Page 1 Lead
04-10-08
THE Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned that it will sanction heads of public basic schools who are thwarting the government’s efforts at maintaining fee-free education at the basic educational level.
According to the GES, it had come to its notice that some unscrupulous heads had been charging unauthorised school fees from pupils when there was fee-free education under the Capitation Grant policy.
“If, after investigations, it is found that a headteacher has collected unauthorised fees or levies, we will sanction that person,” the Director of the Basic Education Division of the GES, Mr Stephen Adu, told the Daily Graphic yesterday.
The action of such heads, he said, amounted to sabotaging the efforts of the government at providing free basic education, adding that any headteacher found to have collected authorised fees would be dealt with.
The government abolished the payment of all levies with the introduction of the grant, under which the government pays GH¢3 per pupil in every public basic school.
The sanction, Mr Adu said, would range from demotion and transfer to outright dismissal.
A directive from the GES said whereas parent-teacher associations (PTAs) could agree among themselves to levy parents and guardians in order to undertake development projects in public basic schools upon receipt of approval from the service, "pupils cannot be sacked from school for the non-payment of such levies by parents and guardians”.
That, it said, was because it would undermine the government’s policy of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education and defeat the purpose for the introduction of the Capitation Grant.
"Parents/Guardians are, therefore, advised to report any unapproved fees charged and any unlawful sacking of their children/wards from public basic schools anywhere in Ghana to the district or regional directors of education or to the GES Public Relations Unit for immediate action," the directive said.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Heads threaten to reduce intake but...
Spread
04-10-08
HEADS of some second-cycle schools have said beginning from the next academic year they will start reducing the intake of qualified Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates into the first year of senior high school (SHS) to make room for the fourth-year SHS students under the education reform.
This, they said, was due to the lack of efforts on the part of the education authorities to start the construction of classroom blocks for the fourth year students.
However, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Prof. Dominic Fobih, has described the action of the heads as premature, since there are ongoing efforts to provide classrooms for the schools.
“We cannot construct all the classrooms at a go and it would have to take time. The fact that we have started somewhere does not mean that we are not doing anything,” he told the Daily Graphic.
The first batch of qualified BECE students admitted to SHS Form One who started the education reform last year, are now in their second year, and the heads of schools are worried that they may not have classrooms for them in the fourth year if they keep admitting the same number of students they admit every year.
"We are now in the second year of the reform and they have not even started building classrooms for the fourth year. Two years is not far from now and nothing is being done," one of the heads who pleaded anonymity told the Daily Graphic.
The source said for instance, it would need a 15-unit classroom block to cater for the current Form Two students when they get to Form 4, adding that "I wonder whether that can be done in a year".
Another headmaster said the construction of the classroom blocks should have started by now to avoid any rush that could end up in shoddy work.
"If by the end of this academic year they have not started construction work for the fourth year, I would reduce the intake of qualified BECE candidates who would be going to Form One because if I don't do that their seniors would not get classrooms," he stated.
Prof. Fobih noted, however, that the government was continuously awarding contracts for the construction of classrooms and that “this is an ongoing thing”.
He gave the assurance that final-year or fourth-year students would have classrooms by the time they get there.
Under the education reform that commenced last year, universal basic education was extended from nine to 11 years, comprising two years of kindergarten, six years of primary school and three years of junior high school (JHS).
A new four-year SHS offers general education with electives in General Arts, Business, Technical, Vocational and Agriculture for entry into a tertiary institution or the job market.
After JHS, students may choose to go into different streams at SHS, comprising General Education and Technical, Vocational and Agricultural and Training (TVET) or enter into an apprenticeship scheme with some support from the government.
04-10-08
HEADS of some second-cycle schools have said beginning from the next academic year they will start reducing the intake of qualified Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates into the first year of senior high school (SHS) to make room for the fourth-year SHS students under the education reform.
This, they said, was due to the lack of efforts on the part of the education authorities to start the construction of classroom blocks for the fourth year students.
However, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, Prof. Dominic Fobih, has described the action of the heads as premature, since there are ongoing efforts to provide classrooms for the schools.
“We cannot construct all the classrooms at a go and it would have to take time. The fact that we have started somewhere does not mean that we are not doing anything,” he told the Daily Graphic.
The first batch of qualified BECE students admitted to SHS Form One who started the education reform last year, are now in their second year, and the heads of schools are worried that they may not have classrooms for them in the fourth year if they keep admitting the same number of students they admit every year.
"We are now in the second year of the reform and they have not even started building classrooms for the fourth year. Two years is not far from now and nothing is being done," one of the heads who pleaded anonymity told the Daily Graphic.
The source said for instance, it would need a 15-unit classroom block to cater for the current Form Two students when they get to Form 4, adding that "I wonder whether that can be done in a year".
Another headmaster said the construction of the classroom blocks should have started by now to avoid any rush that could end up in shoddy work.
"If by the end of this academic year they have not started construction work for the fourth year, I would reduce the intake of qualified BECE candidates who would be going to Form One because if I don't do that their seniors would not get classrooms," he stated.
Prof. Fobih noted, however, that the government was continuously awarding contracts for the construction of classrooms and that “this is an ongoing thing”.
He gave the assurance that final-year or fourth-year students would have classrooms by the time they get there.
Under the education reform that commenced last year, universal basic education was extended from nine to 11 years, comprising two years of kindergarten, six years of primary school and three years of junior high school (JHS).
A new four-year SHS offers general education with electives in General Arts, Business, Technical, Vocational and Agriculture for entry into a tertiary institution or the job market.
After JHS, students may choose to go into different streams at SHS, comprising General Education and Technical, Vocational and Agricultural and Training (TVET) or enter into an apprenticeship scheme with some support from the government.
34,500 Personnel potsed for national service
Page 11
08-10-08
THE National Service Scheme (NSS) on Monday announced the postings of 34,500 personnel for the 2008-2009 service year.
The figure represents an increase of 2,020 from the 2007-2008 national service year.
At a news conference to announce the release of postings, the Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Mr Kofi Obiri Yeboah, expressed concern about the attitude of institutions that conducted aptitude tests for would-be service personnel on the campuses of tertiary institutions with the aim of recruiting brilliant students for their institutions for national service.
Such a practice, he said, was against the mode of operations of the service secretariat, since it was the mandate of the secretariat to recruit people for national service.
He, therefore, asked such institutions to desist from the practice because “having a first-class does not mean that you can perform on the job”.
Mr Yeboah said the secretariat had allowed the practice for sometime because some institutions, especially the financial ones, gathered background information about personnel posted to their outfits.
“By Act 426, no institution or organisation has the right to go round the universities and polytechnics to recruit would-be service personnel. It is only the National Service Scheme that has the mandate to do that,” he emphasised.
He gave the regional breakdown of the 2008-2009 service year as Greater Accra, 10,988; Ashanti, 5,640; Eastern, 2,871; Western, 2,690; Brong Ahafo, 2,667; Central, 2,080; Northern, 1,871; Volta, 1,571; Upper West, 710 and Upper East, 698.
In pursuant of the government’s policy of providing quality education, he said, 60-70 per cent of the personnel had been posted to the education sector to meet the shortfall in the posting of teachers to the rural areas.
Mr Yeboah said although the postings had been released, service persons could access their postings from Wednesday, October 8, 2008, adding that the service persons could check from the secretariat website of www.nssghana.org.
“Since its inception, the scheme has been contributing to the socio-economic development of the country. Service personnel are posted to places where their services are needed,” he stated, and reminded service persons that national service was “a call to national duty and postings must be accepted in good faith”.
Posting, he said, should never be seen as a punishment.
The NSS was established in 1973 by NRC Decree with 1,500 service persons. In 1980, the Buah Committee came out with a proposal that saw the enactment of the scheme by Act 426.
Since then the scheme has operated within this law.
Mr Yeboah said the rationale behind the establishment of the scheme was to cater for the shortfall of manpower in the country, especially in the rural areas.
08-10-08
THE National Service Scheme (NSS) on Monday announced the postings of 34,500 personnel for the 2008-2009 service year.
The figure represents an increase of 2,020 from the 2007-2008 national service year.
At a news conference to announce the release of postings, the Executive Director of the National Service Scheme, Mr Kofi Obiri Yeboah, expressed concern about the attitude of institutions that conducted aptitude tests for would-be service personnel on the campuses of tertiary institutions with the aim of recruiting brilliant students for their institutions for national service.
Such a practice, he said, was against the mode of operations of the service secretariat, since it was the mandate of the secretariat to recruit people for national service.
He, therefore, asked such institutions to desist from the practice because “having a first-class does not mean that you can perform on the job”.
Mr Yeboah said the secretariat had allowed the practice for sometime because some institutions, especially the financial ones, gathered background information about personnel posted to their outfits.
“By Act 426, no institution or organisation has the right to go round the universities and polytechnics to recruit would-be service personnel. It is only the National Service Scheme that has the mandate to do that,” he emphasised.
He gave the regional breakdown of the 2008-2009 service year as Greater Accra, 10,988; Ashanti, 5,640; Eastern, 2,871; Western, 2,690; Brong Ahafo, 2,667; Central, 2,080; Northern, 1,871; Volta, 1,571; Upper West, 710 and Upper East, 698.
In pursuant of the government’s policy of providing quality education, he said, 60-70 per cent of the personnel had been posted to the education sector to meet the shortfall in the posting of teachers to the rural areas.
Mr Yeboah said although the postings had been released, service persons could access their postings from Wednesday, October 8, 2008, adding that the service persons could check from the secretariat website of www.nssghana.org.
“Since its inception, the scheme has been contributing to the socio-economic development of the country. Service personnel are posted to places where their services are needed,” he stated, and reminded service persons that national service was “a call to national duty and postings must be accepted in good faith”.
Posting, he said, should never be seen as a punishment.
The NSS was established in 1973 by NRC Decree with 1,500 service persons. In 1980, the Buah Committee came out with a proposal that saw the enactment of the scheme by Act 426.
Since then the scheme has operated within this law.
Mr Yeboah said the rationale behind the establishment of the scheme was to cater for the shortfall of manpower in the country, especially in the rural areas.
Miracle Church marks 10th anniversary
Page 21
08-10-08
MEMBERS of the Kasoa branch of the Word Miracle Church International (WMCI) at the weekend undertook a walk as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the branch.
The three-hour march dubbed: “Taking Authority March,” took members of the church, who sported their anniversary polo shirts and caps, through the streets of Kasoa as well as the Old and New Market sites.
Amid dancing and singing, the members prayed for peace for the nation, ahead of the forthcoming general election. They also committed the town to the hands of the Lord and prayed for the prosperity of traders at the Kasoa Market.
The host Pastor of the Kasoa WMCI, Rev. Joseph Lavoe, said the march was to announce the presence of the church in the area to the authorities of the land.
“God has given the church power and authority. He told Joshua that wheresoever the sole of your foot shall tread upon, I the Lord, have given you the land for possession,” he said, adding “I believe God has given us this land”.
Rev. Lavoe said during the march, members of the church exercised their kingdom right over the principalities of the land, and expressed the hope that the three-hour exercise had made a positive impact spiritually and physically.
Rev. Lavoe believed that following the march, all that belonged to the church, the nation and the people had been given to them.
“Wherever you are as a church, don’t be afraid of the powers that have been in existence. God has given you the power and authority that anything you bind shall be bound and anything that you loose shall be loosed,” he admonished churches.
08-10-08
MEMBERS of the Kasoa branch of the Word Miracle Church International (WMCI) at the weekend undertook a walk as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the branch.
The three-hour march dubbed: “Taking Authority March,” took members of the church, who sported their anniversary polo shirts and caps, through the streets of Kasoa as well as the Old and New Market sites.
Amid dancing and singing, the members prayed for peace for the nation, ahead of the forthcoming general election. They also committed the town to the hands of the Lord and prayed for the prosperity of traders at the Kasoa Market.
The host Pastor of the Kasoa WMCI, Rev. Joseph Lavoe, said the march was to announce the presence of the church in the area to the authorities of the land.
“God has given the church power and authority. He told Joshua that wheresoever the sole of your foot shall tread upon, I the Lord, have given you the land for possession,” he said, adding “I believe God has given us this land”.
Rev. Lavoe said during the march, members of the church exercised their kingdom right over the principalities of the land, and expressed the hope that the three-hour exercise had made a positive impact spiritually and physically.
Rev. Lavoe believed that following the march, all that belonged to the church, the nation and the people had been given to them.
“Wherever you are as a church, don’t be afraid of the powers that have been in existence. God has given you the power and authority that anything you bind shall be bound and anything that you loose shall be loosed,” he admonished churches.
Friday, October 3, 2008
15 Students receive Unilever awards
Page 17
03-10-08
THE Unilever Ghana Foundation for Education and Development has awarded 15 graduating students who have distinguished themselves in their respective disciplines in the country’s polytechnics and universities.
The awards ranged between GH¢ 150.00 to GH¢ 250.00 and certificates of recognition.
In addition, the names of the beneficiaries would be captured on special recognition notice boards cited at their almer mater as perpetual reminders.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Mr Andrew Quayson, said the students were selected by their universities and polytechnics as the overall best in their disciplines or academic institutions, based on their final year examinations in 2007.
He said such special events were organised not only to inspire the recipients, but also to serve as a reminder and motivation to all and sundry that “wherever we find ourselves and in whatever capacities, our contributions are being assessed for rewards”.
Since 2000, he said, the foundation had annually honoured graduates from the public tertiary institutions who distinguished themselves in their academic disciplines.
“For us at the foundation, demonstrating to these young adults in tangible terms that we appreciate their efforts and believe in their ability to go on to excel to greater heights is a step in the right direction,” he emphasised.
Mr Quayson said in total, the foundation was spending GH¢3,000.00 for the honours, and implored all and sundry “to strive to brighten our corner no matter how little”.
“It is our fervent hope that as they go out into the world of work, they will, by their achievements in their career and other pursuits, lend credence to the belief and confidence we have in them,” he stated.
He said having exhibited sterling academic performances, there was the need to energise themselves with the same discipline and enthusiasm to go through life to become exemplary leaders in their homes, communities and country.
A Lecturer at the Accra Polytechnic, Mr Nat Johnson, who benefited from a Unilever scholarship in 1967, commended the Unilever Foundation for inspiring the graduates to attain greater heights.
03-10-08
THE Unilever Ghana Foundation for Education and Development has awarded 15 graduating students who have distinguished themselves in their respective disciplines in the country’s polytechnics and universities.
The awards ranged between GH¢ 150.00 to GH¢ 250.00 and certificates of recognition.
In addition, the names of the beneficiaries would be captured on special recognition notice boards cited at their almer mater as perpetual reminders.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Mr Andrew Quayson, said the students were selected by their universities and polytechnics as the overall best in their disciplines or academic institutions, based on their final year examinations in 2007.
He said such special events were organised not only to inspire the recipients, but also to serve as a reminder and motivation to all and sundry that “wherever we find ourselves and in whatever capacities, our contributions are being assessed for rewards”.
Since 2000, he said, the foundation had annually honoured graduates from the public tertiary institutions who distinguished themselves in their academic disciplines.
“For us at the foundation, demonstrating to these young adults in tangible terms that we appreciate their efforts and believe in their ability to go on to excel to greater heights is a step in the right direction,” he emphasised.
Mr Quayson said in total, the foundation was spending GH¢3,000.00 for the honours, and implored all and sundry “to strive to brighten our corner no matter how little”.
“It is our fervent hope that as they go out into the world of work, they will, by their achievements in their career and other pursuits, lend credence to the belief and confidence we have in them,” he stated.
He said having exhibited sterling academic performances, there was the need to energise themselves with the same discipline and enthusiasm to go through life to become exemplary leaders in their homes, communities and country.
A Lecturer at the Accra Polytechnic, Mr Nat Johnson, who benefited from a Unilever scholarship in 1967, commended the Unilever Foundation for inspiring the graduates to attain greater heights.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Action plan for rice production
Page 32
02-10-08
GHANA’s rice industry is to produce high quality rice to meet 70 per cent of the domestic consumption needs of the population.
This follows the development of a five-year action plan (Rice Industry Action Plan 2008-2013) that will double local rice production and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the industry as part of efforts to transform the agricultural sector.
The action plan was developed by players in the rice industry at a two-day workshop organised by an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), ACDI/VOCA, which is the implementing partner for the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) in the southern agricultural zone.
The MiDA is responsible for managing the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Ghana Programme and the Regional Implementation Consultants (RICs) for the country’s southern zone.
Stakeholders at the workshop who developed the action plan included rice input suppliers, small and large-scale rice farmers, leaders of farmer-based organisations, rice processors, wholesalers, retailers and exporters, as well as financial service providers.
“This action plan will also serve as a map that will guide our activities in support of rice sector participants for the remainder of the MCC-funded MiDA agricultural project,” a Senior Technical Adviser at ACDI/VOCA, Dr Owuraku Sakyi Dawson, said.
The industry participants were of the view that there was the need for training in agronomy, water management and post-harvest handling for all actors in the sector and indicated that the training in those areas was to start next month.
According to the action plan, what needed to be done to address the constraint of poor seed and the selection of varieties included multiplication of approved high-yielding varieties which satisfied market demand for taste and other cooking characteristics for the various agro-ecological zones.
“Rice industry stakeholders are of the view that the multiplication of the approved high-yielding varieties with characteristics that are demanded by the market will start in February 2009,” it indicated.
Dr Dawson said ACDI/VOCA was proud to be the country’s MiDA partner in the implementation of MiDA’s agriculture project in the southern zone, adding that “even more important, we are proud to be a partner to all the farmers and firms which will realise the rich potential of Ghana’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors”.
The workshop was, among other things, to verify the preliminary findings of the rice value chain analysis conducted to enhance industry competitiveness, develop a vision for the rice industry and develop an action plan with industry participants on what was needed to realise the vision of a more competitive rice industry.
02-10-08
GHANA’s rice industry is to produce high quality rice to meet 70 per cent of the domestic consumption needs of the population.
This follows the development of a five-year action plan (Rice Industry Action Plan 2008-2013) that will double local rice production and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the industry as part of efforts to transform the agricultural sector.
The action plan was developed by players in the rice industry at a two-day workshop organised by an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), ACDI/VOCA, which is the implementing partner for the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) in the southern agricultural zone.
The MiDA is responsible for managing the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Ghana Programme and the Regional Implementation Consultants (RICs) for the country’s southern zone.
Stakeholders at the workshop who developed the action plan included rice input suppliers, small and large-scale rice farmers, leaders of farmer-based organisations, rice processors, wholesalers, retailers and exporters, as well as financial service providers.
“This action plan will also serve as a map that will guide our activities in support of rice sector participants for the remainder of the MCC-funded MiDA agricultural project,” a Senior Technical Adviser at ACDI/VOCA, Dr Owuraku Sakyi Dawson, said.
The industry participants were of the view that there was the need for training in agronomy, water management and post-harvest handling for all actors in the sector and indicated that the training in those areas was to start next month.
According to the action plan, what needed to be done to address the constraint of poor seed and the selection of varieties included multiplication of approved high-yielding varieties which satisfied market demand for taste and other cooking characteristics for the various agro-ecological zones.
“Rice industry stakeholders are of the view that the multiplication of the approved high-yielding varieties with characteristics that are demanded by the market will start in February 2009,” it indicated.
Dr Dawson said ACDI/VOCA was proud to be the country’s MiDA partner in the implementation of MiDA’s agriculture project in the southern zone, adding that “even more important, we are proud to be a partner to all the farmers and firms which will realise the rich potential of Ghana’s agricultural and agribusiness sectors”.
The workshop was, among other things, to verify the preliminary findings of the rice value chain analysis conducted to enhance industry competitiveness, develop a vision for the rice industry and develop an action plan with industry participants on what was needed to realise the vision of a more competitive rice industry.
Accra EP church choirs hold rally
Page 29
02-10-08
THE Accra Presbytery Church Choirs’ Union of the Global Evangelical Church has held its Triennial Rally at the Accra Teacher Training College.
As part of the rally, the delegates made a donation of food items, beverages and detergents to the National Office of the SOS villages of Ghana for distribution to the various SOS Villages.
New Executives were also elected, with Mr Samuel Kwadzo as President; Mr Moses Ahlivia, Vice President and Madam Peace Kumako, Secretary. The Choirmasters are Messrs George Asiamah and Godsway Hanyabui.
The Presbytery Choirs Co-ordinator is Rev C. K. K. Aglago.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Synod Clerk of the Global Evangelical Church, Rev Prince Tefe, advised politicians to be concerned about the stability of the country and avoid acts and utterances that could lead to disunity and hatred among Ghanaians.
He reminded the various contestants to bear in mind that whoever won the December general elections would need the support of all citizens irrespective of their party affiliations to contribute to the national development agenda.
Preaching the sermon at a thanksgiving service to round off the programme, the pastor in charge of the Dome-Atomic branch of the Global Evangelical church, Rev Dr Seth Gbewonyo, stressed the need for churches and other religious gatherings to serve as forums where issues which united Ghanaians as one people would be highlighted.
Rev Dr Gbewonyo, who is also the Hall Master of Akuafo Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon, asked Ghanaians to be prepared to forgive one another and continue to pray for God’s guidance to elect leaders who would be accepted across the political divide.
Rev Dr Gbewonyo commended the involvement of the youth in national politics, but cautioned that they should not allow themselves to be misguided to forment trouble during this year’s electioneering or in the future.
He said: “The youth need to bear in mind that any disturbance of the national peace and stability cannot provide a congenial atmosphere for them to nurture their talent to be tapped for national progress.”
02-10-08
THE Accra Presbytery Church Choirs’ Union of the Global Evangelical Church has held its Triennial Rally at the Accra Teacher Training College.
As part of the rally, the delegates made a donation of food items, beverages and detergents to the National Office of the SOS villages of Ghana for distribution to the various SOS Villages.
New Executives were also elected, with Mr Samuel Kwadzo as President; Mr Moses Ahlivia, Vice President and Madam Peace Kumako, Secretary. The Choirmasters are Messrs George Asiamah and Godsway Hanyabui.
The Presbytery Choirs Co-ordinator is Rev C. K. K. Aglago.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Synod Clerk of the Global Evangelical Church, Rev Prince Tefe, advised politicians to be concerned about the stability of the country and avoid acts and utterances that could lead to disunity and hatred among Ghanaians.
He reminded the various contestants to bear in mind that whoever won the December general elections would need the support of all citizens irrespective of their party affiliations to contribute to the national development agenda.
Preaching the sermon at a thanksgiving service to round off the programme, the pastor in charge of the Dome-Atomic branch of the Global Evangelical church, Rev Dr Seth Gbewonyo, stressed the need for churches and other religious gatherings to serve as forums where issues which united Ghanaians as one people would be highlighted.
Rev Dr Gbewonyo, who is also the Hall Master of Akuafo Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon, asked Ghanaians to be prepared to forgive one another and continue to pray for God’s guidance to elect leaders who would be accepted across the political divide.
Rev Dr Gbewonyo commended the involvement of the youth in national politics, but cautioned that they should not allow themselves to be misguided to forment trouble during this year’s electioneering or in the future.
He said: “The youth need to bear in mind that any disturbance of the national peace and stability cannot provide a congenial atmosphere for them to nurture their talent to be tapped for national progress.”
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