Home Blog Page 1118

Editorial: Increasing Rate Of SHS Automatic Placements Very Commendable

By
THE CHRONICLE
-
0
Editorial

In the recent past, chaotic scenes were witnessed at the Independence Square, where hundreds of parents and prospective senior high school (SHS) students thronged the place to resolve challenges confronting their placement by the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). However, it seems the school selection and placement system has improved over the years.

The Ministry of Education has released the 2024/25 placement results for Senior High Schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions with a high rate of automatic placements.

A statement from the Ministry of Education indicated that out of the 563,339 results received from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), 553,155 candidates qualified to be placed and that a total of 447,698 (80.93%) qualified candidates were automatically placed in one of their choices.

Another 104,918 qualified candidates could not be matched to any of their choices according to the Ministry of Education’s statement. Students who were not placed are also encouraged to visit the Self-Placement platform to select a school of their choice.

According to the Ministry, out of 563,339 candidates who took the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), 553,155 qualified for placement.  A remarkable 80.93% of these candidates amounting to 447,698 students were automatically matched with one of their preferred schools, an achievement that speaks volumes about the improvements made in recent years.

The Chronicle commends the Ministry of Education for improving on the automatic placement of students in schools of their choices. This high rate of automatic placements reflects the Ministry’s dedication to streamlining the selection process and, more importantly, to respecting students’ preferences. It is heartening to see this commitment, as it shows that our educational system is adapting to the diverse needs and aspirations of young Ghanaians.

Another positive development is the introduction of the Self-Placement platform for the 104,918 qualified candidates who were not matched with any of their preferred choices. This platform provides an opportunity for these students to proactively select a school, ensuring they are not left behind. Such flexibility is a significant improvement, allowing students to have a say in their future, even if their initial choices are unavailable.

The Ministry deserves commendation for making the process more responsive to individual needs, ultimately giving students a sense of control over their educational paths. However, while the progress is commendable, there is still room for improvement. The fact that over 100,000 qualified students could not secure any of their chosen placements indicates that more needs to be done to match educational demand with available resources.

It is essential to ensure that all students, especially those who were unable to secure placements in their preferred schools, are not left scrambling for options or, worse, left out of the school system altogether.

The Ministry of Education must closely monitor the Self-Placement platform to ensure it functions smoothly and fairly. Technical issues, limited options, or insufficient guidance could lead to significant barriers for students, especially those from less privileged backgrounds who may lack the resources or support to navigate the process. The goal should be to prevent any qualified student from being left without a school, due to procedural or logistical challenges.

Moreover, steps should be taken to further increase the number of available placements in reputable institutions, so that the demand for quality education is met with adequate supply.

By expanding access and supporting all students through this transition, the Ministry can help prevent the unfortunate situation where students are forced to roam in search of admission.

This will not only relieve the stress placed on students and their families but also uphold the principle of equitable access to education for all.

The Ministry of Education has made notable advancements in the placement process, and the flexibility introduced through the Self-Placement platform is indeed a step in the right direction. Yet, the job is not complete until every qualified student has a guaranteed place in a school.

The future of our country depends on an educated youth, and every effort should be made to ensure that these young minds are provided with the opportunities they deserve.

It is our hope that the Ministry will take proactive measures to address the gaps in the current system, making education truly accessible and inclusive for all.

NPP chair Accuses NDC of planning evil towards Dec 7 elections

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
-
0
Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta - Manhyia South NPP Constituency Chairman

Manhyia South Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta, says the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is planning to execute an evil agenda in the elections.

Chairman Ofori Atta, also known as Tom Tom, while speaking to Okatakyie Afrifa in an interview on Accra-based Angel FM’s morning show on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 said the signs are clear on the walls that the NDC is planning an evil agenda, and explained that any time the NDC refuses to actively campaign close to elections, it means they are planning to cause disorder and confusion in the country.

Tom Tom noted that, while the NPP is vigorously campaigning to retain power, the opposition NDC is virtually inactive.

“Unlike the NDC, the NPP is vigorously pursuing a four-prong campaign strategy, featuring the presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), alongside their spouses, Samira Bawumia and Alma Pokua Opoku Prempeh,” he said.

Referring to the presidential candidates of the two parties, Tom Tom said that while Dr. Bawumia is, for instance, campaigning in at least three constituencies in a day, Mr. John Mahama goes out briefly, stops and returns to Accra to relax, and that while the NPP vice presidential candidate is also doing at least three constituencies in a day, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang is completely lost in the campaign.

The Manhyia South chairman noted Napo is campaigning better than the NDC presidential candidate.

He went further to indicate that Samira Bawumia has been very active in the field, campaigning in the nook and cranny of the country, while Mrs. Lordina Mahama is nowhere to be found in the campaign trail.

He also referred to the role being played by Napo’s wife, Alma Prempeh, saying “She’s going around actively campaigning, but nobody hears about the husband of the NDC vice presidential candidate in the campaign.

Tom Tom reminded the NDC that elections are won at polling stations and that the NDC cannot use any crude tactics to have their way.

“If you’re not campaigning, what result will you get?” he queried and stated, “Anytime you see them (NDC) not campaigning, it means they are doing something diabolical.”

Chairman Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta accused the NDC of being the brains behind the various demonstrations that have taken place ahead of the elections.

“They are doing this just to cause confusion in the country, referring to recent occurrences in Parliament, which were contained by the level-headedness of NPP MPs to avert chaos.

As a result of the developments, Chairman Tom Tom has implored Ghanaians to be watchful and not allow any political party to create confusion or perpetrate other evil acts during the elections.

Prof. Opoku Agyemang woos Ashanti voters

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
-
0
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang educating the artisans on how to vote for the NDC

The running mate of the presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman, has sold the policies of the party to voters in the Ashanti region.

Prof. Opoku-Agyeman, who is currently touring the Ashanti region, first met the professional bodies of ASHPROF, made up of UTAG, NAGRAT, GUTA, the Teachers’ Forum, market women association and the Senior Staff Association of Ghana Universities, at Nhyiaeso in the Ashanti Region.

A post the NDC vice presidential candidate made on her X page said the organisations aired their concerns regarding the culture of intimidation, fear, discrimination and lack of respect for established norms in the practice of their profession.

The discussion with the professional bodies, according to her, moved on to the need to reset our country.

She explained it would require collective efforts, sacrifice and acceptance of responsibility and urged them to read the NDC manifesto, in order to appreciate the policies advanced by the NDC for resetting Ghana.

Prof Opoku-Agyeman empathised with the concerns the unions raised, assuring them that although the economic situation is unbearable, the NDC government is committed to working hard to make things better.

Section of NDC sympathizers having fun at the meeting

Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman also had a meeting with identifiable groups such as artisans like hairdressers, hair braiders, beauticians, dressmakers, tailors, traditional healers, beekeepers, glaziers among others at the GNAT Hall in Kumasi, and explained to them that the NDC is ever committed to training the youth in diverse areas for the advancement of country, community and self.

In an attempt to woo prospective voters to vote for the NDC, ahead of the upcoming polls, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang walked the various groups through the economic empowerment policies such as ‘Adwuma Wura’ and ‘Mo Ne Yɔ,’ which are policies contained in the NDC Manifesto.

Addressing the group at the GNAT Hall in Kumasi, Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who was accompanied by Betty Mould-Iddrisu, former Attorney-General, Regional and Constituency Executives, led by the Regional Secretary, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, shared the tenets of the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Women’s Development Bank and how all these play out in making the 24-Hour Economy plausible.

From Subin, Prof Opoku-Agyemang and her entourage rushed to Asawase, where she met the Magajiyas.

At the meeting, she reinforced the key points of the NDC manifesto in the areas of health and development for women.

Prof Naana Jane talked about the collective ideas that came from the people in putting together the NDC Manifesto and reiterated the NDC’s commitment to staying faithful to the expectations of the voter.

Backing her address with examples, she told the gathering that gave the training to female doctors who would cater to female patients, especially Muslim women in need of prenatal care, as requested by the Muslim community some time ago.

Prof. Opoku Agyemang ceased the opportunity and explained the NDC’s National Apprenticeship Programme for the youth and Women’s Development Bank.

“I implored on the women that on December 7th, they should vote massively for the NDC by placing their thumb on the space provided beside the picture umbrella in order to make all these policies plausible.”

The running mate of John Mahama also passed through Agogo Market in the Asante-Akim North Municipal and engaged with the market women who danced in admiration of the customised music of the NDC.

At Agogo, Naana Opoku-Agyeman assured the market women of the NDC’s respect for women and its commitment to their welfare, especially in meeting the peculiar needs of women and children in many terms, including economic and health needs, as well as issues that affect children.

According to her post on X, she explained the Women’s’ Development Bank and its benefits for women to them and urged them to vote massively for H. E. John Dramani Mahama and the NDC to bring the change we all desire in the lives of women.

Kano Governor Approves ₦71,000 Minimum Wage For Civil Servants

By
admin
-
0
Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved ₦71,000 as the new minimum wage for civil servants in the state, with implementation set to begin in November 2024. The governor announced this on Tuesday at the Government House during the presentation of the Public Service Negotiation Committee Report by the state’s Head of Civil Service.

Governor Yusuf emphasised that Kano’s large workforce and financial constraints, especially the state’s low Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), were considered in the decision to implement the new minimum wage.

“Kano state has one of the largest workforces in Nigeria, reflective of our population and specific local needs. Together with our financial constraints, including the low internally generated revenue (IGR) we inherited, we have decided to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦71,000,” the governor stated.

He disclosed that the implementation of the minimum wage would increase the state’s monthly salary obligations by over ₦6 billion, while an additional ₦7 billion would be required for the 44 local government councils.

Governor Yusuf also lamented the state’s low IGR, inherited from the previous administration, stating, “We inherited an average monthly IGR of only ₦2 billion. By comparison, states such as Lagos generate an average of ₦54.3 billion, Rivers ₦14.5 billion, Ogun ₦10.1 billion, and Delta ₦7.1 billion.”

He called for urgent reforms in the state’s revenue generation strategies to meet its growing obligations.

Credit: channelstv.com

Assault: Court Grants Reps Member Ikwechegh ₦500,000 Bail

By
admin
-
0
Alex Ikwechegh

A Kuje Magistrate Court has granted bail to a House of Representatives member for Aba North and South, Alex Ikwechegh, in the sum of ₦500,000 and two sureties in like sum.

In a brief ruling, the Presiding Judge, Abubakar Sai’id, said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of evidence.

The charges brought against him include abuse of office, assault, and threat to life.

He pleaded not guilty when it was read to him.

His counsel, thereafter, made an oral application for bail which was granted by the court.

The case has been adjourned to November 8, 2024.

Ikwechegh was arraigned for allegedly assaulting an e-hailing cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has urged Nigerians to wait for the outcome of an investigation by the police.

On Monday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command detained and quizzed Ikwechegh at the Maitama Police Station over the incident.

In a now-viral video, the House of Representatives member was seen slapping the Bolt driver.

Ikwechegh represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Going by the conversation recorded in the viral video, the lawmaker had ordered some snails from a vendor who engaged the services of the e-hailing App driver to deliver the goods.

A heated disagreement ensued when the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, arrived at the lawmaker’s residence and asked to be paid.

A furious Ikwechegh was heard speaking with the vendor on the phone. “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.” the lawmaker blurted to the speaker on the other side.

After the phone conversation with the snail vendor, Ikwechegh faced Abuwatseya and said, “You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you.”

Credit: channelstv.com

Senator chided for praising Bianca’s beauty during screening

By
admin
-
0
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautioned Senator Osita Ngwu for praising the beauty of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu during a ministerial screening on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday.

Bianca, like six other ministerial nominees screened by the Senate, read her credentials before the red chamber and was subsequently quizzed by the lawmakers. She was screened for the post of Minister of State Foreign Affairs.

When Akpabio opened the floor for questions, Ngwu, who currently serves as the Senator representing Enugu West District in the 10th National Assembly, started by applauding Bianca’s beauty to which he attracted a rebuke.

“Mr President, the beautiful nominee standing before us,” the lawmaker said.

“Restrict yourself to the resume. Forget this word beautiful,” Akpabio interjected jocularly. “She didn’t put in the VC that she is beautiful.”

The conversation between Ngwu and Akpabio caused a ripple of laughter among Senators. Ngwu thereafter proceeded to laud the profile and competence of the nominee.

On his part, Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Senator representing Abia South District, said Biance’s competence and ability to perform was not in doubt.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for nominating the “mother” of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a minister. “By bringing an APGA person to be a minister has already started a unity government and national integration,” Abaribe said.

The nominee was subsequently asked to take a bow.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is an accomplished diplomat, lawyer, businesswoman and beauty pageant titleholder.

Credit: channelstv.com

Court stops Central Bank from releasing allocation to Rivers Govt

By
admin
-
0
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja has stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from further releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government. Justice Abdulmalik held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January this year by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was a breach of the Constitution and an aberration that must not be allowed to continue.

The judge held that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Fubara before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to the constitutional provision.

Justice Abdulmalik specifically said that the governor’s action was a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution.

The judge subsequently restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

Earlier in October, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court which set aside the N800 billion budget passed by five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly which was led by Edison Ehie-led.

The appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by Fubara on grounds that it lacked merit.

The court held that Fubara withdrew his counter-affidavit at the lower court in the matter and as such cannot commence an appeal in a matter he did not challenge at the trial stage.

In the unanimous judgement, the court said that Governor Fubara is expected to apply the rule of law and not the rule of might.

The court further says that the situation in Rivers State House of Assembly is an executive dictatorship by the governor and a joke taken too far.

Justice Omotosho had nullified the 2024 Rivers budget passed by pro-Fubara lawmakers and set aside the presentation and passage of the Rivers State 2024 budget.

In the judgment delivered Omotoso ordered the governor to re-present the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under Martin Amaewhule.

Credit: channelstv.com

Newmont’s Ahafo South Mine Maintains Position as Ghana’s Best Company

By
admin
-
0
Abdul Rahman Amoadu (second from left), Managing Director of Newmont’s Africa operations commends the GIPC for a successful event

Newmont’s Ahafo South operation in Ghanahas maintained its position as Ghana’s Best Company and the leading extractives business in the country. The accolade was presented to Newmont at the 21st edition of the Ghana Club 100, which was held on Friday, 25th October, 2024 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.

Alex Kofi Ennin (middle), General Manager of Newmont’s Ahafo South Mine with his team

The company ranking, which recognizes top 100 companiesin Ghana for their sustainable operations, growth prospects and social performance, is organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), a government agency responsible for facilitating and promoting investment in Ghana as a preferred investment destination in Africa.

The Akyem operation located in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region improved on last year’s ranking, placing fourth in the overall ranking and third in the extractives sector. Newmont’s operations in Ghana have a decent track record in the ranking, placing in the top ten on multiple occasions. The Akyem Mine previously won the top award in 2015 and 2016 consecutively, and both mines have also been recognized for their investment in social responsibility.

Newmont’s reputation as a responsible mining business in Ghana is well documented, as the mine emphasises safe production, operational excellence, sustainable practices and values-driven stakeholder management. As the world’s leading gold mining company, Newmont Corporation’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community development and sustainability is leaving an enduring mark on Ghana’s socio-economic development.

The company’s2024 half-year fiscal payments to the Government of Ghana publishedin August,stood at GHS 3.176 billion, covering royalties, corporate tax, pay as you earn, carried interest, and levies. The company also supports local businesses through training opportunities, creating opportunities for them to thrive in the host communities.

The awards also highlight Newmont’s transformative impact on local communities. This impact extends beyond the mines, reaching the very communities that surround them. At the heart of the Covid 19 pandemic, the company funded the establishment of two PCR laboratories in partnership with Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research into Tropical Diseases (KCCR) and the Ghana Health Service in the Asutifi North and Birim North districts of the Ahafo and Eastern regions respectively.

Over the years, Newmont has invested over $65 million in its community development Foundations in Akyem and Ahafo that are transforming lives through scholarships, skills training, healthcare infrastructure, and economic livelihood projects. Newmont’s recent accolades underscore its role as a global leader committed to reshaping the narrative of the mining industry.

These initiatives also demonstrate the company’s dedication to a future where responsible mining practices become the industry standard, not merely an option.

Don’t fall for social media, most are fake –Basketmouth cautions youth 

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
-
0
Basketmouth

Ace Nigerian Comedian and filmmaker, Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has cautioned the youth about the dangers of social media fame.

Speaking on the CreativiTEA podcast, Basketmouth noted that many people are solely focused on the spotlight without considering how they got there.

“A lot of people have been blinded by the idea of just being famous. Undermining how one becomes famous – they don’t care. What is your brand equity?” he said.

The comedian urged listeners to consider the long term, emphasizing how short-lived viral fame can be.

“Can you sustain what you have generated in two weeks for twenty years?What do you have to sell? What do you have to offer? What kind of brand do you want to represent?”

Addressing the rise of bad publicity as a shortcut to fame, Basketmouth warned against following the wrong examples.

“Bad publicity is bad publicity. People are blinded by the fact that it’s working for someone else. Don’t ever be deceived by what you see on social media,” he stressed.

“Most of our people, it’s all fake. They are trying to make you look fake. People will talk about you for a few weeks, and that’s it,” he added.

I didn’t believe in ‘Eminado’ and ‘Dorobucci’ songs before their release –Tiwa Savage

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
-
0
Tiwa Savage

Celebrated Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage has disclosed how she did not believe in two of her hit sonsgbefor their release.

According to her, she hated these two songs; ‘Eminado’ and ‘Dorobucci’ which were recommended by her then-manager, Don Jazzy.

Tiwa Savage in a recent interview with Nigerian-based Cool FM disclosed that left to her alone she wouldn’t have recorded ‘Eminado’ and ‘Dorobucci,’.

However, she claimed Don Jazzy insisted she put the songs out because, according to her, he claimed they were what Nigerians wanted, which then became a success after they were released.

She said, “I hated Eminado when I first heard it. Don Jazzy played it for me; I was like, I don’t like it, and he said it’s going on my album, and I said no, he was like, this album is not coming out if you don’t put Eminado in it. And I asked what Eminado was all about, and he said he understood the market.

“You just have to go with Jazzy, because that’s Don Jazzy. Now I have to perform it every time because everyone is waiting for it. I did not like Dorobucci either; everybody loved it.

“I was the last person to do my verse, and I did not like it. I was like, nobody was going to like it, and then the whole Africa loved it,” Tiwa Savage added.

1...1,1171,1181,119...2,992Page 1,118 of 2,992

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle