she said, the school in December last year presented toiletries, disinfectants, biscuits, drinks and an amount of GH¢150 to the Fevers Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
She said the school organised a health walk to sensitise the public to the need for clean environment and the benefits of physical exercise.
She was happy about the school’s performance during the 2007 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in which the 30 candidates presented scored 100 per cent with 10 distinctions.
The event was on theme: The Challenges of the New Education Reforms: The Role of Private Schools”.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
U$20,000 for female science students
Page 38
07-08-08
THE University of Ghana yesterday received a cheque for $20,000 for academic awards to female students who distinguish themselves in the sciences.
The Presidential Advisor on Population, Health and HIV/AIDS, Professor F.T. Sai, presented the cheque donated by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) to the Prof. Sai Foundation for Women Studying Science of the university.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Sai urged the university authorities to include brilliant needy science female students for support.
He said there was the need for all to work towards ensuring gender equity in the admission of students to the university, adding that the absence of female scientists was the reason why there were no role models for female students.
According to him, access to science and economic education would, among other things, help to empower women, and advised the university to do a study on those who had benefited.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. C.N.B. Tagoe, said the Board of Trustees of Academic Prizes managed the fund, and that nominations for the award were done after the second semester examinations.
He said nominations were submitted by the Faculty of Science and the College of Agriculture and Consumer Science, adding that the five categories for the best Level 200 female students were: Biological Science, Mathematical Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and Agricultural Science.
To date, he said, 44 female students in the sciences had benefited from the award.
He assured Prof. Sai that the university would do a tracer study on the beneficiaries, and indicated that each award winner received a scholarship of GH¢600 in two instalments over a two-year period at Levels 300 and 400.
In 1995, Prof. F.T. Sai won the Prince Mihidol award for International Leadership and Advocacy of Gender Equity, Reproductive Health, Family Planning and Population.
He donated $20,000 of his prize money to the University of Ghana towards the establishment of an award of scholarship to women in the basic sciences to encourage females in the under-represented fields of science.
07-08-08
THE University of Ghana yesterday received a cheque for $20,000 for academic awards to female students who distinguish themselves in the sciences.
The Presidential Advisor on Population, Health and HIV/AIDS, Professor F.T. Sai, presented the cheque donated by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) to the Prof. Sai Foundation for Women Studying Science of the university.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Sai urged the university authorities to include brilliant needy science female students for support.
He said there was the need for all to work towards ensuring gender equity in the admission of students to the university, adding that the absence of female scientists was the reason why there were no role models for female students.
According to him, access to science and economic education would, among other things, help to empower women, and advised the university to do a study on those who had benefited.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. C.N.B. Tagoe, said the Board of Trustees of Academic Prizes managed the fund, and that nominations for the award were done after the second semester examinations.
He said nominations were submitted by the Faculty of Science and the College of Agriculture and Consumer Science, adding that the five categories for the best Level 200 female students were: Biological Science, Mathematical Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and Agricultural Science.
To date, he said, 44 female students in the sciences had benefited from the award.
He assured Prof. Sai that the university would do a tracer study on the beneficiaries, and indicated that each award winner received a scholarship of GH¢600 in two instalments over a two-year period at Levels 300 and 400.
In 1995, Prof. F.T. Sai won the Prince Mihidol award for International Leadership and Advocacy of Gender Equity, Reproductive Health, Family Planning and Population.
He donated $20,000 of his prize money to the University of Ghana towards the establishment of an award of scholarship to women in the basic sciences to encourage females in the under-represented fields of science.
Long queues persist at centres
Page 55
07-08-08
LARGE numbers of people continue to form long queues at the various registration centres in Accra seven days into the voters registration exercise.
Some prospective voters interviewed at several registration centres in the city cited the slow pace of the registration exercise and shortage of materials as some of the reasons for the long queues.
Long winding queues of tired and frustrated prospective voters were the scenes that greeted Daily Graphic reporters during a tour of some centres.
Most registration centres were without any comfortable seating areas and waiting proved very tiring for the eager applicants. The resultant stress generated petty quarrels, irritation and fights.
Some of the applicants who were in the queues as of 2 pm said they had been in the queues since dawn.
At the St Mark Methodist Church at Darkuman, where there was very large number of people , an applicant, Mary Prempeh, said she had been at the centre since 4 a.m.
“Today is the third time I have been here [at the registration centre] and the occasional shortage of materials has been slowing the process of registering,” she said in Akan.
The registration officer at the centre, Mr Benjamin Sarbah, said the centre was serving 24 polling stations, hence the large number of people.
He said there were materials for the exercise, saying that 1,250 people had been registered as of Tuesday.
At the Dansoman Police Station, the Daily Graphic team also spotted long winding queues of frustrated applicants.
The registration officer there, Mrs Victoria Akuboa, said she had registered 1,411 people as of yesterday, and blamed the long queues on registered voters who wanted to register again as result of change of residence.
“I have been able to identify some of them and they have confessed,” she said.
07-08-08
LARGE numbers of people continue to form long queues at the various registration centres in Accra seven days into the voters registration exercise.
Some prospective voters interviewed at several registration centres in the city cited the slow pace of the registration exercise and shortage of materials as some of the reasons for the long queues.
Long winding queues of tired and frustrated prospective voters were the scenes that greeted Daily Graphic reporters during a tour of some centres.
Most registration centres were without any comfortable seating areas and waiting proved very tiring for the eager applicants. The resultant stress generated petty quarrels, irritation and fights.
Some of the applicants who were in the queues as of 2 pm said they had been in the queues since dawn.
At the St Mark Methodist Church at Darkuman, where there was very large number of people , an applicant, Mary Prempeh, said she had been at the centre since 4 a.m.
“Today is the third time I have been here [at the registration centre] and the occasional shortage of materials has been slowing the process of registering,” she said in Akan.
The registration officer at the centre, Mr Benjamin Sarbah, said the centre was serving 24 polling stations, hence the large number of people.
He said there were materials for the exercise, saying that 1,250 people had been registered as of Tuesday.
At the Dansoman Police Station, the Daily Graphic team also spotted long winding queues of frustrated applicants.
The registration officer there, Mrs Victoria Akuboa, said she had registered 1,411 people as of yesterday, and blamed the long queues on registered voters who wanted to register again as result of change of residence.
“I have been able to identify some of them and they have confessed,” she said.
Implementation c'tee for University of Ghana inaugurated
Page 44
07-08-08
A seven-member committee has been inaugurated by the University of Ghana to implement the report of the visitation panel that undertook a review of the university’s programmes and activities last year.
The committee is chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kwesi Yankah. The other members are Prof. J.N. Ayertey, Prof. J.R.A Ayee, Prof. Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, Prof. Yaa Ntiamoah-Baidu, Prof. Simon Naaeder and Mr Kofi Siabi-Mensah.
A four-member committee for the implementation of the audit report of the university was also inaugurated.
It is chaired by Prof. Walter Alhassan, former Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Inaugurating the committees, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. C.N.B. Tagoe, said the terms of reference of the visitation were stipulated time-lines for policy implementation.
He said the committee would exercise responsibility for implementing the council’s position on the Visitation Panel report, assign specific responsibilities to relevant units, proffer advice on procedure where necessary and dialogue with the relevant stakeholders over the implementation process, among other things.
The University of Ghana suffered a number of examination-related malpractice that came to light during the 2004/2005 academic year. An investigation of the malpractices revealed some systemic weaknesses in the administration of the university.
Prof. Tagoe said as a result of that, the University Council, acting under Section 10 of the University of Ghana Act (Act 79,1961), requested a Visitation by an international panel to review the academic programmes, infrastructure and resources, administration and governance, among others.
The panel, he said, consisted of distinguished individuals with extensive experience in academia and leaders of industry and business chaired by Sir John Daniel, President and Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Learning based in Canada.
For the Audit Committee, he said “this requires total commitment from every member of the committee, especially since the University of Ghana is a very complex organisation with a number of self-financing and self-accounting units”.
The Chairman of the Visitation Committee, Prof. Yankah, thanked the university for the task assigned them, and urged the various stakeholders to co-operate with the members.
The Chairman of the Audit Committee, Prof. Alhassan, also commended the university authorities for the trust reposed in them.
07-08-08
A seven-member committee has been inaugurated by the University of Ghana to implement the report of the visitation panel that undertook a review of the university’s programmes and activities last year.
The committee is chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kwesi Yankah. The other members are Prof. J.N. Ayertey, Prof. J.R.A Ayee, Prof. Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, Prof. Yaa Ntiamoah-Baidu, Prof. Simon Naaeder and Mr Kofi Siabi-Mensah.
A four-member committee for the implementation of the audit report of the university was also inaugurated.
It is chaired by Prof. Walter Alhassan, former Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Inaugurating the committees, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. C.N.B. Tagoe, said the terms of reference of the visitation were stipulated time-lines for policy implementation.
He said the committee would exercise responsibility for implementing the council’s position on the Visitation Panel report, assign specific responsibilities to relevant units, proffer advice on procedure where necessary and dialogue with the relevant stakeholders over the implementation process, among other things.
The University of Ghana suffered a number of examination-related malpractice that came to light during the 2004/2005 academic year. An investigation of the malpractices revealed some systemic weaknesses in the administration of the university.
Prof. Tagoe said as a result of that, the University Council, acting under Section 10 of the University of Ghana Act (Act 79,1961), requested a Visitation by an international panel to review the academic programmes, infrastructure and resources, administration and governance, among others.
The panel, he said, consisted of distinguished individuals with extensive experience in academia and leaders of industry and business chaired by Sir John Daniel, President and Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Learning based in Canada.
For the Audit Committee, he said “this requires total commitment from every member of the committee, especially since the University of Ghana is a very complex organisation with a number of self-financing and self-accounting units”.
The Chairman of the Visitation Committee, Prof. Yankah, thanked the university for the task assigned them, and urged the various stakeholders to co-operate with the members.
The Chairman of the Audit Committee, Prof. Alhassan, also commended the university authorities for the trust reposed in them.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Child’s Rights condemns registration of minors
Back page
06-08-08
THE Executive Director of Child’s Rights International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mr Bright Appiah, has condemned the reported use of children in the ongoing voters registration exercise.
He said such a practice would go a long way to deprive children of the rights they were supposed to enjoy under the Children’s Act and the government’s social intervention programmes.
Mr Appiah cited the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) where children under 18 years were supposed to register, adding that the Children’s Act defined a child as someone below the age of 18.
“Our checks have proven beyond reasonable doubt that children are being registered,” he told the Daily Graphic in an interview yesterday.
A section of the media have reported that children were being used by some political parties to register in the voters registration exercise being organised by the Electoral Commission for those who have attained 18 years and above.
Mr Appiah said the NGO had sent people to some of the regions to capture the registration of minors, and that a full report, together with pictures to prove the authenticity of the report, would be made public next week.
After coming out with the report, he said, the NGO would seek legal advice on protecting the interest of children.
He cited a case last year in which a man who allegedly defiled a 15-year-old girl was able to argue as part of his defence, that the girl was a registered voter, and thus above 15 years.
“We want to avoid some of these things,” he said, adding that the court system treated the cases of children differently.
Mr Appiah, who questioned the rationale behind the use of children by political parties for their own agenda, said it had contradicted the country’s commitment to child protection.
He appealed to parents not to allow their children to be used in the voters registration exercise, since it was criminal, as it was a violation of the rights of the child.
He also charged politicians to desist from using minors in the registration exercise, adding that registration officials who doubted the age of anybody should put the person’s registration on hold until there was enough evidence to show that he/she was at least 18 years.
06-08-08
THE Executive Director of Child’s Rights International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mr Bright Appiah, has condemned the reported use of children in the ongoing voters registration exercise.
He said such a practice would go a long way to deprive children of the rights they were supposed to enjoy under the Children’s Act and the government’s social intervention programmes.
Mr Appiah cited the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) where children under 18 years were supposed to register, adding that the Children’s Act defined a child as someone below the age of 18.
“Our checks have proven beyond reasonable doubt that children are being registered,” he told the Daily Graphic in an interview yesterday.
A section of the media have reported that children were being used by some political parties to register in the voters registration exercise being organised by the Electoral Commission for those who have attained 18 years and above.
Mr Appiah said the NGO had sent people to some of the regions to capture the registration of minors, and that a full report, together with pictures to prove the authenticity of the report, would be made public next week.
After coming out with the report, he said, the NGO would seek legal advice on protecting the interest of children.
He cited a case last year in which a man who allegedly defiled a 15-year-old girl was able to argue as part of his defence, that the girl was a registered voter, and thus above 15 years.
“We want to avoid some of these things,” he said, adding that the court system treated the cases of children differently.
Mr Appiah, who questioned the rationale behind the use of children by political parties for their own agenda, said it had contradicted the country’s commitment to child protection.
He appealed to parents not to allow their children to be used in the voters registration exercise, since it was criminal, as it was a violation of the rights of the child.
He also charged politicians to desist from using minors in the registration exercise, adding that registration officials who doubted the age of anybody should put the person’s registration on hold until there was enough evidence to show that he/she was at least 18 years.
Ghana to participate in Informatics Olympiad
Page 11
06-08-08
GHANA will for the first time participate in the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) slated to be held this month in Egypt.
The competition would be held from August 16-23, 2008 and would have four senior high school graduates representing the country.
They are Joel Budu, Ama Peprah Asare, Elias Konadu and Priscilla Asare Debrah.
The four students were selected from a group of 26 after they had been shortlisted from a total of 60.
The Olympiad seeks to foster friendly international relations among computer scientists and informatics educators, bring the discipline of informatics to the attention of young people and promote the organisation of informatics competitions, among other things.
According to Mrs Dorothy Aku Allotey, the Coordinator of the ‘I Too Can Programme’ (i2CAP) at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence, the Centre in collaboration with Finatrade Foundation organised a national open computer programme competition for all students and graduates below 20 years of age and the four students performed creditably.
She said it was the hope that the i2CAP project will achieve its objectives in order to raise a good team for the country on yearly basis to participate in subsequent Olympiads, adding that the fact that young Ghanaians were experts in creating programmes and conversant with a number of programming languages, increased opportunities for investment in the Information Technology sector.
The i2CAP project sought to generate the enthusiasm of young people in the use and application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through inter-school computer programme competitions where outstanding students are rewarded for their creativity and initiative.
It was piloted nationwide with 267 senior high schools participating in the training of trainers workshops.
06-08-08
GHANA will for the first time participate in the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) slated to be held this month in Egypt.
The competition would be held from August 16-23, 2008 and would have four senior high school graduates representing the country.
They are Joel Budu, Ama Peprah Asare, Elias Konadu and Priscilla Asare Debrah.
The four students were selected from a group of 26 after they had been shortlisted from a total of 60.
The Olympiad seeks to foster friendly international relations among computer scientists and informatics educators, bring the discipline of informatics to the attention of young people and promote the organisation of informatics competitions, among other things.
According to Mrs Dorothy Aku Allotey, the Coordinator of the ‘I Too Can Programme’ (i2CAP) at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence, the Centre in collaboration with Finatrade Foundation organised a national open computer programme competition for all students and graduates below 20 years of age and the four students performed creditably.
She said it was the hope that the i2CAP project will achieve its objectives in order to raise a good team for the country on yearly basis to participate in subsequent Olympiads, adding that the fact that young Ghanaians were experts in creating programmes and conversant with a number of programming languages, increased opportunities for investment in the Information Technology sector.
The i2CAP project sought to generate the enthusiasm of young people in the use and application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through inter-school computer programme competitions where outstanding students are rewarded for their creativity and initiative.
It was piloted nationwide with 267 senior high schools participating in the training of trainers workshops.
Publish full report on GT-Vodafone deal
Page 3
06-08-08
A Ghanaian international economist, Professor Tetteh Ahenakwa Kofi, has challenged the government to publish the full report of its transaction adviser, Ecobank Development Corporation, on the proposed sale of 70 per cent of Ghana Telecom to Vodafone for $900 million.
Prof. Kofi, who is a Professor of Economics at the University of San Francisco in the US, said “the government should publish and give the statistical data in order for us to understand the logic behind the sale”, adding that it would enable economists like himself to analyse the data and respond appropriately.
Reacting to the 24-hour ultimatum given by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, he alternatively proposed what he called a national mobilisation strategy, through which Ghanaians home and abroad who were of the working age would be made to contribute to the recapitalisation of GT.
“We should use this as a populist strategy to save other sectors of the economy from collapse,” he said.
“We can restructure GT ourselves. We can provide the funding by asking Ghanaians of workable age to provide funds to save GT,” he stated.
He said a similar strategy was used by Finland to build its economy in 1899, adding that Finland had the highest standard of living in Europe today.
He said under the populist development strategy or national mobilisation, all institutions would be made to contribute to the exercise.
“I will campaign in the United States for Ghanaian scholars and students working, and we can raise whatever money the sale of GT would bring,” he emphasised, and expressed the conviction that workers would be laid off when Vodafone took over.
Prof. Kofi said the US Democratic presidential candidate, Barrack Obama, was able to raise funds through a similar strategy by appealing to the youth.
He said it was not possible for Ghanaians to control GT with the remaining 30 per cent as stated by the Finance Minister, adding that to “control a multi-national, you need to own 51 per cent of shares”.
Prof. Kofi, who recently launched a book, The Saga of African Underdevelopment, said Vodafone was a profitable business enterprise and was going to make money from GT.
He said the logic behind the sale of GT was false, and alleged that the elite over the years had sold state assets under the cover of privatisation.
06-08-08
A Ghanaian international economist, Professor Tetteh Ahenakwa Kofi, has challenged the government to publish the full report of its transaction adviser, Ecobank Development Corporation, on the proposed sale of 70 per cent of Ghana Telecom to Vodafone for $900 million.
Prof. Kofi, who is a Professor of Economics at the University of San Francisco in the US, said “the government should publish and give the statistical data in order for us to understand the logic behind the sale”, adding that it would enable economists like himself to analyse the data and respond appropriately.
Reacting to the 24-hour ultimatum given by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, he alternatively proposed what he called a national mobilisation strategy, through which Ghanaians home and abroad who were of the working age would be made to contribute to the recapitalisation of GT.
“We should use this as a populist strategy to save other sectors of the economy from collapse,” he said.
“We can restructure GT ourselves. We can provide the funding by asking Ghanaians of workable age to provide funds to save GT,” he stated.
He said a similar strategy was used by Finland to build its economy in 1899, adding that Finland had the highest standard of living in Europe today.
He said under the populist development strategy or national mobilisation, all institutions would be made to contribute to the exercise.
“I will campaign in the United States for Ghanaian scholars and students working, and we can raise whatever money the sale of GT would bring,” he emphasised, and expressed the conviction that workers would be laid off when Vodafone took over.
Prof. Kofi said the US Democratic presidential candidate, Barrack Obama, was able to raise funds through a similar strategy by appealing to the youth.
He said it was not possible for Ghanaians to control GT with the remaining 30 per cent as stated by the Finance Minister, adding that to “control a multi-national, you need to own 51 per cent of shares”.
Prof. Kofi, who recently launched a book, The Saga of African Underdevelopment, said Vodafone was a profitable business enterprise and was going to make money from GT.
He said the logic behind the sale of GT was false, and alleged that the elite over the years had sold state assets under the cover of privatisation.
Allow chiefs to take part in politics-Lecturer
Page 3
05-08-08
A Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Mr Kingsley Adjei, has called for an amendment to the Constitution to enable chiefs to take part in active politics.
Alternatively, he said, the Constitution should be amended for the creation of a second Chamber of Parliament for chiefs and other well-meaning Ghanaians.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Adjei suggested that the admission of chiefs to the second chamber should be on a rotational basis.
The second chamber, he said, should deal with customary cases, among other things, adding that the British still cherished the traditional role in governance through the Queen.
“Unfortunately, we have accepted Western culture hook, line and sinker, relegating our tradition to the background,” he said.
Mr Adjei said it was hypocritical to bar chiefs from engaging in active politics, although they were allowed to vote during elections.
He said preventing some people, especially chiefs, from participating in governance was against their human rights.
The issue of the subjugation of chiefs, he said, started with the colonialists who set up structures that deprived chiefs of most of their functions, adding that “this continued after independence”.
According to him, none of the provisions in the Constitution sought to lift the image of the chief to his former glory, in spite of the vital role chiefs could play.
Mr Adjei said there were certain structures such as the district assemblies and the MPs Common Fund which tended to relegate chiefs to the background and said as long as people saw district chief executives (DCEs) and MPs as administrators and providers of social amenities, the people would side step chiefs and give respect to those personalities.
He called for the establishment of a common fund for chiefs to use for the development of their traditional areas, saying that would make them more functional. He also stressed the need for the establishment of a royal college where chiefs could go and undertake refresher courses in governance to equip them adequately.
He said there should be an annual awards for chiefs who had contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of their communities, adding that the chieftaincy institution should be reformed to be more viable.
05-08-08
A Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Mr Kingsley Adjei, has called for an amendment to the Constitution to enable chiefs to take part in active politics.
Alternatively, he said, the Constitution should be amended for the creation of a second Chamber of Parliament for chiefs and other well-meaning Ghanaians.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Adjei suggested that the admission of chiefs to the second chamber should be on a rotational basis.
The second chamber, he said, should deal with customary cases, among other things, adding that the British still cherished the traditional role in governance through the Queen.
“Unfortunately, we have accepted Western culture hook, line and sinker, relegating our tradition to the background,” he said.
Mr Adjei said it was hypocritical to bar chiefs from engaging in active politics, although they were allowed to vote during elections.
He said preventing some people, especially chiefs, from participating in governance was against their human rights.
The issue of the subjugation of chiefs, he said, started with the colonialists who set up structures that deprived chiefs of most of their functions, adding that “this continued after independence”.
According to him, none of the provisions in the Constitution sought to lift the image of the chief to his former glory, in spite of the vital role chiefs could play.
Mr Adjei said there were certain structures such as the district assemblies and the MPs Common Fund which tended to relegate chiefs to the background and said as long as people saw district chief executives (DCEs) and MPs as administrators and providers of social amenities, the people would side step chiefs and give respect to those personalities.
He called for the establishment of a common fund for chiefs to use for the development of their traditional areas, saying that would make them more functional. He also stressed the need for the establishment of a royal college where chiefs could go and undertake refresher courses in governance to equip them adequately.
He said there should be an annual awards for chiefs who had contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of their communities, adding that the chieftaincy institution should be reformed to be more viable.
Monday, August 4, 2008
More campuses for UCC
Page 11
04-08-08
THE University of Cape Coast (UCC) is making efforts to set up campuses in other regions of the country, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of UCC, Rev Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng, has announced.
In line with this, he said the university had secured plots of lands in Tamale, Sunyani, Kumasi and Koforidua.
Although there was a comprehensive plan to that effect with the Centre for Continuing Education at the university, the only problem was financing, he noted.
Rev Prof. Adow Obeng made this known at the maiden meeting of the alumni of the UCC School of Business in Accra and said "we want to put up classrooms and other structures so that we can have a campus in each region".
The outgoing Vice Chancellor, who was happy with the turnout of the alumni at the meeting, said he had for the past seven years been trying to get the support of the alumni.
He regretted that some of the old students had vowed not to have anything to do with the university because of the bad experiences they had while on campus, and advised them to put that behind them and endeavour to support the university.
Rev Prof. Adow Obeng said even though some lecturers could be difficult and might frustrate and victimise students, whenever such issues came to the attention of the authorities, steps were taken to address them.
"Whenever such things come to our attention, we take action to address them. That should not make you have bad memories of the university," he appealed, saying that the university was now a "university of choice".
The Dean of the UCC School of Business, Mr Edward Marfo-Yiadom, said the vision of the school was to be the foremost business school in Africa as it was committed to being the leader in business.
He said the school was initiating the entrepreneurship programme to provide technical assistance to small and micro enterprises and that the alumni should become the backbone of whatever the school did.
He said the School of Business was in the process of creating a database of alumni which would be updated annually.
The Registrar of the university, Mr Kofi Ohene, who chaired the function, urged the alumni to help provide an opportunity through which students could do their internship.
He commended the alumni for the high turnout at the meeting.
A five-member task force was picked to plan the formal inauguration of the alumni.
The school was established out of the Department of Business Studies in the 2003/2004 academic year. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in Business.
It has two departments, namely the Department of Accounting and Finance and the Department of Management Studies.
04-08-08
THE University of Cape Coast (UCC) is making efforts to set up campuses in other regions of the country, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of UCC, Rev Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng, has announced.
In line with this, he said the university had secured plots of lands in Tamale, Sunyani, Kumasi and Koforidua.
Although there was a comprehensive plan to that effect with the Centre for Continuing Education at the university, the only problem was financing, he noted.
Rev Prof. Adow Obeng made this known at the maiden meeting of the alumni of the UCC School of Business in Accra and said "we want to put up classrooms and other structures so that we can have a campus in each region".
The outgoing Vice Chancellor, who was happy with the turnout of the alumni at the meeting, said he had for the past seven years been trying to get the support of the alumni.
He regretted that some of the old students had vowed not to have anything to do with the university because of the bad experiences they had while on campus, and advised them to put that behind them and endeavour to support the university.
Rev Prof. Adow Obeng said even though some lecturers could be difficult and might frustrate and victimise students, whenever such issues came to the attention of the authorities, steps were taken to address them.
"Whenever such things come to our attention, we take action to address them. That should not make you have bad memories of the university," he appealed, saying that the university was now a "university of choice".
The Dean of the UCC School of Business, Mr Edward Marfo-Yiadom, said the vision of the school was to be the foremost business school in Africa as it was committed to being the leader in business.
He said the school was initiating the entrepreneurship programme to provide technical assistance to small and micro enterprises and that the alumni should become the backbone of whatever the school did.
He said the School of Business was in the process of creating a database of alumni which would be updated annually.
The Registrar of the university, Mr Kofi Ohene, who chaired the function, urged the alumni to help provide an opportunity through which students could do their internship.
He commended the alumni for the high turnout at the meeting.
A five-member task force was picked to plan the formal inauguration of the alumni.
The school was established out of the Department of Business Studies in the 2003/2004 academic year. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in Business.
It has two departments, namely the Department of Accounting and Finance and the Department of Management Studies.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Scholarship programme for tertiary institutions
31-07-08
A SCHOLARSHIP scheme dubbed, ‘Tertiary Education Scholarship Trust (TEST) for Ghana’, aimed at providing scholarships to brilliant needy students to pursue tertiary education in the country has been launched in Accra.
Under the programme, 80 beneficiaries would be granted full and partial scholarships with an average value of GH¢500 annually from the scheme to pursue studies in the public universities and polytechnics.
The Founder of ‘TEST for Ghana’, Dr Keith Lloyd, who launched the scheme, said the scholarship would be available for study in any subject which would contribute to the socio economic development of the country.
He said under the scheme, a beneficiary was expected to show a commitment to remain in the country to work for its social and economic development, backed by a five-year bond.
According to him, a beneficiary would also be obliged to work during vacation times for the local community where he/she belonged, saying that TEST would provide mentoring and employment counselling programmes for scholars.
Applications from handicapped students, he said, would be encouraged and noted that application for scholarship would be made through stakeholders in accordance with the requirements defined by the scheme.
Dr Lloyd, who is also the Founder of Norman and Ivy Lloyd African Scholarship Trust at Linacre College University of Oxford, UK, said although the award of scholarships would be in accordance with donors’ requirements, it “would carry a 60 per cent bias towards female applicants, applicants from the Northern, Upper West and Upper East region and Universities”.
He said future activities of the scheme will include microfinance, self sustainability, provision of modern equipment to selected needy schools and an opportunity for the best graduate to emerge from TEST to apply to Linacre University of Oxford.
For his part, the Chairman of Test for Ghana, Prof George Hagan, urged needy brilliant students to take advantage of the scheme for the betterment of their lives and community.
He pledged that the scheme would be fair and transparent to all applicants.
A SCHOLARSHIP scheme dubbed, ‘Tertiary Education Scholarship Trust (TEST) for Ghana’, aimed at providing scholarships to brilliant needy students to pursue tertiary education in the country has been launched in Accra.
Under the programme, 80 beneficiaries would be granted full and partial scholarships with an average value of GH¢500 annually from the scheme to pursue studies in the public universities and polytechnics.
The Founder of ‘TEST for Ghana’, Dr Keith Lloyd, who launched the scheme, said the scholarship would be available for study in any subject which would contribute to the socio economic development of the country.
He said under the scheme, a beneficiary was expected to show a commitment to remain in the country to work for its social and economic development, backed by a five-year bond.
According to him, a beneficiary would also be obliged to work during vacation times for the local community where he/she belonged, saying that TEST would provide mentoring and employment counselling programmes for scholars.
Applications from handicapped students, he said, would be encouraged and noted that application for scholarship would be made through stakeholders in accordance with the requirements defined by the scheme.
Dr Lloyd, who is also the Founder of Norman and Ivy Lloyd African Scholarship Trust at Linacre College University of Oxford, UK, said although the award of scholarships would be in accordance with donors’ requirements, it “would carry a 60 per cent bias towards female applicants, applicants from the Northern, Upper West and Upper East region and Universities”.
He said future activities of the scheme will include microfinance, self sustainability, provision of modern equipment to selected needy schools and an opportunity for the best graduate to emerge from TEST to apply to Linacre University of Oxford.
For his part, the Chairman of Test for Ghana, Prof George Hagan, urged needy brilliant students to take advantage of the scheme for the betterment of their lives and community.
He pledged that the scheme would be fair and transparent to all applicants.
Floods all over
01-08-08
Spread
TORRENTIAL rains this morning flooded some parts of Accra, leaving most of roads impassable. Most residents had to stay indoors till the flood waters receded before coming out of their homes to avoid falling into open drains.
At Teshie Abomah, a middle-aged man who was swept away by the flood waters was rescued by the branches of a Nim tree near a huge drain.
Mr Sammy Adjei, who took the man to hospital, said about 6.00 a.m. he heard people shouting that someone was being swept away by the flood waters.
He said he came out only to find the man trapped by the branches of the tree close to his house.
At Teshie Nungua, some schools declared the day a holiday for their pupils because their classrooms were flooded.
The Mount Mary Preparatory at ‘A’ Life Junction, off the Nungua road, and some buildings along the Teshie-Nungua road were flooded.
At Tabibiano in Teshie, flood waters swept away one side of the main culvert over a stream in the area. The road serves as a main bypass for motorists from Tema, Lashibi and Sakumono through the “bush road” to the Trade Fair site. It was also used as a diversion for motorists during the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) conference.
According to the Assembly Member for the area, Mr James Ayiku Narh, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area had been duly informed of the poor nature of the road.
However, he said, nothing had been done and that it was through the communal spirit of the people in the area that the road had been kept in shape.
“We need an urgent response to the situation, since people will not be able to use vehicles on the route. This is beyond the community,” he said.
Mr Abraham Laryea, a resident who corroborated what the assembly member said, indicated that the road helped to ease traffic on the main Teshie-Nungua road, hence the need to give it urgent attention.
Parts of Mataheko were also hit by the floods.
Business at the Goil Filling Station off the Graphic Road delayed because attendants had no shelter under which to stand to offer services. Vehicles that went to the station to be served got stuck in the mud which had piled there.
Workers of a company near the filling station were stranded outside the building as the yard was flooded.
Some hawkers also took cover in front of buildings.
A resident of Mataheko, Mr Fred Tetteh, said as a result of the lack of drainage in the area, his house and other buildings always got flooded during heavy downpours.
He said for eight years he had been complaining to the authorities but nothing had been done about the situation.
At Agege Zone Six, a suburb of Accra some buildings were submerged in floods following the persistent downpour leaving in its wake, enormous destruction of property, reports Naa Lamiley Bentil .
Electronic items such as television sets, standing fans, furniture and beds were all submerged in the floods.
One of the residents, told the Daily Graphic that they saw the water gushing into their rooms at about 3:00 a.m and quickly came out of their rooms to ascertain the problem since they had not experienced such an incident before.
He said, when they came out, they saw that the water was unable to flow as it had been blocked by a drain presently under-construction.
He said they were relieved only after the men in the compound acted swiftly to break the concrete that was preventing the easy flow of the rain water to the other end.
They have, therefore, appealed to the contractor to look at the designing of the drain to avert a future occurrence.
At the time the Daily Graphic got to the place, residents, both men and women were collecting rain water from their rooms.
They appealed to the Metro Roads Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to rehabilitate roads in the area since they had become virtually immotorable after heavy downpours.
Spread
TORRENTIAL rains this morning flooded some parts of Accra, leaving most of roads impassable. Most residents had to stay indoors till the flood waters receded before coming out of their homes to avoid falling into open drains.
At Teshie Abomah, a middle-aged man who was swept away by the flood waters was rescued by the branches of a Nim tree near a huge drain.
Mr Sammy Adjei, who took the man to hospital, said about 6.00 a.m. he heard people shouting that someone was being swept away by the flood waters.
He said he came out only to find the man trapped by the branches of the tree close to his house.
At Teshie Nungua, some schools declared the day a holiday for their pupils because their classrooms were flooded.
The Mount Mary Preparatory at ‘A’ Life Junction, off the Nungua road, and some buildings along the Teshie-Nungua road were flooded.
At Tabibiano in Teshie, flood waters swept away one side of the main culvert over a stream in the area. The road serves as a main bypass for motorists from Tema, Lashibi and Sakumono through the “bush road” to the Trade Fair site. It was also used as a diversion for motorists during the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) conference.
According to the Assembly Member for the area, Mr James Ayiku Narh, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area had been duly informed of the poor nature of the road.
However, he said, nothing had been done and that it was through the communal spirit of the people in the area that the road had been kept in shape.
“We need an urgent response to the situation, since people will not be able to use vehicles on the route. This is beyond the community,” he said.
Mr Abraham Laryea, a resident who corroborated what the assembly member said, indicated that the road helped to ease traffic on the main Teshie-Nungua road, hence the need to give it urgent attention.
Parts of Mataheko were also hit by the floods.
Business at the Goil Filling Station off the Graphic Road delayed because attendants had no shelter under which to stand to offer services. Vehicles that went to the station to be served got stuck in the mud which had piled there.
Workers of a company near the filling station were stranded outside the building as the yard was flooded.
Some hawkers also took cover in front of buildings.
A resident of Mataheko, Mr Fred Tetteh, said as a result of the lack of drainage in the area, his house and other buildings always got flooded during heavy downpours.
He said for eight years he had been complaining to the authorities but nothing had been done about the situation.
At Agege Zone Six, a suburb of Accra some buildings were submerged in floods following the persistent downpour leaving in its wake, enormous destruction of property, reports Naa Lamiley Bentil .
Electronic items such as television sets, standing fans, furniture and beds were all submerged in the floods.
One of the residents, told the Daily Graphic that they saw the water gushing into their rooms at about 3:00 a.m and quickly came out of their rooms to ascertain the problem since they had not experienced such an incident before.
He said, when they came out, they saw that the water was unable to flow as it had been blocked by a drain presently under-construction.
He said they were relieved only after the men in the compound acted swiftly to break the concrete that was preventing the easy flow of the rain water to the other end.
They have, therefore, appealed to the contractor to look at the designing of the drain to avert a future occurrence.
At the time the Daily Graphic got to the place, residents, both men and women were collecting rain water from their rooms.
They appealed to the Metro Roads Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to rehabilitate roads in the area since they had become virtually immotorable after heavy downpours.
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