Category: Education

In line with its sustainability efforts towards the environment, Vivo Energy Ghana, the Shell Licensee is partnering the United Way Ghana, a non-governmental organisation to launch a renewable energy project among schools within its communities.

The project seeks to empower and provide students with a solid understanding of various renewable energy sources, including solar energy.

By introducing innovative educational programmes and practical demonstrations, the initiative aims to inspire the next generation to embrace sustainable energy solutions and raise awareness about environmental challenges and the importance of adopting sustainable energy practices within the school and the broader community.

A statement signed by Shirley Tony Kum, Corporate Communications manager and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said working closely with the Educational Director, Ghana Education Service of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, the Vivo Energy Ghana renewable energy project for school children would f
eature a series of interactive workshops, educational tours, development of educational materials and hands-on activities designed to engage students in learning about solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.

‘ Through experiential learning opportunities, participants will gain deeper understanding of the environmental benefits and practical applications of renewable energy technologies’.

The statement said the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had committed both organisations to instil in the school children a sense of responsibility towards the environment and prepare them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

‘Partnering the United Way Ghana on this renewable energy project underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment,’ says Kader Maiga, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana. ‘Together, we aim to instil a sense of environmental responsibility in young learners and equip them with the knowledge and skills ne
eded to build a greener future,’ he added.

United Way Ghana shares the vision of promoting sustainable development and recognises this partnership as an important step towards achieving that goal.

‘Following the successful roll-out of Cyclean in the La Enobal Basic School, we are excited to enter into another partnership with Vivo Energy Ghana to introduce school children to renewable energy. By investing in the education and engagement of young learners, we can create a ripple effect of positive change across communities and drive the transition towards renewable energy,’ says Faustina Abbey, Acting Executive Director of United Way Ghana.

As part of the partnership, Vivo Energy Ghana and the United Way Ghana will also work closely with local schools within their area of operation, community centres, and educational institutions to ensure broader participation and impact.

Source: Ghana News Agency

About 768 pupils, teachers and other recognised groups, have commemorated Ghana’s 67th Independence Day with a march past at the Cluster of Schools, Tapa-Abotoase in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region.

Madam Millicent Kabuki Carboo, Biakoye District Chief Executive (DCE) and the Reviewing Officer, in her address, said Ghana’s Independence was a momentous occasion for all to reflect on the profound impact it had on the nation’s democracy.

She said independence held significant historical and symbolic importance, marking the culmination of years of struggle and sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom and self-governance.

‘Ghana’s journey to independence was and has been a beacon of hope for Africa and a symbol of what is possible when people unite for a common cause.’

Madam Carboo said the country witnessed multiple successful transitions of power from one government to another, demonstrating commitment to democratic governance and the will of the citizenry.

‘This peaceful transition of power is a testamen
t to the maturity of our democracy and the resilience of our institutions.’

She said the benefits of independence to Ghana’s democracy were manifolds and profound since they granted the invaluable opportunity to chart the country’s course as a sovereign nation, 67 years ago, free from the shackles of colonial rule.

Madam Carboo said the independence had also empowered the country to shape its destiny, determine political institutions and establish a system of governance that reflected the aspirations and values of the people.

Madam Carboo said it was on the shoulders of the principles and pillars of democracy that the Oti Region and Biakoye District was carved to decentralise governance and bring development to the people.

‘Democracy has played a significant role in rural development by empowering rural communities such as ours.

‘By promoting participatory decision-making and fostering accountability and transparency in governance.’

She said the Tapa-Abotoase town had marvelous naturally occurring lands
capes and historic monuments and urged all to enjoy the beauty and breathtaking scenery that abounds in it.

Madam Carboo also urged the people of the district to champion the agenda of ‘Wear Ghana’ to promote local textiles, ‘Eat Ghana’ to promote growers and farmers, and ‘Buy Ghana’ to promote and strengthen local businesses.

She also tasked them to reflect on the past and look forward to building an even stronger democracy for future generations.

Awards were given to schools who performed well.

The 67th Independence Day celebration was on the theme: ‘Our Democracy, Our Pride’.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Achimota School has celebrated its 97th Founders’ Day with a reminder to all stakeholders to reflect on how to actively contribute to restoring and safeguarding the school’s legacy of academic excellence and public-spiritedness.

‘Doing this would require a lot of support from all Old Students, affectionately called Akoras,’ Mr Adrian Nii Odoi Oddoye, the Special Guest Speaker, and a member of the 1974-Year Group, said.

He re-emphasized academic excellence and public-spiritedness as legacies that must be restored and nurtured.

The celebration, held on March 2, was on the theme: ‘Nurturing the Present, Restoring the Legacy.’

The 1974, 1984 and 1999 Year Groups sponsored this year’s celebration.

As their legacy project, the 1974- and 1984-Year Groups undertook the task to rehabilitate and convert the original old assembly hall into a ‘state-of-the-art’ multipurpose facility.

The Founders Day celebration honours and remembers not only the ‘Founding Fathers’ of the school but all the great women and men who
passed through the school and gone into the world to becoming ‘Living Waters to a Thirsty Land.’

The Founders’ Day celebration is a weekend of activities to remember the troika of founders of the school; Guggisberg, Fraser and Aggrey, as well as all the influential Ghanaians who have passed through the school, and to remind past and present students of the lofty vision of Achimota, as well as recalibrate it for the future.

Founders’ Day celebrates tremendous achievements of all Alumni referred to as Akoras in various fields to inspire the younger generation to strive for higher heights.

This year’s Founders’ Day celebration marks the countdown the centennial anniversary in 2027 with a series of activities and projects lined up to restore the legacy

Mr Oddoye, in the keynote address, called for collaboration to ensure the good governance of the school, adding: ‘We should actively seek ways to collaborate with the government and the school administration to contribute to the school’s governance.’

He called
for the School Board to be empowered with autonomy to ensure that decisions were made with the best interests of the school and its legacy in mind.

‘Independence allows for strategic planning and execution of policies that align with Achimota’s values,’ he said, noting that while collaboration was essential, excessive interference from external bodies could hinder the school’s ability to maintain its unique identity and legacy.

‘We must advocate for a balance that preserves Achimota’s traditions and values.’

‘We must actively support and participate in programmes and activities that continue to foster wisdom and character development. Mentorship programmes, leadership seminars, and community service initiatives are just a few examples of how we can contribute to nurturing the youth and contributing to the Achimota legacy.’

‘Akora’ Oddoye charged old Achimotans to rally to nurture the present and restore the legacy of their alma mater.

He urged the students to let the pursuit of academic excellence and pu
blic spiritedness always be on their minds.

The Old Achimotan Association President, Mr Joel Nettey, charged all to revisit the objectives and values on which the school was founded.

He charged all to ask themselves if Achimota School, as it is currently structured, is in the position to deliver on these objectives and values.

He called on Akoras worldwide to see what each could do to help Achimota School regain its glory as well as compete favourably on the international stage.

‘And even more, let’s have a national rethink of what the structure and governance of secondary schools in Ghana should look like for success,’ Mr Nettey said.

Mr Ebenezer Graham Acquaah, the Headmaster, commended all the celebrating year groups for the unflinching support and the investments made to keep the school running smoothly.

He implored them to continue to discharge their duties with excellence and collectively strive towards positioning Achimota School as a global centre of excellence in secondary education.

‘Achimota
School has a glorious legacy that should be preserved,’ Mr Acquaah said.

Established in 1927 as the first mixed gender secondary boarding school in the Gold Coast, Achimota has been a trail blazer in providing an all-round education bringing together boys and girls into a boarding system to use their heads, heart, and hands in service and to lead their communities into a brighter future.

It has produced great leaders such as Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and Flt. Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings.

Dental screening and health outreach, the launch of the Achimota School Endowment Trust Fund, Torchlight Procession, preceded the celebration.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Vivian Obuobisa-Darko, Headmistress, Trinity Presby Model School, Adweso-Koforidua, has emphasised the importance of continuity in educational policies for the nation’s future prosperity.

She said Ghana’s education had suffered over the years because there was no continuity in educational policies.

In an interview with the GNA, in Koforidua on the eve of Ghana’s 67th Idependence Day celebrations, she stressed the need for successive governments to continue educational policies initiated by their predecessors.

The euphoric scenes at Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital town, barely 24 hours to the climax of Ghana’s 67th Independence Day Anniversary ignited the enthusiasm for a memorable celebration.

For many of the residents, the occasion presents an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural diversity, history of the people and socio-economic potential of one of Ghana’s most serene urban areas.

The stakes are high given the crucial role of the Region in the attainment of Ghana’s independence in 1
957.

Founded in 1875, Koforidua is noted for its tropical forests and cascading waterfalls, tourist attraction sites and beautiful landscape.

Ahead of the anniversary celebration, the town is adorned with the nation’s red, gold and green flags with black star on the gold at every visible corner, billowing the bustling streets proudly.

Madam Obuobisa-Darko said a consistent and coherent educational framework was essential for fostering long-term development and ensuring Ghana’s competitiveness in education on the global stage.

‘Going forward, the government should let us have a permanent educational system that people will not come and change here and there.

‘As we have our current education now, no government should be able to change, so we can have a stable educational policy for a long time,’ Madam Obuobisa-Darko said.

She said the 67th Idependence Anniversary of Ghana required some stock taking of what the country had achieved and looking into the future with renewed hope.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Alhassan Sayibu Suhiyini, Member of Parliament for Tamale North, says the dwindling fortunes in the education sector ‘will take many years to reverse,’ in spite of the investments made in the sector by New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.

He said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ‘attempt’ to celebrate achievements in the education sector, as captured in the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), ‘will not stand the test of time’.

The President in his address on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, hailed the impact of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, describing it as a ‘transformative programme that has broken myths and liberated minds.’

President Akufo-Addo, on the floor of Parliament, touched on investments such as the construction of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) schools and other programmes in the education sector that had increased enrollment at the basic level.

However, Mr Suhini, speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on Saturday, said such contributions were expec
ted as the government had generated ‘so much money from tax revenue’.

‘We may be faced with many challenges, but the three, which I call the ‘triple jeopardy’, are education, environment and the economy…’

‘In terms of quantum of money spent [in the education sector], I don’t challenge that, but the decay that our educational sector is faced with will take us many years to reverse,’ he stated.

The lawmaker made reference to research findings which suggested that some basic schools were owed capitation grant while others lacked basic infrastructure, as result of the ‘over concentration on Free SHS’.

Describing the education system as ‘Kwashiorkor’ (malnourished), Mr Suhini emphasised the concerns of some parents, who said they were facing difficulties in spite of the implementation of Free SHS.

‘When you compare the Free SHS to investments at the tertiary level, you can clearly see a ‘Kwashiorkor’ education system, where the legs are so lean because of deprivation…’

‘No preparation is done at the tertiary
level to absorb the numbers that are supposed to be increasing at the Free SHS level; so much money goes there; bloating the tummy that is not healthy.

‘…If we want to go into the area of education and think that is how to whitewash a very bad performance of the President, even that too will not stand the test of time,’ Mr Suhini stated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has inducted 139 students from its schools of Medicine and Pharmacy into their clinical year.

The students were inducted at the Third Joint White Coat ceremony of the University after successfully completing their preclinical training.

They were robed in the traditional doctor’s White Coat, decorated with stethoscope and took an oath of their respective schools to mark the clinical phase of their training on hospital wards.

Professor Frank Edwin, the Dean of the School of Medicine, in a welcome address, charged the students to exhibit high professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He urged them to be committed to their work, be pioneers of innovation and champions of quality healthcare to others, adding that the future of healthcare was in their hands.

The challenge of unavailability of jobs had informed the choice of the theme for the programme to position the mind of the students towards entrepreneurship.

The ceremony was on the theme: ‘The P
ath to Entrepreneurial Excellence in Healthcare,’ which marked the seventh for the Medical students, third for Pharmacy, and the first for the Physician Assistant students.

Professor Afua Adwo Jectey Hesse, the President of Accra College of Medicine, who was the guest speaker, said clinical year required a lot more commitment as it involved more practicals.

She, therefore, urged the students to remain focused, view their experiences as learning opportunities, and to see every obstacle as a problem that had a solution waiting to be discovered.

The President implored them to be time cautious and avoid procrastination, which was the real thief of time, and they must avoid it like a plague.

Professor Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, who chaired the event, said the University was the first to include Physician Assistant students in the White Coat ceremony, which showed the students how proud the University was of them.

The inductees pledged to treat their patients with dignity and respect, safeguard
their confidence, and serve as their advocates.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Prof Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice Chancellor (VC), of the University of Education, Winneba has said the learning of Ghana’s history was vital for fostering a sense of identity, pride, and civic responsibility.

It will as well help preserve the country’s cultural heritage and promote unity and progress.

Prof Mitchual, in an address delivered on his behalf by Prof Obed Acquah, Dean of Creative Art Department at a forum organised by the Department of History Education of UEW to commemorate the 2024 edition of the Ghana National History Day (GNHD) and Symposium, at Winneba.

The celebration is under the theme: ‘Debating nationalism and Patriotism in Ghana’s History,’ with the concept note that Nationalism is an ambiguous concept use to express people’s identity and may encompass a set of beliefs that portray love or affinity shared by group of people.

Prof Mitchual stated that nationalism in pre-colonial Ghana might be connected to the rise of states and the formation of unions such as, Fante Confederation an
d the Asante kingdom among others including the 1948 Revolution which showcased nationalism which contributed to attaining independence.

Prof Mitchual who was the special guest of the event, commended the Department of History, with its head and dedicated staff for their commendable initiative to organise this year’s celebration.

‘Independence Day serves as a reminder of our sovereignty and self-governance, an occasion we celebrate the unique identity, culture and history of the country, giving us the opportunity for reflection on the struggles, sacrifices and achievements of those who fought for our freedom and the independence,’ he stated.

He expressed need for the country to delve deeper into the complex tapestry of the nation’s past and explore the multifaceted issues surrounding nationalism and patriotism, while commemorating the day.

According to him, at the core of Ghana’s history lied the struggle for freedom and self-determination, a journey marked by both triumphs and challenges, adding that fro
m the ashes of colonial rule emerged a new found sense of national identity.

‘One of the defining moments in our nation’s history was the struggle for independence, led by visionary leaders such as Dr Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah and the stalwart efforts of the ordinary Ghanaian who took to the streets in defiance of colonial operation and their unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationalism and patriotism leading to the foundation for the birth of our sovereign nation,’ he explained.

The VC stated that, in recent years, Ghana has witnessed a resurgence of national pride, fuelled by a renewed sense of optimism and determination to overcome the challenges that lied ahead, however, its people must also confront the darker chapters of its history, including the legacies of tribalism, ethnic tensions and political divisions which at times threatened to tear the nation apart.

He indicated that, true patriotism required all and sundry to acknowledge and address the issues head-on, to build a more inclusive and equ
itable society for all.

‘As we celebrate Ghana National History Day, let us reflect on sacrifices of our ancestors and honour their legacy by continuing the work of nation-building and to strive to contribute our quota to create a Ghana where every citizen will have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstance.

‘Let us as people stand united in our commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous Ghana for future generation,’ he added.

The event was attended by Heads of Departments, Deans of Facilities, lecturers, and Students of UEW and Senior High Schools (SHS) students from Agona Swedru, Bawjiase, Mfantsipim, Assin Fosu, Winneba Zion, Potsin, Sky Community School and some basic school pupils in Effutu.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has admitted a total of 10,158 regular students for the 2023/2024 academic year.

The figure comprises of 9,053 undergraduate and 1,105 postgraduate students with 4,502 of the total figure being females, Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual, the Vice-Chancellor of the university announced.

The gender parity of the matriculants, he said, highlights the importance of fostering gender inclusivity in higher education and advanced studies.

The Vice Chancellor congratulated the students and assured them of the institution’s resolve to build their capacity to better themselves holistically.

‘We are committed to nurturing your intellectual growth and personal development,’ the Vice Chancellor noted.

‘Together, let us embark on this journey of exploration, discovery, and growth,’ he stated and urged the matriculants to recognise the inherent responsibility that came with education and abide by it.

‘We believe that each of you will become active citizens within our communit
y, contributing to the transformation of the communities in which you reside for a desired future,’ he said.

‘I urge you to dedicate considerable efforts to attend lectures and practical classes regularly, diligently complete assignments to excel and as well approach your studies with diligence, ethical conduct and a steadfast commitment to academic integrity,’ the Vice Chancellor advised.

Amidst the current economic challenges and high cost of living, the VC, charged the students to be prudent in their financial decisions, and avoid imposing additional financial, psychological, or physical strain upon themselves, which could derail their academic and personal aspirations.

They should stay focused, rational, and resilient, knowing that challenges were transients and with perseverance, they would overcome them, he added.

Mrs. Wilhelmina Tete-Mensah, the Acting Registrar of the University, urged the students to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the university’s official documents, including the
student’s handbook and other authorised documents.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Alumni Association of the Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health (FNBSPH), University of Health and Allied Sciences has been inaugurated with a five-member executive inducted into office.

The executive member are: Mr Patrick Agbenu, President; Ms Patricia Kafui Agbozo, Vice President; Mr Raphael Kwabena Angmortey, Secretary; Mr Robert Dedi, Financial Secretary; and Mr Godwin Adjei, FNBSPH Alumni Coordinator.

Professor Frank Baiden, Dean of FNBSPH, emphasized the essence of an alumnus group and the need for all members to belong and contribute their quota to its development.

Professor Emeritus Binka encouraged the executives to rally the entire FNBSPH alumni association to occupy sensitive spots in the health sector to advance the public health discipline in the country.

He recounted the instituting of the School of Public Health in Hohoe, highlighting the challenges encountered as well as the assistance he received from key individuals like Professor Margaret Kwaku that made the establishment of th
e school a reality.

Professor Paul Amuna, former Dean of the School who inducted the executives charged them to sacrifice more to achieve their set goals and objectives.

Professor Margaret Kwaku detailed her contribution to the setting up of the institution, her professional career and how it impacted the roll out of the Seasonal Malaria Chemotherapy in Ghana.

She also tasked the newly inducted executives to continue to push the frontiers of public health in the country.

Mr Patrick Agbenu, Alumni Association President, shared the journey after school and the efforts it took to receive financial clearance for recruitment. He mentioned the impressive feat most of the members have accomplished and the poise for action.

Mr Gabriel Agbanyo, UHAS Alumni President, said: ‘We embark on this journey together, let us rekindle the spirit of unity and solidarity that defines us over the past years. Let us work hand in hand to support current students, mentor the next generation and give back to the institution that
has given us so much.’

The theme for the inauguration was: ‘Healthy Partnerships for Public Health Interventions and development.’

Source: Ghana News Agency