Category: Literacy

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three prominent Ghanaian women for demonstrating commitment to humanitarian causes. They are the First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, Ghana's first female Speaker of Parliament, and Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, the nation's first female Chief Justice. The three personalities were cited for their exceptional professional work which has left indelible marks in their respective fields and society at large. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was on hand to give moral support to the First Lady as well as the other recipients. Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong, the Chancellor of UPSA, described the event as historic given the fact that it was an all-female affair - depicting the vital role women played in the nation's development agenda. He commended the honorees for their dedicated services and commitment to duty, saying the nation was blessed to have had such knowledgeable and hardworking personalities. 'As a champion of social causes, your contribution to humanity has been very impactful in the country and you have been commended for advocating the fight against malaria in Ghana. 'You spearheaded the health education agenda in 2017 by establishing the Rebecca Foundation, a non-governmental organisation to enhance government's efforts among women and children in Ghana,' a citation presented to the First Lady read. Since becoming the First Lady some seven years ago, Mrs Akufo-Addo has been instrumental in working for the betterment of women and children, initiating some transformative projects at the Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals, Ghana's two largest referral hospitals, to enhance maternal and childcare. 'You are also a founding member and Chairperson of the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation, a charity established in 2005 that supports the national efforts to reduce malaria infections in infants and young children. On Justice Bamford-Addo, a citation presented to her rea d: 'Your remarkable achievements paved the way for a new dawn of women justices in Ghana's Supreme Court.' 'In recognition of your remarkable service to Ghana, in October 2011, you were honoured by President John Evans Atta-Mills with the Companion of the Order of the Volta, the highest in the order of Volta awards. 'You retired from public service in October 2004, after 43 years as a practising lawyer and 13 years as the first female judge of the Supreme Court of Ghana.' For Justice Theodora Wood, a citation presented to her saluted her for being an ardent advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). 'You have contributed immensely to advancing the cause of ADR both locally and internationally. 'During the span of your career, you occupied many international positions. Your good work was highly recognised in and out of Ghana, including the Order of the Star of Ghana, the nation's highest honour in 2007, and in August 2008, you were awarded a Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Ghana,' the ci tation noted. Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of National Security, lauded the honorees for their patriotism and commitment to the nation's growth. Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, was hopeful the awards would motivate the younger generation of professionals to strive for excellence in their work. Source: Ghana News Agency

The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa School of Petroleum Studies has organized a research results dissemination workshop for stakeholders in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply chain. It was on the theme 'safety assessment of the existing LPG supply chain for safe sustainable clean energy in Ghana. A case study of the Western Region'. Participants included; the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Ghana National Fire Services (GNFS) National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and hotel owners. The research was conducted in the Western Region and some areas the team visited were Tarkwa, Takoradi, Asankragwa and many others, to help identify the safety and technical-related issues associated with the existing LPG supply chain. Professor Richard Amorin, Vice Dean of the School of Petroleum Studies explained that from the survey, it was clear that most domestic users of LPG in the Western Region lacked basic knowledge on the safe usage of th e gas. He said 'I think the findings have shown clearly that indeed usage is not as bad as one may perceive but the problem is how people are using the cylinders. 'Currently when you look at the urban communities many people are using LPG for their vehicles and cooking. We need to sensitize more communities so they can all come on board to help end the deforestation process that is ongoing' For the refilling aspects, he said 'we need to review the cylinders that are in the system, is good that the government has initiated the cylinder recirculation model but how soon will it get to all of us, so until then, the current system needs to be upgraded' Professor Amorin indicated that after the research they recommended that as the Government was determined to increase access to domestic LPG usage to 50% by 2030, the move should be commensurate with sufficient safety protocols to minimize the LPG-related casualties recorded in the country. In a speech read on behalf of Professor Micheal Affam, Dean Office of R esearch, Innovation, and Consultancy said the workshop was made possible with the support of the Ghana Chamber of Mines Tertiary Education Fund. He said over the past three years, the fund has supported 40 faculty members and 80 post graduate students with funding to enable them conduct research that is of relevance to the mining industry and for national development. 'One of such projects is what we are about to listen to, learn from and take home with us useful information and skills in the effective use of LPG' he stated. Prof. Affam said the assessment examined by the study included LPG storage, filling, distribution, and retail facilities for both domestic and commercial purposes, for safe, sustainable, clean energy for all. It also assesses the safety knowledge and use of domestic cylinders for safe usage across the region and by extension Ghana. The project evaluated the safety of the LPG value chain for safe, sustainable clean energy for all to meet the SDGs 7 and 13. It is gratifying to note that apart from the Knowledge transfer a team from the GNFS will demonstrate how to fight LPG fire, he said Prof. Affam implored the trainees to take the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and educate other members of the public to avoid casualties resulting from the wrongful use the LPG, adding, 'I thank the Ghana Chamber of Mines for their immense support to the UMaT in diverse ways and also congratulate the research team for a good job done'. The Tarkwa Divisional Officer of the GNFS (DO) Grade II Alex Assiem in his presentation advised that cylinders be transported in an upright position and stored in a well-ventilated place to prevent the accumulation of gas vapors. Mr David Amankwa, District Manager of DVLA Tarkwa, on his part stated that LPG systems should be installed and maintained by certified professionals who adhered to local regulations and standards. Source: Ghana News Agency

Professor Frederick Sarfo, Vice Chancellor of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) has asked the alumni of the university to focus on their place in the overall development and reputation of the school. He said alumni played critical roles in the development and transformation of a university, and there was a need for the AAMUASTED alumni community to form a formidable force to support the school. Speaking at the annual general meeting of the alumni of the university in Kumasi, he said the management of the university was firmly behind the leadership and the entire members of the association to provide the needed support for the growth and development of the new university. He said the placement of the alumni association and its issues under the Directorate of Research, International Programme and Institutional Advancement, as well as the appointment of an Assistant Registrar to be responsible for alumni affairs, were a clear manifestation of th e premium management placed on the affairs of the association. The meeting was under the theme: 'Towards the growth of a new university: The role of the alumni.' Prof. Sarfo said plans were underway to provide an office for the alumni association and commended the members for their continuous support of the university. Prof. Isaac Boateng, Acting Director of the Institute of Teacher Professional Development and Life-long Learning, called on the leadership of the alumni association to set up an online system that would ensure continuous contact with students after graduation. They should also consider establishing an alumni conference at the university to encourage networking of alumni and offer career guidance and mentoring to continued students at the university. Ms Millicent Pimpong, Vice President of the Association said plans were underway to renovate the abandoned hostel at the Autonomy Hall annex to serve students. The leadership was also planning to organize professional development programmes fo r members and alumni homecoming activities as part of efforts to reach more alumni of the university. Source: Ghana News Agency

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) Junior High School has appealed for a well-equipped library and laboratories for Food, and Creative Arts and Design to enhance academic activities. Mrs Eleanor Afua Onyame, Headteacher of the School, said the lack of these facilities was a major impediment to the quality practical work required by the curriculum and slowed down teaching and learning. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview, she said the school was working to convert part of the assembly hall into a library and called for the donation of quality reading materials to stock it. 'We are trying to turn a part of our assembly hall into a library and so we are open for donation of very good material for the children to do their research,' she said. Mrs Onyame further explained that aspects of the curriculum enjoined them to do digital drawing, but the school lacked the lab for teaching Creative Arts and Design. 'If they do not have the facility, they will not be able to come out to do the thin gs required by the curriculum. 'But it is important we take them through the practical aspects of everything we teach them in class for them to appreciate and also gain hands-on experience,' she stated. Expressing disquiet over the lack of a Food lab, the Headteacher said the pupils could not continue to have their practical works in the classroom, maintaining that it was not the best practice. A well-furnished food lab, she intimated, would provide the necessary tools and materials, and create a conducive environment to boost the learning experience of the pupils. 'We are appealing to all stakeholders, including past students, and benevolent organisations to come to our aid' she added. Source: Ghana News Agency

The Centre for Education, Innovation and Development (CEIB), has awarded winners in the High School Poetry Competition in Accra. In all, three winners and their runners-up were awarded in three categories. Princess Hanna Lomotey, from the Wesley Grammar Senior High School (SHS), won the Environment Category with Elisabeth Frimpong from Accra High SHS and Agyarewaa Mensah-Bonsu, from Accra Girls SHS winning second and third places respectively. For the Gender category, Danielle-Marie Acquah-Allotey, from Brainy Brain School, emerged as the winner whilst Danielle Owusu Afari from Accra Girls SHS and Oliver Osei Owusu placed second and third respectively. King David Quaye, a student of Accra Academy SHS, won the Corruption Category while Anne-Marie Baiden from Accra Girls SHS and Reginald Ankrah from Wesley Grammar SHS placed second and third respectively. For their prizes, the overall winners in each category received a laptop and a certificate whilst the second runners-up received a Samsung Galaxy Tablet and certificate each and the third place, GHC 1000 and certificate each. The Accra Academy SHS received a certificate for winning the School with the Highest Number of Contestants. Wesley Grammar SHS also received a certificate for being the Overall Best Contestant School. Ms Selina Torrison Saaka, Country Lead, CEIB, said the primary objective of the competition was to promote and celebrate the literary talents of SHS students while fostering a culture of critical thinking and creativity among the youth. She said the competition aligned with the objectives outlined in the Education Strategic Plan (ESP 2018-2030) for Ghana, which emphasised the improvement of teaching and learning quality across all educational levels and the development of competency-based skills. 'As we strive to reorient our learners and education stakeholders towards achieving these objectives, we recognise the vital role that media plays in facilitating this process,' the Country Lead stated. Ms Saaka said despite the significance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, communication and language development played a crucial role in reducing poverty and expanding lifelong learning opportunities. She said it ensured a well-rounded education for students. Mr Stephen Abamfo, Greater Accra Regional Director of Education, said the three genres of literature, Prose, Poetry and Drama highlighted culture. He noted that Poetry in particular tried to correct some ills and praised good deeds in society. 'We, the Educational Directorate so far as Greater Accra is concerned, is going to support the system, I'm going to support it in a way that next year it is going to spread throughout the whole region and all schools will come on board,' Mr Abamfo stated. Mrs Beauty Nartey, Country Director of Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), said corruption, which had a cross-cutting effect on all aspects of life, was a societal scourge hindering progress and undermining justice. 'When the Country Lead informed me that most of the contestants were focused on corruption, I was so impressed because it means that our youth are paying attention to Ghana's problems and are interested in helping address them,' she said Mrs Nartey said the voices of the poets possessed the transformative power to effect change by making their poetry not just an artistic expression but the catalyst for societal transformation. The Country Director said citizens must recognise the pivotal role of education in nurturing ethical leadership and social responsibility. 'GACC is committed to fostering partnerships with educational institutions and organisations like CEID to empower our youth, instilling in them values of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct,' she said. Source: Ghana News Agency