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Tag: schools

  • Schools, homes damaged as windstorm hits Kpandai

    Schools, homes damaged as windstorm hits Kpandai

    A powerful windstorm has wreaked havoc in the Kpandai District of the Northern Region, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This marks the third such disaster to hit the area within a month, worsening the plight of residents and institutions.

    Several schools, including Kpandai Primary School, Lessing Primary, Kpandai DA, New Nkanchina, and Balia Basic School, have suffered severe structural damage. The destruction has forced a halt to academic activities, with school authorities calling for urgent assistance to repair their facilities and resume classes.

    Beyond the schools, the storm devastated over 20 homes, displacing families and causing substantial financial losses. Many residents are now left struggling to rebuild their lives after losing their properties.

    Among the hardest-hit institutions is ASASE 91.5 FM, an affiliate of Adom 106.3 FM. The storm brought down its transmission tower, rendering the station unable to broadcast.

    “The entire tower has been destroyed,” the station manager confirmed. “We are appealing for support to get back on air.”

    As the community grapples with the aftermath, affected institutions and residents are hoping for swift intervention to restore normalcy.

  • GES shuts down 21 schools over attacks in Bunkprugu/Nakpanduri District

    GES shuts down 21 schools over attacks in Bunkprugu/Nakpanduri District

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ordered the closure of 21 basic primary schools in the Bimbagu Circuit of the Bunkprugu/Nakpanduri District in the North East Region due to escalating violence in the area.

    Dalukirir Jakper Jolly, Supervisor for the Bimbagu Central and East Circuits, confirmed the closure, stating that the decision followed a directive from the Regional Director of Education.

    The shutdown comes in response to renewed clashes between the Nanik and Bimbagu communities, which erupted at dawn on Friday, February 28. The conflict resulted in the deaths of three Nanik residents, including a teacher from Walewale, all of whom were burned beyond recognition.

    Eyewitnesses reported that heavily armed men attacked the community around 5 a.m., opening fire and setting several houses ablaze. Security personnel, who arrived two hours later, found that homes and food supplies had been destroyed in the violence.

    Jakper Jolly explained that the closure was a precautionary measure to protect students and staff from potential spillover attacks.

  • AGA schools in Obuasi to resume classes on Jan 27

    AGA schools in Obuasi to resume classes on Jan 27

    Students of AngloGold Ashanti Schools in Obuasi are now slated to resume classes on January 27, 2025, amid growing unrest within the mining community.

    The school management had initially scheduled the reopening for Wednesday, January 22. However, a new statement revealed the delay, with the revised date allowing for the restoration of calm before students return.

    “Management is continuing broader consultations with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone upon reopening,” the statement read.

    The decision comes after careful evaluation of the situation in Obuasi to ensure that peace is fully restored and the safety of students, staff, and all involved parties is prioritized.

    Both AGA Schools and Williams and Brew School are expected to resume their activities on Monday.

    In light of the violent confrontation between the military and illegal miners, all schools, both private and public, had been temporarily closed due to ongoing security concerns.

    This unrest has hindered the academic progress of the schools, which had only recently reopened three weeks ago.

    In response, the management of AGA Schools has introduced measures to revise the academic calendar and recover the lost teaching hours.

    “To make up for the lost contact hours, particularly for our candidates preparing for the Cambridge IGCSE, Checkpoint Examinations, and the 2025 BECE, we will adjust the academic calendar,” the statement read.

  • Schools to reopen in Obuasi once peace, safety are guaranteed – Ashanti Regional Minister-designate

    Schools to reopen in Obuasi once peace, safety are guaranteed – Ashanti Regional Minister-designate

    The Ashanti Regional Minister-designate, Frank Amoakohene has assured the public that life in the Obuasi community can return to normal, with work and schools resuming, following discussions with stakeholders about the recent incident at AngloGold Ashanti’s (AGA) mine.

    Speaking the media, he explained that the incident occurred in an area of the mine that is not currently used for active mining. This allows operations in other parts of the mine to continue without interference.

    “AngloGold Ashanti has a northern camp and a southern area where active mining processes take place. The incident occurred within the northern side, which is not an active site for mining activities.

    “So as far as the Attorney General is concerned, they can commence work without affecting or tampering with the evidence,” he stated.

    Mr. Amoakohene stated that the decision to resume activities was reached after engaging with the affected communities and stakeholders.

    “Once we are very certain that the stakeholders—especially the communities—are at peace and have confidence in the process initiated by the President, we believe work can resume. Schools can reopen because they can’t remain closed indefinitely while investigations are ongoing,” he noted.

    He expressed hope that ongoing discussions with stakeholders, including AGA, would ensure a smooth return to normal activities.

    “After our engagement with them, we realized that they were a bit at peace, and with constant dialogue, we should be able to get the company back at work and everyone back to their respective duties, pending the final determination of the matter.”

    Addressing concerns about injured security personnel, Mr. Amoakohene shared that he had personally visited one of the injured soldiers to check on his recovery and delivered the President’s goodwill message.

    “We had access to him and sent the compliments of the President. Our men in uniform, who are on duty for the country, are a major concern to the President. The President has made adequate provisions to cover his medical expenses and ensure his full recovery,” he affirmed.

    He assured the public that the government is dedicated to transparency and inclusivity in addressing the issue.

    “It is our duty to ensure that all parties, including those affected directly and indirectly, feel reassured and confident in the measures being put in place. We are committed to seeing this process through to its logical conclusion,” he indicated.

    Mr. Amoakohene concluded by calling for calm and cooperation as investigations proceed, emphasizing that the authorities are working diligently to restore stability and ensure the community returns to normalcy.

  • Security concerns in Obuasi lead to closure of schools temporarily

    Security concerns in Obuasi lead to closure of schools temporarily

    Classroom activities in both public and private schools in Obuasi and Obuasi East municipalities have been suspended for two days following heightened security concerns in the gold-mining town.

    The decision comes after a violent clash between illegal miners and military personnel near AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine. The altercation reportedly occurred when some miners breached a security fence at one of the company’s mining concessions, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to several others.

    In response to the unrest, George Koomson, the Director of Education for the Obuasi Municipality, announced the temporary closure of schools to safeguard students and staff.

    “We can’t guarantee the safety of both learners and teachers, so we’ve agreed that for tomorrow [Monday] and possibly Tuesday, we will not be going to school. The contact hours will be missed and recouping the lost hours will be difficult,” Koomson stated.

    President John Dramani Mahama has called for a full investigation into the incident to determine the events leading to the deadly confrontation.

    “The government has ordered a full inquiry to determine the circumstances and ensure that any unlawful actions are addressed,” a statement from the Presidency affirmed.

    In addition, the President directed AngloGold Ashanti to take immediate responsibility for the victims’ medical expenses and to arrange proper burials for those who lost their lives in the clash.

  • Speak up! – Ablakwa slams CHASS over expired rice in SHSs saga

    Speak up! – Ablakwa slams CHASS over expired rice in SHSs saga

    The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about the silence of teacher unions and the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) over allegations that repackaged expired rice was distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs).

    The North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, accused Lamens Investment Africa Limited of collaborating with the National Food Buffer Stock Company to distribute 22,000 bags of expired rice to SHSs in February 2024.

    Addressing the media, Ablakwa stressed the urgency of addressing the matter and called on education stakeholders to take immediate action.

    The Minority has reiterated its demand for a comprehensive investigation to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent future occurrences.

    “We are just surprised so far about the silence of CHASS and the teacher unions, to the extent that, it doesn’t even build confidence.

    “Parents send their children to school hoping that the institutions will protect them. But to hear that the heads are now under compulsion to be receiving contaminated food items without expiry dates, I mean, it makes the heads and CHASS culpable somewhat and we would like to hear from them on why they are allowing that.”

  • Schools in Burundi take measures to curb prevalence of children aged 5 to 19

    Schools in Burundi take measures to curb prevalence of children aged 5 to 19

    As mpox cases rise among young people in Burundi, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highlights that individuals aged 5 to 19 now represent 33 percent of reported infections.

    This alarming statistic is prompting schools and parents to take proactive measures as the new academic year begins.

    At a school in western Burundi, staff members are implementing protective strategies for both students and themselves.

    The director of ‘Les petits trésors’ stated, “When they line up in front of the flag, they have to keep their distance to avoid touching their friends. And they have to wash their hands.”

    In recent weeks, the country has witnessed a more than 40 percent increase in mpox cases, with hundreds reported since July.

    Similarly, the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo is also experiencing a surge in mpox infections.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suspected cases in the DRC account for the majority of nearly 30,000 cases recorded across Africa since the start of the year.

    In August, the WHO declared the outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency. Outside of Africa, a few cases have been confirmed in countries such as Sweden and Pakistan.

  • Toilet facility commissioned at Ayalolo 3 Basic and Mamprobi Sempe Schools

    Toilet facility commissioned at Ayalolo 3 Basic and Mamprobi Sempe Schools

    The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Chief Executive, Elizabeth Sackey, has inaugurated a newly completed institutional toilet facility at Ayalolo 3 Basic and Mamprobi Sempe cluster of schools, aiming to enhance sanitation and hygiene within the metropolis.

    The project, funded by the African Development Bank (ADB) and part of the Greater Accra Sustainable Sanitation and Livelihood Improvement Project (GASSLIP) under the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, comprises 14-seater sanitation facilities featuring eight pupil’s privy rooms, two teachers’ privy rooms, two disability-friendly rooms, septic tank provisions, connections to Ghana water, BH mechanisation, and rainwater harvesting facilities.

    The facility includes 1N.r 10000L and 2N.r 3000L water tanks, and 17 N.r rubbish bins.

    Additionally, the initiative includes 12-seater sanitation facilities with six pupil’s private rooms, two teachers’ private rooms, and two disability-friendly rooms, similar provisions for septic tank connections to Ghana water, HB mechanisation, rainwater harvesting facilities, 1N.r 10000L and 2N.r 3000L water tanks, and 15 N.r rubbish bins.

    During the handover ceremony, Mayor Elizabeth Sackey acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the Government of Ghana in making the project a reality. She highlighted the inclusive design of the facilities, ensuring accessibility for all students, including those with physical disabilities.

    “We have ensured that the facilities are accessible to physically challenged students and have dedicated spaces for girls to manage their menstrual hygiene. This will prevent students from having to leave school premises to address their personal hygiene needs, ensuring their safety and comfort,” Mayor Sackey stated.

    She urged school authorities and students to maintain the facilities to enhance community sanitation and ensure their longevity. Mayor Sackey also revealed that approximately sixty similar projects are ongoing nationwide.

    The project contractor and managing director of Winampang Limited, Alhaji Suleman Bukari, emphasized the importance of proper usage to maintain the quality of the new edifice.

    He addressed concerns regarding the specifications of the sitter water closet (WC) and pan system, explaining that the pan system was chosen to reduce diseases and infections among female users. He also highlighted the construction of spaces for physically challenged individuals to promote inclusion.

    Headmistress of Mamprobi Sempe Basic School, Madam Naomi Vincentia Addo, expressed her gratitude for the new facilities, noting the immediate positive impact on student safety and attendance. “Previously, some of the children would leave the compound and not return, but with these facilities on site, they have no reason to leave. This ensures they remain on school grounds and focus on their studies,” she said.

    Madam Addo emphasized the school’s commitment to maintaining the facility, mentioning several training sessions and involvement of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to assist with providing necessary items for effective cleanup activities.

    The students expressed their appreciation to the mayor and AMA for providing the facility, promising to adopt best practices to ensure its maintenance for future use.

  • Govt must address discrimination and neglect of children with disabilities in schools

    Govt must address discrimination and neglect of children with disabilities in schools

    A recent study conducted by the Educate Africa Institute (EAI) has revealed alarming challenges faced by children with disabilities in educational institutions.

    The research highlights systemic discrimination from colleagues, teachers, and non-teaching staff, compounded by inadequate governmental planning and policies tailored to the needs of these children.

    EAI’s findings have prompted a call for immediate intervention from the government to address these pressing issues.

    Discrimination in educational settings.

    The EAI study paints a concerning picture of the daily realities for children with disabilities in schools.

    These students frequently encounter various forms of discrimination, which not only hinder their academic progress but also affect their psychological well-being. The research found that discriminatory attitudes from peers often manifest as bullying and social exclusion, creating an unwelcoming and hostile environment.

    Moreover, the attitudes of teachers and non-teaching staff significantly contribute to the problem. Despite some educators showing commendable support, a substantial number demonstrate a lack of understanding or empathy toward children with disabilities.

    This lack of support can result in these children being overlooked in classroom activities and denied the necessary accommodations to facilitate their learning.

    Education policy and program shortcomings.

    A critical finding of the study is the insufficient governmental planning and implementation of policies and programs aimed at supporting children with disabilities.

    Current measures are either inadequately enforced or fundamentally flawed, failing to address the unique challenges faced by these students.

    The lack of specialized training for teachers on how to effectively support children with disabilities is a glaring gap. Additionally, infrastructure in many schools remains inaccessible, further marginalizing these students.

    The EAI highlights that existing policies do not sufficiently prioritize inclusivity, nor do they allocate adequate resources to ensure that all children, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities, receive quality education.

    This neglect not only contravenes basic human rights but also stifles the potential of children who could contribute significantly to society if given the right support.

    EAI’s call for government action!

    In light of these findings, the Educate Africa Institute is urging the government to take immediate action. EAI’s recommendations include:

    1. Comprehensive policy reform: Developing and implementing inclusive education policies that explicitly address the needs of children with disabilities. This includes mandatory accessibility standards for all educational institutions and ensuring that these standards are met.

    2. Teacher training and awareness programs: Introducing specialized training programs for teachers and school staff to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to support children with disabilities effectively. Sensitivity training should also be mandated to foster a more inclusive and supportive school environment.

    3. Resource allocation: Increasing funding for schools to ensure they have the necessary resources to accommodate children with disabilities. This includes adaptive technologies, accessible infrastructure, and learning materials designed for various disabilities.

    4. Monitoring and evaluation: Establishing robust mechanisms to monitor the implementation of inclusive education policies and programs. Regular assessments and feedback loops should be in place to identify areas of improvement and ensure accountability.

    5. Community engagement: Promoting awareness and understanding of disabilities within the broader community to combat stigma and foster a culture of inclusion.

    Conclusion.

    The plight of children with disabilities in schools is a critical issue that demands urgent attention.

    The findings of the EAI study underscore the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to education reform.

    By addressing discrimination and improving support structures, the government can help ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to thrive academically and socially. The time for action is now, and the well-being and future of countless children depend on it.

    Source: GhanaWeb

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • LIVESTREAMING: PAC interrogates heads of schools

    LIVESTREAMING: PAC interrogates heads of schools

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is engaging heads of schools over projects being undertaken by contractors in the various schools.

    Today’s sitting is taking place at Ho in the Volta Region.

    Below is the live stream.

  • WAEC refuses to review new charges despite threat from private schools

    WAEC refuses to review new charges despite threat from private schools

    The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has stated that it has no plans to reconsider its new charges for clients, despite threats from the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS).

    The council emphasized its commitment to its decision, citing the need to adjust to the increasing costs associated with managing examination processes.

    Director of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, explained that the council takes various factors into account when determining examination fees, including the rising costs of printing materials.

    Kapi described the threats of a boycott by GNAPS as “petty,” highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process.

    “For example, before we come out with examination fees, we consider a number of things. Now, we do the printing of the question papers ourselves and for the bond paper that we use in printing, we have to import. And so the parameters that we use are based on market prices or market conditions.”

    “We look at inflation, exchange rate, port charges and all of these are looked at before we come up with our estimates about what we are going to charge. Obviously, already this year, fuel prices are beginning to shoot up high, we don’t know where it will get to,” Mr Kapi said.

    John Kapi, the Director of Public Affairs at WAEC, acknowledged that the council’s budget for the year was calculated based on the previous year’s data. However, he emphasized that current economic fluctuations could necessitate adjustments, potentially leading to fee increases.

    This statement follows threats from the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) to boycott the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) if WAEC increases registration fees without consulting them.

    Currently, students from private schools pay GH¢465 and GH¢214 for WASSCE and BECE, respectively. GNAPS is calling on the government to recognize low-fee private schools as social interventions aimed at educating children in deprived communities, and to support them accordingly.

    GNAPS has also threatened to take further action if their concerns are not addressed by WAEC.

    “We entreat WAEC to always negotiate with GNAPS prior to any fee increase. Let me serve notice that GNAPS will lead all pre-tertiary private schools to boycott next year’s BECE should WAEC arbitrarily increase the fees.

    Mr. Kapi clarified that WAEC does not unilaterally decide on fee increases, despite GNAPS’ stance.

    He explained that representatives from various government offices and associations on the budget committee board help decide on any possible increments.

    “We have a budget subcommittee of the board, and this is made up of people who have the requisite background. They look at the budget, we fix the figures, and then it is presented to the board itself. Now, I need people to understand that the board is chaired by the Director General of the Ghana Education Service.”

    “We also have a rep from the Minister of Education, who is also the Chief Director. We have a rep from the budget department and the finance ministry.  We have a rep from CHASS, a rep from the private schools association, universities, the chamber of commerce, and the Attorney General’s department. So all these will come together and sit down to look at whatever we’ve come up with,” Mr Kapi said.

  • Bawumia promises to involve private sector in building of schools, roads, houses

    Bawumia promises to involve private sector in building of schools, roads, houses

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has reaffirmed his commitment to involving the private sector more in the development of national infrastructure.

    In a recent major policy address as the flagbearer on February 7th, Dr. Bawumia stated that he plans to engage the private sector to finance capital projects, aiming to reduce government expenditure as part of his administration’s efforts to adhere to fiscal discipline.

    During a meeting with the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools, Dr. Bawumia announced that his government would fund school infrastructure through a public-private partnership arrangement with the private sector to ensure efficient delivery.

    “My administration will incentivise the private sector to complement government in the provision of many infrastructure and other services to reduce government expenditure and improve maintenance,” he said.

    During his major policy address, Dr. Bawumia announced a wide range of infrastructure projects, in addition to schools, that he plans to finance through private sector engagement.

    “The private sector will be encouraged to build roads, schools, hostels, and houses for government to rent or lease to own. The demand for road construction is massive, and this has historically placed a huge burden on the budget. I believe that the private sector should finance the construction and maintenance of roads through PPP concession arrangements.”

    Dr. Bawumia’s vision is to utilize the private sector and an improved credit system to expand educational infrastructure, support teaching and non-teaching staff, and enhance the quality of education and educational outcomes.

    Under this proposed funding arrangement, the private sector will be incentivized to construct infrastructure such as dormitories and classrooms, which the government will lease for a specified period before taking ownership. Additionally, the government will lease buses for schools. This approach aims to avoid significant initial government expenditures through the GETFUND and reduce delays in completing infrastructure projects in senior high schools.

    This policy is expected to decrease the educational infrastructure deficit, improve maintenance, enhance education quality, and streamline government expenditure management.

    Dr. Bawumia has been engaging with key stakeholders, including the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS), to explain his policies and seek their input.

  • South Sudan to reopen schools amidst severe heatwave

    South Sudan to reopen schools amidst severe heatwave

    After being closed due to scorching temperatures exceeding 40C, South Sudan’s government announces the reopening of all schools next week.

    With the anticipation of the rainy season’s arrival, relief spreads among the populace. However, the recent “excessive heat” claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals, according to authorities.

    Upon the resumption of classes, teachers are urged to exercise caution, scheduling outdoor activities for the early morning and favoring indoor settings.

    Additional precautions include ventilating classrooms, ensuring access to water for students, and closely monitoring children, especially the young, for signs of heat-related illnesses like exhaustion and stroke.

    In case of emergencies, medics are to be promptly notified.

    The ministries of general education, health, and environment pledge to monitor weather conditions closely and provide ongoing guidance to the public.

  • Maputo schools in Mozambique closed amid flooding crisis

    Maputo schools in Mozambique closed amid flooding crisis

    Schools in Mozambique’s capital city face closure for a week due to heavy rains causing extensive flooding across buildings and roads.

    The shutdown applies to both state and private schools in Maputo.

    City authorities report the availability of eighteen accommodation centers for those in need, but they can only accommodate a fraction of the affected population.

    According to the Maputo Municipal Council, nearly 43,000 people have been impacted by the floods.

    Local councillor Anabela Inguane stated, “We are providing food assistance, buckets, blankets, mats, and coordinating with the relief agency, INGD, to supply tents and other necessities.”

    Since the onset of the downpour on Sunday, at least two fatalities have been recorded.

  • Teacher unions strike: Impact of strike hits vendors ; sales on the low

    Teacher unions strike: Impact of strike hits vendors ; sales on the low

    Three teacher unions representing pre-tertiary level educators in Ghana are resolute in their industrial action, planning to convene with the National Labour Commission to advocate for their demands.

    This decision follows the abrupt cancellation of a scheduled meeting with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, further escalating the standoff and intensifying the crisis within the education sector.

    The repercussions of the strike are reverberating across schools nationwide.

    While some teachers have reported for duty at institutions like the Presbyterian Cluster of Schools in Osu, Osu Girls Basic School, and St Peters Catholic Basic School Osu, classrooms at Nima Cluster of Schools remain shuttered, emblematic of the ongoing struggle between educators and authorities.

    In the midst of this turmoil, vendors in Osu area schools are experiencing a downturn, with reports of reduced sales exacerbating the challenges faced by an already strained education system.

    The steadfastness of the teacher unions adds to the complexity, as Isaac Baah, the Head of Compensation and Benefits for the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), asserts that they will not succumb to any pressure to end the strike.

  • Nigerian govt identifies schools at risk of attacks amidst surge in abductions

    Nigerian govt identifies schools at risk of attacks amidst surge in abductions

    Amidst a surge in mass abductions of students, the Nigerian government has pinpointed schools in 14 states and Abuja as susceptible to attacks.

    Hajia Halima Iliya, the national coordinator of the state-run Financing Safe Schools in Nigeria, disclosed that the agency has gathered data to inform intervention strategies.

    Established following the 2014 Chibok abduction, the agency aims to prevent similar incidents.

    According to the agency, states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Katsina, Abuja, Kebbi, Sokoto, Plateau, and Zamfara are deemed most at risk.

    These revelations coincide with a surge in kidnappings across Nigeria.

    Over the weekend, more than a dozen students and four women were abducted from a school in Gada, Sokoto, exacerbating the country’s abduction crisis.

    Parents of the abducted students are appealing to the government for assistance in securing their release.

  • Schools in Kwahu closed following shooting incident

    Schools in Kwahu closed following shooting incident

    The Kwahu South Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) has mandated the closure of schools in Kwahu-Bepong after a shooting incident on Sunday, February 4, resulting in the death of two individuals and multiple injuries from stray bullets fired by the police.

    Following the unfortunate event, 25 individuals have been apprehended by the police, maintaining a heightened presence in the town that has led many youths to leave out of fear of detention.

    The Kwahu South Municipal Chief Executive, Emmanuel Ofori Attah, confirmed the closure of all schools in the area as a precautionary measure to prevent potential retaliatory actions and ensure the safety of schoolchildren.

    Basic school students and day students at senior high schools will stay home, while boarding students will continue their studies on campus until the situation stabilizes.

    In an interview with Adom News, Attah stated, “What you heard is true. I decided with my Education Director. The incident happened yesterday [Sunday] and it won’t be advisable for children to go to school. The basic school students won’t be going to school including the Day students at the Senior High. However, those in the boarding house will remain on campus till the case is settled.”

    “We are going to meet as leaders so by noon, everything will be fine”.

  • We must add value to our students in schools; they must be patriotic – First Deputy Speaker

    We must add value to our students in schools; they must be patriotic – First Deputy Speaker

    First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei Owusu, has urged the Education Minister, Dr. Osei Adutwum, to address the issues of values and unpatriotism among students in the education sector.

    Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Osei Owusu expressed concern that the current generation of students graduating from schools lacks virtues that demonstrate a willingness to protect and preserve their country.

    The Member of Parliament for Bekwai pointed out that some students engage in activities such as embezzling public funds and destroying public properties.

    He suggested that the absence of mechanisms to instill the spirit of patriotism in students could be contributing to these behaviors.

    “How do we add value to our children who go through our educational system. By the time we leave school, we are not loyal to our country. We are dishonest and often careless about public property. I don’t know how we can inculcate that in our education system but if you ask me Mr Speaker, it is something that is lacking, missing.”

    Joe Wise stressed that “in a properly organized educational system, every product of the school must demonstrate that you can trust him or her with public property.”

    “Unfortunately, I don’t see any such thing in our educational system, from nursery through to the university,” he added.

    He therefore entreated Parliament to urge “the educational management system to rethink what we call education and focus education on building people’s integrity, loyalty to the country, and building people who value what is in our earth”.

  • Ghana’s high reliance on food imports makes it prone to external shocks – ISSER

    Ghana’s high reliance on food imports makes it prone to external shocks – ISSER

    The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has expressed apprehension regarding Ghana’s ongoing reliance on food imports, asserting that the nation is highly susceptible to external shocks.

    In its evaluation of the Impact of the 2024 Budget on the Private Sector, ISSER emphasized the need for Ghana to boost the production of grains and meat products while minimizing imports to ensure stability in the exchange rate and to keep inflation low.

    Since 2022, food has been the primary driver of inflation, averaging a 60% rate. Currently, Ghana imports 22.8% of cereals and grain products, 12.7% of animal and vegetable products, 9.5% of meat, and 8.5% of fish.

    ISSER recommends that Ghana fosters intra-African trade, particularly with countries like Nigeria, as currently, there is minimal trade activity between them.

    “We should promote intra-African trade – very little trade between Ghana and Nigeria, East Africa etc. Why is it cheaper to import from Brazil than from Nigeria or other African countries?”  

    Regarding trade relations with Africa, South Africa stands out as Ghana’s primary importer, representing 20.5% of total imports, while South Africa is also the leading exporter, contributing 55.4% to Ghana’s total exports.

    Meanwhile, the Agriculture sector is projected to decelerate in 2024, primarily due to reduced growth in the crops, livestock, and fishing sub-sectors.

    Nevertheless, the growth is anticipated to rise to 4.5% during the medium-term (2024-2027), with the observation that the “2024 projections only slightly exceed those of 2023.”

    With medium-term growth of 4%, the growth rate for 2023 was predicted to be 2.6%.

  • Corporal punishment must be reinstated in schools – Sunyani Technical University VC

    Corporal punishment must be reinstated in schools – Sunyani Technical University VC

    The Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, has called for the reinstatement of corporal punishment in schools. He attributes the increasing incidents of student indiscipline to the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) 2017 ban on all forms of corporal punishment.

    Addressing the audience at the 63rd Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Sunyani Senior High School, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah expressed his concerns regarding the lack of discipline observed in many schools across the nation.

    He pointed out that this lack of discipline is linked to unchecked deviant behaviors among students, including smoking, alcoholism, armed robbery, and hooliganism.

    “The current situation is not helping very much because when the government took away or withdrew corporal punishment from school system, there has been laxity in the system. And the children may do anything and go scot-free. So I believe that government should look at corporal punishment again. I’m sure many people have mentioned it in the past.

    “But government needs to reconsider its decision on corporal punishment and bring it back but monitor it that it should become the last resort. Bad characters are due to peer pressure. How do we monitor and guide the children in school before they complete,” The Vice-Chancellor of the Sunyani Technical University queried.

    Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah

    In 2019, the Ghana Education Service (GES) issued a directive that prohibited teachers from using corporal punishment, primarily caning, on their students. The ban on corporal punishment by the GES mandated all schools to implement a revised disciplinary approach and alternative disciplinary measures for addressing behavioral issues among pupils and students in educational institutions.

    The toolkit indicated that “apart from the physical pain corporal punishment inflicts on children, this approach also causes significant emotional damage. Some of the lasting effects of this method of disciplining school children include physical scars, emotional scars (trauma, fear, timidity etc.) and violent behaviour.”

    Ghanaians and key stakeholders in the education sector had diverse responses to the subject, which garnered national attention due to the debates surrounding its advantages and disadvantages.

    The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) advised its members to adhere to the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) directive, which prohibits them from administering corporal punishment to students. The association emphasized that strict compliance with the order would be in the best interest of teachers, helping them avoid any potential punitive actions by the GES.

    Angel Carbonu, President of NAGRAT, who supports the use of corporal punishment for disciplining students, urged teachers to be cautious regarding the potential consequences that the GES might impose in cases of non-compliance.

    According to Rt. Rev. Samuel K. Osabutey, Diocesan Bishop of Accra, Methodist Church, Ghana, Ghana faces a significant risk of deteriorating discipline in schools and society as a whole if the Ghana Education Service continues to ease restrictions on caning, also known as corporal punishment. Rt. Rev. Samuel Osabutey believes that implementing a complete ban on caning would be counterproductive and have severe consequences on overall student discipline.

  • Your achievements are overshadowed by mountains of debt – Seth Terkper to Akufo-Addo

    Your achievements are overshadowed by mountains of debt – Seth Terkper to Akufo-Addo

    Former Finance Minister Seth Terkper has strongly criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s claims about his government’s unparalleled achievements and investments in the education sector during the fourth republic.

    In a tweet spotted by GhanaWeb Business, Mr. Terkper countered by highlighting that what truly stands out in the fourth republic is the debt restructuring carried out by the ruling New Patriotic Party under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership.

    Mr. Terkper pointed out that the accumulation of domestic and external debt would place a substantial burden on both current Ghanaians and future generations.

    He argued that Akufo-Addo’s perceived success can be largely attributed to the substantial amount of loans acquired by his administration.

    “With all due respect, assets match liabilities, with the apparent success sitting on a pile of loans. In reality, what seems unmatched in the 4th Republic is a default & exchange/restructuring of our domestic/external debt that could burden present & future generations beyond 2040,” Seth Terkper wrote in his tweet.

    During the 61st Annual Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) at Achimota School in Accra on October 11, 2023, President Akufo-Addo highlighted his administration’s accomplishments in the education sector. He emphasized his government’s steadfast dedication to education, which has resulted in substantial advancements in terms of accessibility, quality, and pertinence, positioning Ghana as a leading example of progress in the region.

    Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo asserted that his government’s achievements and investments in the education sector have set an unparalleled standard within the context of the fourth republic.

  • Cost-of-living protests in Kenya force schools to shut down

    Cost-of-living protests in Kenya force schools to shut down

    The nationwide cost-of-living protests that commenced on Wednesday, has led to the shut down of schools in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, and the coastal town of Mombasa indefinitely.

    This measure has been taken to ensure the safety of students and to mitigate any potential disruptions caused by the ongoing demonstrations.

    The protests, which began last week and turned violent, tragically claimed the lives of at least 14 individuals. In light of these events, the decision to shut down schools aims to prevent further casualties and maintain a secure environment for the students.

    “The government has received credible security intelligence that criminal elements planning to unleash terror and violence on the public [on Wednesday] intend to engage in armed skirmishes with security agencies around certain schools within Nairobi and Mombasa counties,” the interior ministry said.

    Despite the rejection by the high court on Monday of a request to declare the anti-tax hike protests illegal, Police Chief Japheth Koome has declared them illegal. The conflicting statements create ambiguity regarding the legality of the protests.

    Tragically, during similar protests last Wednesday, at least 10 people were shot by the police. Additionally, over 50 schoolchildren in Nairobi were subjected to tear gas while inside their classrooms, resulting in their unconscious state and subsequent hospitalization.

    There have been reports of the police firing tear gas canisters at protesters in various neighborhoods around Nairobi. In western Kenya, protesters armed with crude weapons have resorted to barricading roads and extorting money from road users.

    The excessive use of force by the police has drawn strong criticism from human rights organizations, who condemn their actions.

    Both local and international groups, as well as foreign diplomats, have expressed deep concerns regarding the situation in Kenya. They have called for dialogue as a means to address the underlying issues that have sparked these protests.

  • NSS personnel serving at educational institutions to receive teaching certification – Director

    NSS personnel serving at educational institutions to receive teaching certification – Director

    The Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Osei Assibey Antwi, has revealed that the 2023/2024 batch of National Service Personnel assigned to educational institutes will undergo a mandatory one-month training to equip them after completing their service.

    Non-education college or university graduates posted to teach in schools will receive training to enhance their teaching skills and contribute to the nation’s development beyond the one-year service period.

    The 2022/2023 batch is set to conclude their service in October 2023, paving the way for the next batch.

    Mr. Assibey Antwi expects 60 to 70 percent of the 2023/2024 batch to be posted to the private sector, collaborating with the National Teaching Council and other educational stakeholders. Trainees will receive certificates upon completion.

    The NSS aims to equip graduates for the future workforce and plans to deploy a significant number of Science and Technology graduates to the private sector, catering to the demands of the private sector for such personnel.

    Mr. Assibey Antwi clarified that the NSS owes only one month of arrears to the current batch of Service Personnel, debunking rumors of multiple months of unpaid allowances. The payment format differs from the country’s standard, leading to misconceptions and speculations.

  • Energy Commission launches school outreach program

    Energy Commission launches school outreach program

    The Energy Commission has launched an outreach program aimed at raising awareness among schools about the importance of achieving the same results with less energy usage.

    This initiative has a dual purpose of addressing climate change issues and promoting energy efficiency throughout the country.


    During the first forum held at Accra Academy last Thursday, Kofi Agyarko, the Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the Energy Commission, expressed that the outreach program is a nationwide effort to encourage the public, particularly young people, to become advocates for energy efficiency and conservation.


    Accra Academy was specifically identified as a high-energy consumption school, making it an ideal starting point for this endeavor. By focusing on schools, the Energy Commission is taking proactive steps to instill a sense of responsibility for energy efficiency from an early age.

    This educational approach will help students understand how their everyday actions and technology usage can significantly impact energy consumption and contribute to climate change.
    The Energy Commission’s commitment to conducting outreach programs is commendable, as they play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and cultivating a culture of energy conservation among the younger generation.

    “So we will use the opportunity to equip students and staff of the school with the necessary skills and knowledge about the benefits of saving energy and identify ways to reduce energy consumption,” Mr Agyarko said.

    Mr. Agyarko emphasized that energy efficiency and conservation should be a matter of national concern, not limited to those in control of the budget, but for everyone, especially students who represent the future leaders.


    He highlighted that although energy is a precious resource, its cost has become increasingly expensive. Therefore, it is imperative for all individuals to be more mindful of their energy usage in order to foster the country’s economic development.


    Furthermore, Mr. Agyarko emphasized the significance of students being conscious of their power usage to help the school reduce expenditure while achieving better results with the energy resources they have.


    He expressed the belief that by reducing energy consumption, both the environment and the economy can be preserved and improved, ultimately benefiting the school’s economic circumstances.


    In light of these goals, Mr. Agyarko encouraged students to take responsibility and actively contribute to improving the conditions of the Earth.

    He further mentioned that the Energy Commission intends to extend its outreach efforts to schools throughout the country, indicating a broader commitment to promoting energy efficiency and conservation at a national level.

  • Netherlands to ban phone in schools to halt disruption

    Netherlands to ban phone in schools to halt disruption

    The Dutch government has announced a new initiative to ban devices such as mobile phones from classrooms in order to prevent disruptions to learning.

    This collaborative effort with schools is set to be implemented at the beginning of the upcoming year. While there will be exceptions for students with medical requirements or disabilities, as well as for classes specifically focused on digital skills, the general aim is to restrict the presence of devices during regular classroom activities.

    Although the ban does not currently carry legal enforcement, there is a possibility that it may become legally binding in the future.

    “Even though mobile phones are almost intertwined with our lives, they do not belong in the classroom,” said Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf.

    “Students must be able to concentrate there and be given every opportunity to learn well. We know from scientific research that mobile phones disrupt this.”

    Multiple studies have demonstrated a correlation between limiting children’s screen time and improvements in cognition and concentration. To further support this notion, the Dutch government has announced a ban on various tech devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches, in classrooms.

    Under this new policy, individual schools will have the flexibility to establish specific rules in consultation with teachers, parents, and students. While some schools may choose to completely prohibit devices on their premises, others may adopt different approaches.

    The ban is the result of a collaborative effort between the ministry, educational institutions, and related organizations. Its effectiveness will be assessed at the end of the 2024/2025 school year to determine whether a legal ban should be implemented.

    This decision by the Dutch government follows a similar move by Finland, where the law will be amended to facilitate the restriction of phone usage in schools. Other countries, including England and France, have also proposed banning mobile phones in educational settings to enhance the learning environment.

  • Mozambique to set up new schools close to distant mountain range

    Mozambique to set up new schools close to distant mountain range

    Six schools were built by the Gorongosa National Park in central Mozambique with an investment of more than $1 million (£800,000).

    These schools will house pupils who attend school in the area’s mountain range.

    The administrator of the conservation area, Pedro Muagura, says that this is an initiative that brings together several partners, aiming to improve access to basic services for the local community.

    The project includes the construction of laboratories, sports fields and houses for teachers.

    The park, one of Mozambique’s famous conservation areas, was, for many years, badly affected by a rebel conflict.

    Most of its wildlife, decimated during the civil war, has been restored thanks to an investment from the US-based Greg Carr Foundation.

  • Schools in Malawi instructed by court to allow dreadlocks

    Schools in Malawi instructed by court to allow dreadlocks

    The Ministry of Education in Malawi has been ordered by a high court to permit dreadlocked youngsters to enroll in the nation’s public schools.

    The court on Monday further ordered the Ministry to issue a circular by June 30, announcing the removal of restrictions barring Rastafarian learners from attending public schools.

    The court ruled on a petition filed on behalf of two Rastafarians who were denied admission to public schools in 2010 and 2016 for growing dreadlocks.

    The learners, through human rights organisations, obtained an injunction and, thereafter, filed a suit seeking to have Rastafari children allowed access to schools without prejudice, local media reported.

    Justice Nzione Ntaba in her ruling on Monday said: “The Ministry of Education should issue a statement to allow all children of the Rastafarian community with dreadlocks to be allowed in class. The circular should be done by June 30.”

    Rastafarianism is an Abrahamic religion from Jamaica that stresses living what they regard as natural, including their hair.

    However, Malawi’s Rastafarians have long been sidelined by education policies requiring students to cut their hair to promote what they describe as uniformity among students.

    In June 2020, a similar case was ruled upon by a Kenyan court, which also barred schools from turning away Rastafari learners.

  • Schools in Malawi ordered to allow use of dreadlocks

    Schools in Malawi ordered to allow use of dreadlocks

    A Malawian high court has ruled that students with dreadlocks be admitted to public schools across the country.

    The court, which was sitting in the eastern city of Zomba, was hearing a plea filed by two Rastafarian youngsters who were denied entry to public schools in 2016 and 2010.

    The two students, on the other hand, have been attending school since they won a court injunction.

    Negotiations between Malawi’s Rastafarian community and the country’s attorney general to settle the dispute failed, leading in a lengthy judicial battle, the outcome of which was announced on Monday.

    Judge Zione Ntaba ruled that barring children with dreadlocks from attending school was a breach of their right to education.

    “The Ministry of Education should issue a statement to allow all children of the Rastafarian community with dreadlocks to be allowed in class. The circular should be done by 30th June,” Justice Ntaba ordered.

    The case was filed by three human rights organisations on behalf of the Rastafarian community in the country.

  • We will not yield to intimidation – Aggrieved School feeding caterers to govt

    We will not yield to intimidation – Aggrieved School feeding caterers to govt

    The school feeding program’s caterers have stated they won’t submit to threats to restart work.

    For about three weeks, the caterers have withdrawn their services in demand for payment of arrears and an increase of the cooking grant per child from 97 pesewas to three cedis.

    They want leadership of the programme to desist from issuing threats in addressing their challenges.

    About a week before the group withdrew their services, they received the first term payment of the same year, an amount they say does not cover the full term.

    Most caterers say they are being chased by their suppliers and banks where they secured loans for the contract.

    They are unwilling to return to cooking for the pupils.

    Many of the caterers were contracted to serve hot meals in schools in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Some of the caterers are still owed by the government.

    Meanwhile, the caterers are pointing to some anomalies in the school feeding programme and have called for an audit.

  • PIAC unravels rots in feeding for schools – Apaak

    PIAC unravels rots in feeding for schools – Apaak

    The former president John Mahama’s remarks on the poor condition of Senior High Schools (SHS) in the country have been supported by Dr. Clement Apaak, the member of parliament for Builsa South.

    According to him, the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) monitoring report supports the unpleasant nature of food supplied to schools.

    This comes on the back of the former President John Mahama expressing some concerns on the challenges that have bedeviled the SHS in the country.

    Commenting on the development, the Builsa South lawmaker who doubles as the deputy ranking member on the Education Committee in Parliament questioned why unregistered tomato paste will be supplied to schools.

    “JM is right. Our SHS students are fed insect infested beans, soup made from rotten groundnuts, banku made from weevil infested corn.

    “Our wards are fed expired food items such as tomato paste, milk and mackrell. Will you feed such to your pet dog? Expect a detailed article soon,” Mr. Apaak stated.

    He continued: “Auditor-General reports, the PIAC 2018 FSHS monitoring report support the case that our SHS students in some cases are fed unwholesome and expired food supplied by unscrupulous buffer stock food suppliers. Why will tomato paste not registered with the FDA be supplied to schools?”

  • School in Uganda temporarily closed over claims of sex abuse

    School in Uganda temporarily closed over claims of sex abuse

    Authorities in Uganda have shut down the boarding portion of a primary school in the central Mubende district after seven students claimed that the school’s caretaker had sexually assaulted them.

    According to local media, the caregiver entered a guilty plea to the allegations last week in court and is awaiting sentencing.

    Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the state’s minister of primary education, claimed on Sunday that the overcrowding in the classroom had created “fertile ground” for student abuse.

    According to the Daily Monitor website, the school’s 350 boarders slept in five cramped rooms on triple-deck beds.

    “I want you [school management] to tell the parents that you have been operating an illegal boarding section and no guidelines were being followed,” the minister said when she visited the school.

    She also faulted local education officials for not inspecting schools.

    Schools in Uganda require a government licence to operate boarding sections.

  • Don’t close down schools, provide better education – Mahama tells Education Minister

    Don’t close down schools, provide better education – Mahama tells Education Minister

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has thrown a challenge to the Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to enhance educational systems rather than shutting down schools to solve current problems.

    He asserts that the Minister’s first duty is to assist students in getting better grades rather than to close down their institutions.

    Mr. Mahama thus asked the Minister to resign if he does not have any solutions to the country’s educational problems. 

    “Help them achieve better results and provide better education for the children, but don’t you dare close schools. The Minister for Education should resign if his only solution to a problem is to close schools,” he said.

    Addressing branch executives of NDC earlier on Sunday, March 19, at Adudwama in the Ahafo Ano South East Constituency, the former President said the Minister does not have any power to close down schools. 

    It would be recalled that the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum challenged the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to improve their educational outcomes or stand the risk of having their institutions closed down.

    Dr. Adutwum explained that a school with a consistent zero to ten percent pass rate should put together intervention programmes to ensure that majority of their students will find opportunities for further studies, rather than becoming a liability to their parents and society due to their inability to pass their exam.

    The Minister said that closing down such schools would help save the nation from the huge financial losses being incurred by the government on such schools. 

    The Bosomtwe lawmaker said in such a situation, the affected students would be redistributed to other nearby schools, so they could continue their education.

  • Education minister to close down under performing institutions

    Education minister to close down under performing institutions

    The Conference of Heads of Aided Secondary Schools (CHASS) and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions have been tasked by the Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, to enhance educational outcomes or risk having their institutions shut down.

    In his remarks to the Conference of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) participants and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) organizations in Kumasi on Saturday and Sunday, Dr. Adutwum made this announcement.

    He explained that a school with a consistent zero to 10 per cent pass rate should put together intervention programmes.

    This he said, will ensure that the majority of their students find opportunities for further studies rather than becoming a liability to their parents and society due to their inability to pass their exams.

    He said that closing down the schools would help save the nation from the huge financial losses being incurred by the government as a result of the existence of the schools.

    Dr Adutwum explained that in cases where schools are closed down, the affected students would be redistributed to other nearby schools so they could continue their education.

    The meeting with CHASS, which is an annual event was to share with them the current state of education in the country, discuss new development in the sector and answer questions on issues affecting them.

    The meeting, which was in two batches, saw all SHS heads attending on Saturday while Principals of TVET institutions across the country also attended on Sunday.

    He lauded the heads for their roles in the transformation of education in the country and pledged to continue providing the needed resources. He also urged them to work very hard to ensure that they attained the right results.

    Don’t be a barrier

    Dr Adutwum also cautioned the heads to desist from preventing first-year students from enrolling due to the fact that some items on their prospectus had not been procured.

    He indicated that “there is no way any student should be turned away from school because the parents have not been able to procure some items on the school’s prospectus, at least, let them come to the school and the rest could be procured with some time.”

    The Education Minister lamented the addition of many other unapproved items on the school’s prospectus which in the long run led to the bloating of the prospectus for first-year students.

    He advised the heads not to do anything that would discourage or prevent any student from having access to education.

    Dr Adutwum urged the heads to let it be their goal to do everything possible to create an enabling environment for students to study and not to disturb them from their studies.

    The Deputy Minister for Education, in-charge of TVET sector, Ms Gifty Twum-Ampofo, reminded the Principals to ensure that students were well equipped for the job market and also let the schools pass through them and not the students passing through the school.

    She also urged the Principals to spend time enhancing their capacity through reading relevant courses and books to support their effort at getting the best training for their students.

    Presentations were made by the leadership of the Ghana Education Service (GES), National Education Leadership Institute (NELI), Free Senior High School Secretariat, Funds and Procurement Management Unit (FPMU), and Ghana TVET Service.

  • Basic Schools in Nyankpala closed down following frequent gunshots

    Basic Schools in Nyankpala closed down following frequent gunshots

    Basic schools in Nyankpala have closed down following gunshots near the Nyankpala Chief’s Palace Thursday, Feburary 9, 2023, afternoon.

    A visit to some basic schools in the community Friday morning,  saw classrooms under lock and deserted.

    Some school children who did not hear about the closure and came to school this morning,  had to go home early whilst others decided to play around. Some of the children told GBC News that, their teachers have asked them to go home because of yesterday’s shooting incident.

    There was sporadic gunshots near the Nyankpala Chief’s Palace late Thursday afternoon, sending residents to bed earlier than usual. Police are yet to establish persons behind the shooting incident, but it is believed that, the shooting is connected to the enskinment of a new chief for Nyankpala.

    The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama, on Thursday enskinned Mohammed Ibrahim as the Nyankpala chief.

    Some residents alleged that, the enskinment has not gone down well with a certain group and suspect that the shooting was to show their disapproval of the new chief.

    Though calm has returned to Nyankpala, school authorities say they are not taking chances with their pupils hence, the closure of the schools.

    A teacher who spoke to GBC News off record said they hope to be back to school on Monday.

    Nyankpala is also home to the University for Development Studies UDS, but the development has not affected academic activities at the University. Students were seen going for lectures on Friday morning.

    When GBC news correspondent arrived at the Palace on Friday morning, there was calm with a police patrol team moving around to enforce law and order.

    Business activities in the community were also back to normal with food vendors on the street selling various foods including kooko, waakye and wassawassa.

    Nyankpala is nineteen Kilometers from Tamale and home to the University for Development Studies and the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI).

  • Prices of school items go up

    Prices of school items go up

    As parents, pupils, and guardians flock to the area to buy supplies in time for the start of the new school week, there is a growing demand for educational materials in Accra’s Central Business District.

    School bags, lunchboxes, pens, pencils, books, uniforms, and other educational supplies are items that receive a lot of consumer interest.

    A few private elementary schools have already returned, but starting on Tuesday, January 10, this year, it is anticipated that all public schools and the remaining private institutions will be in session.

    Whereas there are many trunks, chop boxes, and mattresses on display, their demand is yet to pick up because second-cycle schools are yet to reopen, particularly, for freshers.

    Survey

    However, the Daily Graphic team that conducted the market survey observed that the prices of items were as they were before the Christmas break.

    Education-related goods, such a pack of pencils, which were sold for GH10 with GH12 as the lowest price, now cost GH15.

    Exercise books, which once cost GHC 2, are now selling for GHC 5, and a standard notebook, which once cost GHC 15, is now GHC 18, at the very least.

    A Teacher’s Notebook now costs roughly GH70 instead of GH25, which was previously the price.

    Given that the nation recently celebrated Christmas with all of its associated high expenses, all of the stationery, materials, and provisions vendors reported strong customer demand.

    A pack of three pairs of socks which used to sell at GH¢5 is now selling at GH¢10.

    Shoes hover around GH¢90 and above, depending on their quality and sizes.

    Sampled views

    A customer, who gave his name as Walter, said the school uniform he wanted to buy for his ward was expensive and wondered how many parents could afford it.

    A parent, Araba Arthur, muttered about the cost of uniform per yard which was previously GH¢35 but was currently going for GH¢75.

    “There’s nothing we can do now but to cut down on the number of items we intend to purchase in order to buy the uniforms whose prices are fixed, “she said.

    A school uniform seller, Tanko, said: ”Sales are a bit encouraging as customers troop in and out to buy from my shop”.

    Others

    A shoe seller, Esther Asare, said last year’s sales were better than this year’s, including the past festive season. “Some customers wish to buy many of such items but are compelled to make a choice due to their high prices,“ she said.

    According to her, the appreciation of the cedi against the dollar did not have any positive effect on her sales, she added.

    A bookshop owner, Anaefi Daniel, told the Daily Graphic that “by God’s grace business is booming as you can see”.

    Source: Graphiconline

  • 800 schools forced to close in the ‘Three Borders’ regions in Niger

    Hundreds of children, with their blue Unicef-stamped school bags on their backs, walk down small sand dunes to study on the outskirts of Ouallam, a town in south-western Niger that has been plagued by jihadist violence for five years.

    But these children are not like other students and carry with them memories of the horrors they witnessed at the hands of the jihadists.

    They come from 18 villages close to Mali, whose inhabitants found refuge in Ouallam at the end of 2021, fleeing the killings by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (EI) that led to the closure of schools.

    In Niger, 817 schools with a total of 72,421 students, including 34,464 girls, have closed, mainly in the Tillabéri region, the so-called “three borders” area between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

    Some 17,000 students have already been able to return to the education system and soon more than 55,300 others will go to about 20 of these dedicated centres in several towns in the south-west hosting displaced people, according to the Nigerien government.

    In Ouallam, nearly 1,600 schoolchildren, some of whom had dropped out three years ago, are enrolled in three centres built near a site for displaced people.

    “We are happy to be back in school,” say Fatima and Aïssa, two girls from Ngaba, a town near Mali, jubilantly, slates in hand.

    The euphoria of a return to school has not, however, erased the memories of the horrors that some of the children witnessed.

    “My uncle was the village chief, he was killed (in 2020, editor’s note) by jihadist bandits “in front of our eyes, there was a lot of blood”, recalls Mariama, who also lived in Ngaba.

    Nassirou, Malick, Hasane, Abdou and their parents “walked for miles on foot” to flee Adabdab, a village in the commune of Banibangou, which has been targeted several times by jihadist attacks, the last of which cost the lives of 11 civilians on 22 October.

    “It was the bandits who chased us away, they killed many men”, whispers Nassirou, who we met in the schoolyard.

    – Signs of distress” –

    When they arrived, many of the children showed “signs of distress and trauma, some were isolating themselves, others were very aggressive”, said Morou Chaïbou, head of education. Some recounted in great detail how “their parents were shot in front of them”, he sighed.

    “To stabilise these children in the face of the shocks they have experienced, we provide them with psycho-social follow-up in addition to the official programme,” says Adamou Dari, the director of the region’s centres.

    “They are now concentrating in class and the results are encouraging,” confirms a teacher playing in the courtyard with a dozen pupils.

    However, “minor cases” of absenteeism worry the managers of the Ouallam centres, which have free canteens. Some children skip school to go “to work in town and feed their families”, says Adamou Dari.

    Very poor, “families tend to make their children work” or “to start early marriages of young girls”, deplores former French Secretary of State Harlem Désir, Vice President Europe of the NGO International Rescue Committee (IRC), who recently visited the site of the displaced people of Ouallam.

    Morou Chaïbou warns: “If these children are left behind, they risk being recruited by armed groups”.

    In 2021, Amnesty International warned of the recruitment of young boys aged 15-17, mainly by the al-Qa’ida affiliated Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (GSIM), particularly in the Torodi area near Burkina Faso, in agreement with their parents.

     

    Source: African News

  • Regional Report: No furniture forces Buni AME Zion pupils to sit on the floor

    Pupils of Buni African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Primary School in the Jaman North District of the Bono Region are forced to sit on the floor because of the absence of furniture in the school.

    Many of the pupils from Kindergarten to Primary three have no alternative as they have to either sit or lie on the floor during instructional hours as there are no furniture for them to sit on.

    A few of the pupils whose parents can afford are compelled to carry their own furniture to school every day or they risk sitting on the floor.

    The situation is greatly affecting academic work in the school and needs immediate attention from the appropriate authorities.

    The Assembly Member for the Buni Electoral Area, Okyere Bediako Charles, decried to Ghanaweb that the situation in the school has affected the enrolment of the school as many pupils have left to other schools in the community.

    According to him, looking at the importance of education in the 21st century, it is sad that the pupils cannot enjoy the quality and effective education and have to lie or sit on the floor during classes.

    “It is sad that pupils in this school are made to go through something like this in this modern era. There are no chairs so most of the pupils have to sit on the floor to write. The future of the children is in jeopardy if the current situation persists”.

    He disclosed that the school currently needs about one hundred and fifty desks to be able to overcome the furniture problem in the school and has made a passionate appeal to the general public, non-governmental organisations, and the Jaman North District Assembly to come to the aid of the school.

    A resident in the community, Mr. Yeboah Gabriel, lamented over the current furniture deficit in the school as he describes it as a bad spectacle and an impediment to the academic progress of the pupils.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Overpopulation forces Bamahu JHS students to learn under sheds

    Overpopulation resulting in overcrowded classrooms has compelled students of the Bamahu Junior High School (JHS) in the Wa Municipality to learn under sheds unfit for teaching and learning.

    Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the plight of the school, Mr Adams Yahaya Jiga, the Assemblymember of the Bamahu Electoral Area, said the overcrowded classrooms was affecting effective teaching and learning in the school.

    “Last year, over 100 students came from the primary school to join JHS 1 and you can imagine the situation with over 100 students sitting in a normal classroom”, he said.

    “JHS 1 & 2 equally has over 50 students in one classroom and this is way beyond the recommended 35 students in a classroom”, the Assemblymember added. As a result, Mr Jiga led authorities of the school to construct three sheds so they could divide the students in each classroom into two to enable them use the sheds in order to ease the congestion in the classrooms and improve learning.

    He justified the importance of the action and that it was necessary especially in this era of COVID-19 where physical distancing had become more important in controlling the spread of the disease.

    Meanwhile, according to the Assemblymember, a nicely constructed building belonging to Ghana Post, which was just next to the school had been standing idle for about 10 years now.

    He said they appealed to the authorities of the Ghana Post to release the building for the school to use temporarily until they get a new 3-Unit classroom block, but their request was turned down.

    “Myself, the Chief and his elders then applied to the Wa Municipal Assembly to intervene so that Ghana Post will release the building to the school temporary, but the Assembly responded that the building was not under their control”, Mr Jiga said.

    He said Bamahu community was now an urban centre meaning the population of the JHS would keep increasing and the single 3-Unit classroom block would not be able to contain the population.

    Mr Jiga said the school was therefore in dire need of an additional 3-Unit classroom block and appealed to government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and individuals who have the capacity to come to the aid of the school.

    “We are not happy about the situation at all and we appeal for urgent help”, he said and noted that with the sheds, anytime it was raining classes was disrupted.

    Meanwhile, Mr Yussif Abdul-Rahim, the Head Teacher of Bamahu JHS disclosed that another challenge confronting the school was open defecation saying, “Majority of the community members defecate in a small forest just right in front of the school”.

    He said the pungent smell emanating from the forest area often make the school environment uncomfortable, adding that “We often feel embarrassed anytime a visitor comes to the school”.

    The Head Teacher said all efforts to stop the people from defecating in the forest proved futile and therefore appealed to the Municipal authorities to intervene.

    Source: GNA

  • Tema Presbyterian SHS needs government’s attention

    Reverend Lawrence Kwesi Tete has appealed to government and all educational stakeholders to support the Presbyterian Senior High School at Tema, with infrastructural projects.

    Rev. Tete, who is the Board Chairman of Tema Presbyterian SHS appealed through the Ghana News Agency at Tema said the school, which was a citadel of education had deteriorated and needed urgent refurbishment.

    Rev. Tete, who is also the Minister in charge of Grace Presbyterian Church, Community Eleven Tema said, the Presbyterian SHS in its current state could not boast of any modern infrastructure.

    He said the school must be resourced to perform its role in training the youth within the best resources; although Government provided it with two busses years ago, “we need more resources”.

    He said the main administration block, which was put up by the Tema District of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana started as a private school, housed the headmistress office, the office of their Assistant head, the Accountant, Bookshop, deplorable science laboratory, and staff common room.

    He added that the school had no well-established library, good science laboratories even though they do science as an elective subject.

    The school has no Assembly Hall and therefore used the chapel of Grace Presbyterian Church for their gatherings.

    Rev Tete, therefore, called on the government, past students, Ghana Education Service, Tema Metro Directorate of Education, and Greater Accra Regional Directorate to take a critical look and support the Tema Presbyterian SHS.

    Source: GNA

  • Atmosphere amidst School Reopening In Takoradi

    Schools in Takoradi have reopened followed a directive by President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure that all students from nursery through to tertiary resumed academic work in January 2021, after schools were closed down in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

    Visit by the GNA to Dunwell Methodist Academy, Reverend Dunwell Grant Methodist and Reverend Dunwell Kindergarten, Good Shepherd Anglican Primary and Golden Gate Adventist Preparatory and JHS in the Western Region showed full compliance with the directive.

    In an interview with Mr. Alex K.Dadzie, the Acting Headteacher for Dunwell Methodist Academy told the GNA that, the only challenge they had was that the children often pulled their masks down their chin but their teachers had been told to keep their eyes on them.

    He said about 100 parents had come to seek for admission but they were yet to admit new students. With team’s observation, all the COVID-19 safety protocols were being observed.

    At Rev Dunwell Methodist and Dunwell Grant Methodist, Madam Grace Acquaye told the GNA that, many of the students had only one nose mask which she stressed was not helpful because it could get torn so she pleaded with parents to get an extra nose mask for their wards. All the COVID- 19 protocols were being observed.

    She noted that due to the large numbers that reported to school on the first day, some of the pupils could not get seats to sit since they were observing physical distancing and gave the assurance that the situation would improve as the days go by.

    The GNA realized admission was in progress at many of the schools the team visited and many parents had come for the admission letters to enrol their children in school.

    The GNA team realised some children were happy to see their friends after a long stay at home and others too said they were happy to be in school because of the boredom at home.

    Source: GNA

  • Suspend reopening of basic schools if PPE are not ready IFEST

    The Institute for Education Studies (IFEST) is calling on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to suspend the reopening of basic schools till all relevant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are distributed to all schools in the country.

    IFEST described as “completely unacceptable” that, most of the basic schools are yet to receive any form of PPE as promised by the relevant authorities.

    “It is even more shocking because the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service have had the privilege of experiencing the challenges that bedevilled the sharing of this PPE during the partial reopening, last year and should have started the distribution long ago before the reopening date.

    “Unfortunately, pupils have had to report to school today without the needed PPE at a time when Covid-19 is in the ascendency in the country,” the group alleged in a statement.

    The statement comes as schools resumed today, Monday, 18 January 2021 with a call on students and teachers to obey the COVID-19 safety protocols.

    IFEST noted that without PPE both teachers and students are at risk of Covid infection.

    “We are, therefore, calling on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to suspend the reopening till all schools have received the needed PPE,” the statement said.

    It also called on parents and guardians to provide their wards with at least a nose mask and hand sanitiser to enable them to stick to the protocols.

    “We believe that the words of those in authority are supposed to be backed by concrete actions and that the practice of having a discrepancy between what a policy directive is and practical happenings on the ground should come to a halt,” the statement added.

    Source: Class FM

  • COVID-19: Do not panic – Former Education Minister to parents

    A former deputy Minister of Education under the John Mahama administration, Alex Kyeremeh, has added his voice to the many assurances by authorities that children returning to school amidst the rising numbers of coronavirus cases should not be entirely worried.

    He said that although cases have been on the ascendency lately, concerns by parents, alike students as they return to school, the fact that only last year, final year students returned to school to write their West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) without any major fallouts, should put them at rest.

    “If we consider how things turned out when our children who went back to school last year to write their WASSCE, parents had the same doubts and fears but by the grace of God, everything went well and they returned home safe,” he explained.

    He stressed that while the situation in Ghana is taking a spike, it is not the only country being affected by the virus across the world. He, therefore, allayed fears of the parents, calling on all to be extra vigilant in their dealings.

    “It is unclear exactly what measures have been put in place for the students but parents should not panic because I believe that whatever measures they are, and with the supervision of their teachers, the children will be safe,” he said.

    He said that parents should exercise patience until perhaps a few days after the children are in school so that they can give a good assessment of how things are being handled in the schools, and for their children.

    Besides, he said, the children cannot continue to stay at home indefinitely and the only way out is to mount pressure on authorities to put in the right interventions to ensure that everybody within the brackets of academia is protected.

    Alex Kyeremeh was speaking on Ade Akye Abia on Okay FM in Accra.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Parents queue for school fabrics as school reopen

    Some parents have queued to purchase school fabrics for their wards days to school reopening at shops in Makola.

    President Akufo-Addo in his 21st update on measures taken to combat COVID-19 directed both public and private schools to start a new academic year amid the COVID-19.

    The Ghana News Agency team, therefore, visited some fabric shops in the Central Business District in Accra on Saturday, to ascertain if parents were still purchasing school fabrics for their wards in the Basic and Junior high Schools.

    It spotted long queues formed by parents and guardians in shops including the Abena Wahab fabric shop, Yesu Nti Enterprise and others to purchase fabrics to sew school uniforms for their wards.

    Madam Joyce Quayson, a public servant and a mother of basic six students in the queue, told the GNA that she had been in the queue for some time and was waiting for her turn to get served.

    She said the fabrics at Abena Wahab shop was quality and affordable by all standards hence the reason for her choosing that particular shop.

    Mrs Ophelia Osei, a parent of two basic school children said she mostly purchased fabrics to sow for her wards each academic year, explaining that the shops were often busy with long queues due the quality of the fabrics sold there.

    “I came on Monday to purchase the fabric but the price was increased and the money on me was not enough so I went back home”, she said.

    Madam Olivia Ampah, a trader and parent who had purchased hers said even though the prices had increased, the quality which remained the same which encouraged her to still purchase from the shop.

    She said her wards had old uniforms which they can wore for the week before the new ones would be sown.

    At Yesu Nti enterprise, Madam Alberta Serwaa, a fabric seller said the demand for school fabrics has been on the increase since the government gave directives for schools to reopen.

    “The prices are no longer the same as it used to be but parents are still patronising and I think because the children have been in the house for long, parents are eager to get them back to school,” she said.

    She added that the import duties and closure of borders had caused the increase in the cost of the school fabric prices.

    Mr Abdulai Fuseni, a 43-year-old who also trades in fabrics said many parents complained about the high cost of the fabrics, however, they still bought them as they did not have much options.

    He said, he had different types of school fabrics including printex, dabadin, dacron and suiting materials, checked materials in stock to serve his customers in the queue.

    He added that fabrics which cost GH ¢8 before now cost GH ¢ 15 and there some materials which cost GH ¢14 and GH ¢ 20 per yard depending on the type. The team observed that the COVID-19 protocols were not being followed, most of the parents in the queues were not in their nose masks and there were no veronica buckets placed at the shops.

    Source: GNA

  • Parents express worry over class sizes as schools re-open

    Some parents in Koforidua have expressed worry over the large number of students who occupy a class, especially in public schools.

    They said the class sizes would make it difficult for the schools to observe the social distancing protocol and to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

    The government has announced the re-opening of schools from the kindergarten, primary, Junior High School and Senior High School after the schools were closed in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Some of the parents, who spoke to GNA in separate interviews, hailed the government’s decision to reopen schools on January 18.

    However, they expressed worry that the government did not ask schools to ensure a reduction in the number of students that occupy a particular class.

    The parents are of the view that social distancing would reduce congestion, which was common in many public schools.

    Mr. Kwame Apati, a parent, told GNA that his children aged six and eight were in public schools with class sizes of 54 and 61 respectively.

    He wondered how such children could observe the social distancing protocol if the class size is not reduced to limit the spread of the disease.

    He said common infections such as cold and cough usually spread quickly in the class due to the congestion and has for that matter appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to find a way to reduce the class sizes to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

    Madam Joyce Yayo, a retired nurse, and a grandmother said she has always expressed worry over the class sizes in her grandchildren’s school and would find it difficult to allow them to go back to school.

    Source: GNA

  • GNECC lauds government for reopening schools

    The Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC), has lauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for reopening of schools and phasing out the double-track system for Senior High School One and Three.

    It said, “We commend the government for being responsive to the concerns expressed by parents and students about the effects of the double-track and urge that it is completely phased out”.

    A statement issued in Accra by Ms. Veronica Dzeagu, the GNECC National Coordinator, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, has said.

    The President made the announcement on the reopening of schools and phasing out of the double-track system in his 21st address to the nation on measures taken to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

    The GNEC statement urged that additional care be taken to ensure that children, teachers, and non-teaching staff were not exposed to any avoidable risks while in school, based on lessons learned from the selective reopening of schools for the completion of transitional examinations last year.

    It said the government must provide appropriate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities for schools that lacked them to ensure effective compliance with the recommended COVID-19 protocols, adding that personal protective equipment should also get to all schools on time.

    The statement advised parents and guardians to also ensure that their wards returned to school when they reopened to continue their education and should not leave the safety of their children entirely to the government.

    “Education is a shared responsibility and parents have an important role to play in protecting their children from any potential harm both at home and in school”.

    “They should therefore ensure that their wards wear masks and urge them to comply with the guidelines provided for their safety while in school,” it stated.

    The statement said it would be working together with the Ghana Education Service, UNESCO, and UNICEF Ghana to undertake a #BacktoSchool campaign to ensure that no child was left behind.

    President Akufo-Addo announced that all Basic Schools (KG-JHS) would reopen on 15th January 2021, and Senior High Schools, on March 10, 2021.

    He said SHS Two and Three would reopen on 18th January 2021, whiles all tertiary institutions reopen on 9th January 2021.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo to firm-up school reopening after Cabinet meeting on December 30

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is receiving briefings from COVID-19 Technical Taskforce on limited school re-openings and would make a firm decision on school reopening in January 2021 after a Cabinet meeting on December 30, 2020.

    Addressing a news conference in Accra on COVID-19 Updates on Tuesday, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said the COVID-19 Taskforce would work throughout the Christmas period to brief the President and analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, during the limited school re-openings in July, August, September, and October, this year.

    Government in July allowed final year students in the tertiary education institutions to complete their semester courses and wrote their exit examinations.

    The final year senior high school students also returned to complete their term courses and wrote the West African Examination Certificate (WAEC), while the final year Junior High School students undertook the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in September and in October, second year JHS and SHS students returned to school to complete their term courses.

    During the period, some students and teachers contracted the Coronavirus disease and were isolated, tested and treated.

    It is in the light of this member of the COVID-19 Taskforce were briefing the President in order to inform the Government’s decision whether basic schools should be reopened in January 2021.

    The Information Minister said a sub-committee on school reopening would soon be constituted to plan and strategise the way forward.

    That, he said, would ensure that the school environment would not become a haven for spreading the respiratory disease.

    Responding to a question on whether Ghana is considering stopping flights from countries witnessing second wave of infection, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said all the options were being considered, but at the moment, the country was implementing two layers of prevention strategies.

    The first layer, he said, all travellers disembarking should possess negative PCR test result from country of origin, which was undertaken 72 hours before departure.

    Additionally, all disembarking passengers were supposed to go through an Antigen test at the Kotoka International Airport and after the person tests negative, he or she would be allowed entry, while those who test positive are isolated and treated.

    Currently, Ghana has recorded 54,043 positive COVID-19 cases, with 52,777 recoveries/ discharged, representing 97.7 percent recovery rate, according to Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General, Ghana Health Service.

    As at Saturday, December 19, 2020, there were 933 active cases and 333 deaths with 0.62 percent fatality rate, which is far below the global rate of 2.25 percent.

    Ghana has so far conducted 646,697 tests, representing 20,000 per million population and 8.4 percent positivity rate.

    Dr Kumah-Aboagye said people with hypertension, diabetes and asthma were more prone to infection and at higher risk of succumbing to the disease.

    Persons between 20 and 49 years were the most infected in the country.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: SHS2, JHS2 students resume school today

    Second year students in Senior High Schools and Junior High Schools are returning to school today, Monday, October 5 2020 to complete their academic year.

    The decision was taken by the Ghana Education Service, after consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

    The students will remain in school until 14 December 2020.

    Announcing this in his 16th COVID-19 address to the nation on Sunday, 30 August 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said: “With Junior High Schools operating with class sizes of thirty (30), and Senior High Schools with class sizes of twenty-five (25), SHS 2 and JHS 2 students will be in school for ten (10) weeks to study, and write their end of term examinations”.

    “SHS 2 students in boarding houses are to return to their various dormitories on 5th October, while day students, respecting fully the COVID-19 protocols, will commute from home to their respective schools on the same date.”

    Prior to today, all Junior and Senior High Schools have been fumigated and disinfected.

    Just as was done in the case of final year university, JHS and SHS students, the government says all JHS 2 and SHS 2 students, as well as all teaching and non-teaching staff, will be given reusable face masks.

    Each school will be provided with Veronica Buckets, gallons of liquid soap, rolls of tissue paper, thermometer guns, and 200 milli-litre containers of sanitizers.

    JHS 2 students will be given one hot meal a day.

    Assemblies and sporting events remain banned; and the use by outsiders of school premises for other activities is still not allowed.

    The schools were closed down to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

    Source: Class FM

  • 3,717 schools disinfected in Greater Accra ahead of reopening

    The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, in collaboration with private waste management company Zoomlion Ghana Limited, on Wednesday, 23 September 2020, started disinfecting some 109 senior high and special schools as well as 3,680 basic schools in the Greater Accra Region.

    This forms part of the national disinfection exercise of all schools nationwide to pave the way for reopening on 5 October 2020.

    Some of the disinfected schools include Accra Academy, Wesley Grammar, Achimota SHS among others.

    Speaking to the media, the Accra Zone General Manager of Zoomlion, Mr Ernest Morgan Acquah, stressed that there is a need for this round of the disinfection exercise since the final-year students used the classrooms.

    He added that the disinfection exercise has been extremely helpful as far as the fight against COVID-19 is concerned.

    The Assistant Head of Domestic Affairs for Accra Academy, Mr Asun William Kwame; Headmaster of Wesley Grammar SHS and Assistant Headmaster of Administration for Achimota SHS, also spoke to the media and expressed their pleasure over the exercise that has been done in their schools, saying it was the best move ahead of the reopening.

    Source: Class FM

  • Kobilmahigu E/A Primary school block develops deep cracks

    Lack of maintenance has left the three-unit classroom block of the Kobilmahigu E/A Primary School in a bad state, which the users describe as a death trap.

    Apart from the deep cracks in the building, the floors are also in a bad shape, a situation, which affects teaching and learning in the area.

    This came to light during a visit to the school located in the Tolon District of the Northern Region.

    Mr Iddrisu Alhassan, Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association of the School, in an interview, said “We fear for the pupils and teachers in the school should there be any rainstorm during school hours.”

    Mr Alhassan said the School, which served Kobilmahigu, Botingli, Bantoroyili, and some communities in the Tali Electoral Area in the district, had not seen any maintenance since it was built more than a decade ago.

    He added that the three-unit classroom block could not accommodate all the classes, and thereby forcing teachers to combine pupils in the Kindergarten 1, 2, and Class 1 in one classroom, Classes 2 and 3 in another and the last Classroom for the 3 upper primary classes.

    He reiterated the need for the Tolon District Assembly to renovate the existing three-unit classroom block of the School as well as build more classrooms to accommodate all the classes to ensure conducive teaching and learning environment for better education outcomes.

    He said the Assembly should use the COVID-19 break to at least renovate the dilapidated classroom block before school resumed next year as directed by the President.

    Hajia Balchisu Yakubu, Chief Executive for Tolon acknowledged the situation and said she recently visited the school and saw the pupils lying on the floor and she mobilized some furniture for the school to ameliorate the situation.
    Hajia Yakubu said there were many schools with deep cracks in the district, adding that the Assembly had documented them and would be fixing the cracks as and when resources were available.

    She could not give any timeline to fix the cracks at the school saying the Assembly was currently stretched in terms of resources.

    Source: GNA

  • Reopening schools for KG, primary students not harmful Child Rights International

    A non-governmental organisation, Child Rights International has called for the immediate reopening of schools.

    According to the NGO, the partial reopening of schools for Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School final year students has proven that it will be safer for students to be in school than stay at home.

    The Director of Child Rights International, Bright Appiah argued in an interview with Citi News that scientific data indicates that the presence of children in school will not pose a threat.

    “The analysis we have done so far shows that the school system will be safer for children than they being at home looking at the data of students who are allowed to go to school at the SHS level and Junior High level. If you pick the data for the SHS, over 270,000 plus students were in school and out of that we had less than 600 people getting COVID.

    “It means that with clear management and observation of the protocol, children can go to school and not be affected by the condition of the virus. Then again children are among the classes that show a low transmission of COVID. Their presence will not pose a threat to anyone.”

    All nursery, kindergarten, primary, Junior High School (JHS) 1 and Senior High School (SHS) 1 students have had the rest of their 2019/2020 academic year postponed till January 2021.

    This was announced by President Nana Akufo-Addo on Sunday, August 31, 2020 during his 16th COVID-19 update to Ghanaians.

    He said, per consultations with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the resumption of the next academic year in January 2021 will be made “with appropriate adjustments to the curriculum to ensure that nothing is lost from the previous year.”

    “The Ghana Education Service, after further consultations, has decided to postpone the remainder of the academic year for all nursery, kindergarten, primary, JHS 1 and SHS 1 students.”, Nana Addo disclosed.

    Schools in the country were shut down in March 2020 after Ghana recorded its first two cases of Coronavirus infection.

    Final year students were later allowed to return to schools to enable them to sit for their exit exams; the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for JHS students and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for SHS students.

    After five months of closure, however, many have called on the government to reopen the schools to make up for lost academic contact hours.

    In furtherance, the President also assured the “relevant dispositions will also be made so that the presence, at the same time, in the school of all streams of students, can occur in safety.”

    Source: citinewsroom