Category: Education

The admission process for first year Senior High School (SHS) students is progressing smoothly in SHSs across the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited some of the schools, it observed that students and their parents or guardians were trooping the campuses in taxi cabs or private vehicles with their trunks, chop boxes, mattresses, brooms, and cutlasses among other items. Students under the guidance of their parents were in queues going through the admission process, including filling online forms, data verification, dormitory allocation and inspection of items in their prospectus. The GNA also observed that some students who failed to buy certain items prescribed in their prospectus were instructed to get them before allowing them into their respective dormitories. Mr Bernard Adu Amoako, Senior House Master at the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS), told the GNA that so far, the admission process for the students had progressed smoothly devoid of any challenges. He s aid: 'The only issue is that some of the students somehow are not aware of the online registration, so we ask them to go back and fill the forms before coming for verification and subsequent allocation of dormitories'. Some parents the GNA interacted with expressed satisfaction at how fast and smooth the process had been, while others were frustrated for being redirected to access online registration forms for their wards. Mr Richard Gyamfi, a parent, expressed delight at how smooth the process had been, and commended management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) for a good job done. He, however, said the date for reopening for the students came at short notice, and afforded parents little time to adequately prepare and provide all items for their wards. 'Going forward, I think our leaders in charge of education must seek a broader consultation with all stakeholders to decide the re-opening date so that we parents will not be under intense pressure to buy everything for our children', he added. Sourc e: Ghana News Agency

The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has conferred a Doctorate degree on Sir Samuel Esson Johah, a distinguish statesman who is a global mining icon with vast experience in leadership, management, marketing and innovation. The award was in recognition of his unmatched and outstanding contribution to the mining industry of Ghana and the world at large. Sir Jonah received the Doctor of Science honorary scouser and a citation during the 15th congregation ceremony of the UMaT at Tarkwa. He is a businessman, Executive Chairman of Jonah Capital, an equity fund based in Johannesburg. This fund owns 14 mineral resource assets across ten countries in Africa. Sir Jonah has contributed significantly to the educational sector and served in various capacities and institutions across the globe. By dent of his hard work and exemplary leadership, he had been decorated with many awards and honors. Currently, he is the Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and a visiting professor of busine ss at the University of Witwatersrand Business School in Johannesburg and a member of its governing council. Delivering the special guest address at the congregation, Sir Jonah expressed profound gratitude to the Academic Board, the University Council and the Administration of the UMaT for the honour. He stressed that 'as UMaT graduates, you carry the responsibility of upholding the standards of excellence and contributing positively to society. 'Remember, your education does not end here, it is a lifelong journey. Stay curious, remain open to new ideas, and continue to cultivate your intellectual curiosity. Seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth, and never underestimate the impact you can have on the world.' The Chancellor of UCC revealed that he was aware of the high-quality assurance standards and practices at the UMaT, which have always translated into quality products such that graduates of that university always excel in their field of work wherever they found themselves. 'I am therefore highly optimistic that the 2023 graduates will add to the success story of the University,' he said. 'Vice Chancellor, as the University is growing in leaps and bounds and has remained true to its mandate of training professionals in mining, petroleum, technology, and related engineering disciplines, I anticipate a time when UMaT will become the MIT of Africa as the Chancellor has always envisioned. 'One of the steps to take to make this a reality is to continue to deepen the industry-academia relationship to influence both the theoretical and practical training of students and make them readily accepted into industry. As a mining engineer, I want to assure you that I will use my good office to support this agenda,' he indicated. Sir Jonah commended the Government and the Ghana Chamber of Mines for their continuous support and expressed the hope that they would do more for the University to become the foundation of the industry-driven transformation agenda of the country. 'In this regard, I will personally liaise with the Vice Chancellor in efforts to attract more funding opportunities for the development of UMaT since changing global trends show that the future of the world belongs to countries that take science, technology, and innovation seriously, and make conscious efforts to train their manpower in these areas' he further revealed. He lauded the Minister of Education for his personal leadership and interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Vocational education to become the cornerstone of the educational curricula of Ghana, adding that the impact of this effort would be seen in a few years. Source: Ghana News Agency

Ho-Dome Experimental Primary School, now Ho-Dome Evangelical Presbyterian Basic School at Ho in the Volta Region, has celebrated its maiden homecoming. The school was founded through the efforts, diligence and hard work of Togbe Adzie Constantine I (1910-1926), Togbe Kwasi Yao Wusu II (1930-1933) and Togbe Mottey Kofi II (1934-1962), respectively. The first pupils of Ho-Dome Experimental Primary School entered Class One in September 1930, and this was in accordance with the 1925 Sir Gordon Guggisberg Constitution and Educational Reform of the Gold Coast through the Indirect Rule System of Governance. The pupils were trained holistically for a responsible adult and future life, and the school had been a durable foundation for many professionals including renowned medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, businesspeople and women, teachers, administrators, nurses, pastors, and traditional rulers. The event was on the theme: 'Proud of Our Foundation, Ready for the Future.' Mr Wogbe Kwashie, a legal practitioner and alumnus, said that the school produced excellent scholars and professionals in a variety of leadership fields, making it one of the best in Ho and the entire Volta region. He said the goal of the homecoming was to rally the alumni to aid in the school's growth and restore it to the illustrious academic greatness of its heyday. Mr Wogbe said that the Ho Dome Experimental Primary School had laid the foundation for their diverse educational paths and professional careers, and that it was now time to give back to both their alma mater and society. He urged all former students to join the transformational agenda, saying, 'We should now crave for the growth and development of the now Ho Dome Basic School through doing the needful.' Mr Wogbe said the main objective was to raise the school's academic performance by providing new facilities, instructional materials, and learning resources, and completing the fence wall to ensure the students' safety. An alum, Mama Attrato II, Queen of Ho-Dome, single-handed s ourced for fund from the Japan Embassy, which she used to build a new school block and fenced the Eastern part of the compound. Mama Attrato, who chaired the event, emphasised how important it was for former students to support their alma mater and make sure that those who came after them succeeded academically. Togbe Adzie Lakle Howusu XII, Dufia of Ho-Dome, and Awafiaga of Asogli State, urged the students to maintain discipline, obey their teachers, and abstain from actions that would hinder their academic progress. Miss Judith Princess Kuseto, Headmistress of the school, stated that the school was well-known in Ho and throughout the Municipality for its outstanding performance in academic and sporting activities. She appealed to the alumni to assist in renovating the computer lab and supplying them with more modern and effective computers to enhance ICT teaching and learning, Miss Kuseto also appealed for the kindergarten block to be given a facelift to improve the area's condition and make it more ch ild-friendly, as well as the provision of basic teaching and learning resources, such as storybooks, to encourage a love of reading in the younger generation. To stop mentally challenged people and stray animals from entering the school, she made an appeal to non-governmental organisations, philanthropists, and cooperative individuals to help finish the fence wall surrounding the campus. Mrs. Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe, Head of E.P. Schools in the Volta, who was the guest speaker, said the school had produced many notable individuals and continued to follow its path to this day, which was why alumni's achievements, milestones, and unwavering spirit are celebrated. She said that it was right to embrace the past, influence the present, and motivate the future and that the school's reputation was built on the strength of hard work, volunteerism, and optimism. Source: Ghana News Agency

The 1999-year Group of Aggrey Memorial Old Students Association (AMOSA), has launched its 25th anniversary celebration by unveiling a logo that embodied its storied legacy project. The event scheduled to take place in March 2024, will be on the theme: 'Celebrating Our Silver Jubilee: Supporting Education Within a Serene Environment Anchored on Discipline'. Activities to be featured for the celebration include free medical screening for the people of Brafo Yaw, the School's catchment community and free National Health Insurance Registration for the non-teaching staff of Aggrey Memorial A.ME. Zion Senior High School. Other activities would be the commissioning of the Legacy Project, career development show for current students, exhibition and promotion of products and services of Amosa 99 Entrepreneurs and a thanksgiving service to climax the celebration. Mr Isaac Kofi Dankwa, the Planning Committee Chairman, in an address said the project for his Year Group would be the redesigning of the school's entranc e to enhance its image. The whole project would cost GHC 330.000.00 which would help improve security and ensure discipline in the school. Mr Theophilus Tei Agyanou, the Board Chair for the anniversary called on all old students to join hands by supporting the project to change the status of their alma mater. He appealed to corporate bodies to support the laudable initiative to create an enabling environment for the students and teachers for improved academic outcomes. Source: Ghana News Agency

Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Bono Regional Minister, has called on stakeholders to collectively prioritize education as the basis for national progress. She underscored the essential role of education in shaping the future of the nation saying it was crucial to foster an environment for students to excel academically and embrace principles of tolerance, respect, and understanding which were essential for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous society. The Regional Minister made the call at the first Congregation of Al-faruq College of Education in Wenchi, Bono Region under the theme: 'Teacher Education and National Development; Focus on Islamic Education.' A total of 526 students, comprising 272 males and 254 females, were awarded degrees in Diploma in Basic Education and Bachelor of Education. Madam Owusu-Banahene emphasised the need to recognise the broader impact of teachers on national development and highlighting their role as catalysts for progress which empower individuals with the skills an d knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country. She that teachers were not only responsible for imparting academic knowledge but also for instilling character and values that contributed to the holistic development of individuals, to become socio-economically self-reliant and contributes to the overall development of the nation. Madam Owusu-Banahene observed that the absence of teachers would hinder the development of the country's human resources base and stressed that teachers need to be accorded with respect and dignity they deserved. Madam Owusu-Banahene urged the graduating teachers to accept postings to all places particularly at the remote areas of the country to make a positive impact on students' lives and take pride in their profession which was a self-fulfilling vocation that expanded one's own being by imparting knowledge and skills to contribute to society. She gave assurance that government under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was committed to implement policies and programs to enhance teacher education in the country. Mr Wahab Sualihu, Principal of the College, emphasised that effective teacher education was indispensable for meaningful development and knowledge the accelerated interest in Islamic Education shown by successive governments, saying Al-Faruq College was dedicated and poised to lead Islamic Education in Ghana. Mr Sualihu expressed the college's readiness to collaborate with stakeholders and affiliated mentor universities to develop a teacher education curriculum that will train numerous in-service Arabic instructors in Ghana's basic schools. Mr Asumah Mohammed was recognised as the top-performing student overall, while Madam Hajara Abu was honoured as the best female graduate of 2022. Matilda Ankrah Amoakoaa achieved the title of best graduate in 2019, and other exceptional graduates were duly rewarded for their outstanding performance. In addition, three graduates from the 2020 cohort, namely Ibrahim Habib Mohammed, Abigail Annobil, and Iddrisu Zulaifatu, achieved first-class honours. Source: Ghana News Agency