Home Blog Page 962

Newmont commissions Artificial Intelligence Smart Labat Wioso

By
admin
-
0

Through a remarkable partnership between industry and traditional leadership, Newmont and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation have brought the power of education and technology to the forefront of youth development in Ghana, with the commissioning of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Smart Lab in Wioso, a community located in the Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region.

This initiative marks the realisation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2023 by the two entities to collaborate with the implementation of education-focused interventions for students in under-resourced communities over a three-year period.

Newmont’s commitment of One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 1,710,000 million) towards the initiative underscores the company’s dedication to transforming lives by unearthing the creativity, potential and capacity of smart but less endowed youth in local communities.

The Smart Lab in Wioso, which is the first of six, will directly benefit about 4000 students and certified teachers from 13 clusters of schools in Wioso and surrounding communities, comprising primary, junior and senior high schools.

The lab, meticulously designed and managed by the Coral Reef Innovation Hub, a prominent Ghanaian innovation centre, serves as a beacon for creativity and innovation, providing modern technology and resources to the youth.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the Smart Lab boasts laptop computers, tablets, projectors, smart charging units, robot and electronic kits and virtual libraries housing approximately 50,000 ebooks.

This comprehensive setup aims to create a dynamic learning environment, facilitating digital access and interaction for both learners and educators.

Broadband-enabled digital devices will be distributed to all, ensuring seamless internet connectivity and fostering a technologically enriched educational experience.

Speaking at a colourful ceremony to commission the lab in Wioso, David Johnson, Director of Communications and External Relations for Newmont’s Business Unit in Africa, stated that “Newmont’s vision extends beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. It encompasses the cultivation of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and digital literacy that are essential for success in the 21st century.

“Through the digital libraries, which are an essential part of the ICT Smart Labs and Communities will be provided with access to a wealth of information, resources and educational materials, empowering individuals to pursue their passions and aspirations.”

Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, the Board Chairman of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation and Otumfuo’s Hiahene also stated that “When Otumfuo became king 25 years ago, one of his goals was to boost education in our community. Education is the foundation of human development and the key to success in life. The purpose of this AI lab is to introduce young students to modern technology, aiming to spark their passion in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Thanks to Newmont’s support, we now have a cutting-edge AI lab to help us achieve that.”

Using his own upbringing as reference, he advised the beneficiaries to use the immense power of their brains and take advantage of such opportunities.

The scope of the project extends beyond mere infrastructure, focusing on capacity building for teachers and facilitators.

The Coral Reef Innovation Hub spearheads this effort, imparting essential skills in digital learning, coding, and design thinking. The goal is to empower young students with the tools to automate processes and bring their ideas to life.

Through this holistic approach, the initiative aims not only to bridge the digital divide but also to nurture a generation well-versed in the demands of the fast-paced ICT world and the advent of artificial intelligence.

Newmont firmly believes that the strategic partnership with the Otumfuo Foundation holds immense potential to catalyze transformative change in the communities served by the project. There are five similar educational projects that are expected to be rolled out within the next year in other communities under the Newmont – Otumfuo Foundation MoU.

As technology continues to shape the global landscape, Newmont’s commitment to advancing education stands as a testament to their vision for inclusive and sustainable development.

Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, dies

By
admin
-
0
Rashid Bawa, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, has passed on.

Rashid Bawa, who was also the Akan New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate (PC), is reported to have died in Nigeria on Thursday.

He had been an envoy to that country since 2017 when the NPP-led-Government returned to power.

Mr Frank Adjei Worlanyo, the Akan Constituency Communication Officer, NPP, confirmed his passing to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in a telephone interview.

During the NPP Parliamentary primary on December 2, 2023, Alhaji Bawa polled 492 votes to beat his closest contender, Mr Tassah Safiwu, who had 103 voted, with Alhaji Tanko Yakubu, the third contender, garnering 17 votes.

He was also the NPP parliamentary candidate in 2020, who secured 13, 300 votes, representing 40.78 per cent, while the National Democratic Congress’ candidate, Mr Yao Gomado, had 19,317 votes, representing 59.22 per cent to win the seat.

Alhaji Bawa, a legal practitioner, won the Akan seat as Independent Candidate in the 2000 election.

He was Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2005-2008.

GNA

EC warns NDC: Sorry, You can’t Fly Your Drones …on Election Day

By
MAXWELL OFORI
-
0
Madam Jean Mensa, EC Chairperson

The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to abort its plan to use drones to monitor the December 7, 2024 national elections.

According to the constitutionally empowered election referee, the NDC flying drones during the election would amount to invading the privacy of voters.

The EC is emphatic that the act would not be allowed, as it would breach the secrecy of the voting process, as well as the security protocols, and that polling stations remain security zones.

The Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, told JoyNews that the EC has not received official notification from the NDC, regarding the deployment of drones, adding that it would be a challenge on their part to approve such a request.

“Polling stations are security zones, so they will have to apply to the security people for permission to be granted. They will have to apply to the Electoral Commission for permission to be granted.

“But my point is that how comfortable will you feel when you are going to vote at the polling station and there’s a drone hovering around you? How sure are you with respect to the secrecy of the ballot?” Dr. Quaicoe questioned.

“The fact remains that polling stations are security zones. We want to ensure the secrecy of the ballot. So, at the polling station where I am going to make my choice, I want to vote in that secrecy,” he stated.

DRONES

The EC’s comment followed indications by the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, that the NDC would deploy drones on Election Day to monitor activities in the region.

He was addressing party people in the region, at an event that had the flag bearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama in attendance.

The party’s national chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, was also present, along with other executives.

Ashie Moore clarified that the deployment of drones is part of efforts to secure two million votes for the party in this year’s elections.

Mr. Moore said the aim is to strengthen the NDC’s monitoring systems to prevent potential rigging, adding that preparations are well underway to commence the training of constituency executives on how to use the drones to monitor ground activities.

While giving out that information, he paused and said the National Chairman, Asiedu Nketia, had prompted him to stop divulging the information due to its sensitivity nature and the presence of the media.

He said, “The Greater Accra Region, next week, is going to train constituency executives on how to use drones to monitor what happens in our region. The national chairman said the media is here, so I will pause so the media will not pick it up.”

IPAC

The NDC is leaving no stone unturned in the upcoming polls, which undoubtedly will be crucial one, after the party had lost the two previously held elections.

They do not want to suffer another defeat, which would be historic and leave them in opposition for the third consecutive time, while the NPP sets a record of breaking the eight-year governance cycle.

The party that had boycotted the Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) had returned and expressed satisfaction, after what had been said were fruitful deliberations.

The party stood against the EC’s decision to do away with the guarantor system and the use of indelible ink.

However, after last week’s IPAC meeting, all the stakeholders agreed to maintain the guarantor system and the use of indelible ink for the December 7, 2024 general elections.

Ghana does not need Mahama! -NPP Youth Organiser

By
admin
-
0
Salam Mustapha, NPP National Youth Organiser

The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has told party supporters in the Upper West Region that Ghanaians do not want former President John Dramani Mahama to rule them again.

According to him, Mr Mahama’s tenure as president of this country witnessed massive corruption by members of his government, which he failed to tackle. Such a leader, he argued, should not be given the second chance to lead the country again.

The NPP Youth Leader was speaking at the Upper West Regional NPP Youth Wing’s Youth and Tescon Conference, which was organised to bring the party youth together to achieve the goal of breaking the 8 year term of governance.

Mr Salam Mustapha noted that Ghanaians must rather make Dr Bawumia President because he is a man of character and conscience who has the country at heart.

Mr Salam added that unity was the only way the party can win power and pleaded with all the rank and file of the party to be united in helping break the 8 year term.

According to him, unity would help the party win the election by hook or crook, saying Dr. Bawumia will not let Ghanaian youth down.

He, therefore, urged the youth and Ghanaians to be focused and not lose target and win the upcoming elections with ease. He also appealed to them to vote for all the party’s 275 Parliamentary candidates as well.

Retired BNI officer escapes death by a hair’s breadth

By
JOHN BEDIAKO
-
0
Suspect Koffi Elom Sewonou

Police in Tema are on the heels of a painter, Koffi Elom Sewonou, aka Francis Gomez, aka Hakeem Lion, who allegedly attempted to murder a retired officer of the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) last month at Community 10.

Information available to The Chronicle from both police and family sources reveal that the incident occurred on Friday, February 23, 2024 in the offices of the retired national intelligence officer.

According to the sources, the former officer has put together a number of businesses and engages the services of Elom Sewonou as and when they were required. Along the line, the relationship between the two was not as before, primarily due to some elements of mistrust.

However, each time that his services were curtailed, outsiders intervened for his recall.

On the said day, Francis Gomez, who the retired officer assisted to put up his personal house at Aflao in the Volta Region, reportedly walked to the offices of his boss and attempted to strangulate the 76-year old.

The former officer with enormous skills in self-defence struggled with all the strength that he could master against the would-be assassin.

The unusual noise that emerged from the office attracted other workers who went to his aid.

Elom Sewonou, who speaks Ewe and French, managed to escape and his whereabouts are still unknown.

A family source intimates to this paper that the company has experienced series of robberies in the past three years in both Tema and Ningo outlets.

The source added that, the one in Ningo nearly two years ago occurred at a gas filling station, during which time the security man on duty was tied and murdered.

During that raid, the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) accessories (cameras and monitors) were removed.

The Police, who are yet to announce a bounty of handsome reward for any information that would lead to his arrest, highly suspected that he might be hiding around Tema, Aflao or Elubo in the Western Region.

GIS to deploy staff as consular officers in Ghana’s missions abroad

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
-
0
The CGI Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi delivering his address

The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi has disclosed to his men in Koforidua, prior to Ghana’s Independence Day celebration that some of them would soon be deployed to Ghana’s missions abroad to serve as Consular Officers.

The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi addressing the Officers

He has, therefore, asked Immigration officers throughout the country to justify such massive support from Government by working very hard to safeguard Ghana’s borders and also contribute in strengthening internal security.

According to him, the GIS has seen massive retooling under the Akufo-Addo government, saying “In the history of the GIS, no government has ever invested in it than this current government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”

According to him, there has been unprecedented increase in recruitment into the Service, which has quadrupled the manpower base.

Comptroller-General of Immigration Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi with a cross-section of Officers at the durbar

The government has also supplied specialised vehicles for border patrols, expansion in both residential and office accommodation among others. To him, the only to show appreciation to the government to is to work hard to secure the borders of the country.

He admonished officers of the Eastern Regional Command of the Ghana Immigration Service to let discipline be their guiding principles in their career.

A group photograph with the CGI, other senior Officers who accompanied him and Officers who were at the durbar

Mr Asuah Takyi was welcomed to the Eastern regional Command of the service by the Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI), Faisal Disu who extolled the great leadership style of the CGI, which has led to the transformation of the GIS.

He appealed to him to assist the Command renovate a duty post they have established at Donkorkrom in the Affram Plains.

 

AG drops charges against Sylvester Anemana in Ambulance case

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
Court

The Attorney General (A-G) Office has filed ‘nolle prosequi’ to discontinue the prosecution of Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health.

The application was brought before the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe.

Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe is a Court of Appeal judge with an additional responsibility of the High Court.

The application, dated March 11, 2024 and signed by Mrs Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), was heard by the court yesterday.

Dr. Anemana was being tried together with Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader in Parliament and former deputy minister for Finance, and Richard Jakpa, a businessman.

They were charged for their various roles in the supply and purchase of 200 ambulances that were not suit for purpose and cost the country €2.37 million.

At the previous court sitting, Dr. Anemana who was to join proceedings from India where he was receiving treatment could not.

When the court established a video link to enable Dr. Anemana to join the proceedings virtually, his wife rather appeared and told the court the accused was at the theatre undergoing a medical process, hence could not join.

Justice Asare-Botwe indicated that the warrant allows Dr. Anemana to join the proceedings and not necessarily to testify but to be present, hence the court could take a new witness if he is able to join the proceedings via Zoom.

Owiredu Dankwah, counsel for Dr Anemana was ordered to prepare his next witness but informed the court that it was likely the A-G will enter nolle prosequi to discontinue the case of his client.

With the second accused (A2) Dr Anemana out, Mr. Jakpa has been ordered by the court to open his defence, giving that Dr Forson, A1, had already closed his case by calling witnesses including Seth Emmanuel Terkper, a former minister of Financial.

Accra Commando settles 23yr-old land dispute at Borteyman 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
Minister Quartey displaying the composite plan

Henry Quartey, Member of Parliament (MP) of Ayawaso Central and former head of the Greater Accra Security Region Council (REGSEC) has managed to bring to an end a 23-year old land dispute at Borteyman.

This follows a settlement of the protracted land dispute between Kings Limited and Empire Builders by the Supreme Court, as well as a successful surveying and mapping of the land by the Lands Commission.

Minister Quartey received the composite plan of the area and proceeded to announce the lifting of the security ban restricting access to the land in Accra yesterday.

The composite plan being explained to REGSEC and Nungua Traditional Council

“We have formally lifted the security ban restricting access to the Borteyman enclave and its adjoining lands. Therefore, land and property owners within the enclave are free to have access to their properties,” he said.

He hoped the success chalked in the over two decades’ dispute will put to rest the feud between the parties and restore peace and security to the area.

The former Greater Accra regional minister expects the traditional heads of Nungua and the disputed parties to discuss demarcation of boundaries after a court judgement on the ownership of the land.

He said this decision was arrived at by REGSEC on February 8, 2024.

The land in question, per the Supreme Court judgment, covers 465 acres, 114 acres and 62 acres.

Maxwell Adu Nsafoah, who doubles as Technical Director of Lands at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Head of Operations at Lands Commission, said the demarcation exercise was conducted in respect of the decision of the Supreme Court.

He said his ministry would take further action on the composite plan developed out of the judgement of Supreme Court.

Robert Hackman Antwi, led the team of surveyors to demarcate the land, and in his presentation to REGSEG, stated that the exercise discovered that the 114 acres was actually 114.33 and the 62. 01 acres was 62.04, and pillars and paints had been used to mark the various boundaries.

The Nungua Traditional Council represented by Nii Bortey Okplen Djalesane II expressed satisfaction with the level of work done by the Lands Commission, REGSEC and the minister for addressing the 23 years old land dispute.

Telecel to provide 2500 4G sites in 3 years 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
Telecel

Telecel, a leading telecommunications brand in Africa, has officially launched in Ghana to provide innovative telecommunications solutions to connect and empower customers and communities across Ghana.

The launch was held at the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, amid exciting performances and solidarity messages from key stakeholders, like the Member of Parliament of Ayawaso West Wuogon, Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan.

Telecel’s vision is to lead Africa’s digital revolution, connecting communities with sustainable and locally developed innovative connectivity methods, and inspiring technological advancements that pave the way for a thriving, interconnected continent.

In Ghana, Telecel is focusing on significantly expanding its network coverage, aiming for 2500 4G sites within three years and targeting 100% satellite-to-mobile connectivity to ensure nationwide access across Ghana.

Speaking at the brand unveil, the CEO of Telecel Group Moh Damush said “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Telecel brand in Ghana, marking a significant milestone for Telecel and an opportunity to provide positive disruption, advancement and innovation in Ghana.

“Telecel Group promises to put its heart and soul in the company, which is and will continue to be the flagship of Telecel in West Africa. As of today, Vodafone Ghana has become Telecel Ghana. Whatever the brand is, the origin will stay Ghana Telecommunication Company.”

Telecel Ghana is poised to offer a wide range of telecommunications services, including mobile voice and data, broadband internet, mobile money and value-added services. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Telecel Ghana is committed to empowering individuals, business and communities with seamless and reliable connectivity to thrive in today’s digital world.

Open Letter: Appeal for the Reassessment of Ghanaian Language as an Elective Subject for the 2024 BECE

By
admin
-
0
Opinion

Dear Director General (GES),

I am writing this letter to you in my capacity as a concerned citizen and education advocate. I want to express my reservations about the recent directive issued by the management of the Ghana Education Service, specifically in confirming Ghanaian languages offered in Junior High Schools as elective subjects for the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Firstly, I want to take a moment to commend the Ghana Education Service for its unwavering dedication to advancing pre-tertiary education standards. The initiatives and reforms undertaken have undeniably played pivotal roles in the remarkable progress of our educational system, fostering an environment conducive to learning and academic performance.

However, amidst this commendation, I feel compelled to bring to your esteemed attention a concern that resonates deeply with the future of our educational landscape. The elective inclusion of Ghanaian languages in the upcoming BECE, while rooted in the noble intention of preserving our cultural identity through language education, presents pressing challenges that warrant meticulous consideration.

One significant challenge lies in the insufficient availability of qualified Ghanaian language facilitators, particularly in our urban centres. Numerous schools within these areas grapple with the absence of teachers proficient in Ghanaian languages, raising questions  about the foundational language skills of students. This shortage demands immediate attention.

It necessitates a comprehensive strategy involving adequate training and purposeful recruitment initiatives to ensure students receive high-quality instruction in these languages. Such initiatives would undoubtedly enhance a robust foundation for their linguistic development, and consequently bridge the existing gap.

Moreover, the current state of language education in urban sectors unveils a systemic issue demanding urgent redress. Disparities in the distribution of qualified language facilitators perpetuate educational inequalities, hindering the overall development of students’ language proficiency.

A unified effort to bridge this disparity and create an equitable learning environment for all students, irrespective of their regional location, is vital for establishing a truly inclusive educational framework.Another noteworthy issue surfaces regarding the constraints faced by students with strong proficiency in a particular Ghanaian language.

Many times, these students encounter difficulties in enrolling for their native language during the BECE, especially when a change in residence due to parental relocation places them in schools where their mother tongue is not offered as an instructional language.

For example, a student proficient in Ewe, whose parents relocated to an urban centre like Accra, may be compelled to register for Ga instead. This situation gives rise to significant worries regarding the possible erosion of cultural identity among these students. The denial of students’ opportunity to register for their native language not only hampers their educational experience but also significantly contributes to the erosion of their cultural heritage.

It is paramount to recognize the significance of preserving diverse cultural identities within our educational system. A more flexible approach, allowing students to choose from a variety of subject options during the BECE, would undoubtedly contribute to a more inclusive and culturally sensitive educational framework.

In light of these substantial concerns, I earnestly urge the Ghana Education Service to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to reconsider the current policy on elective Ghanaian language subjects in the 2024 BECE.

A more adaptable approach that factors in the availability of qualified teachers, especially in primary and junior high schools within urban sectors, as well as the diverse cultural backgrounds of students, would contribute significantly to the establishment of a fairer and more effective education system.

Additionally, I implore Management of the Ghana Education Service to engage with the Ministry  of Education to embark on a holistic review of language education policies. This review should not be limited to administrative decisions but should involve active collaboration with educators, parents, and relevant stakeholders.

Their valuable insights and experiences can contribute to the development of comprehensive strategies that ensure the effective implementation of language education. Such collaboration is essential for creating policies that are not only pragmatic but also an attune to the diverse needs of our students.Recognizing the intricacies involved in policymaking, it is crucial to emphasize the urgency of addressing these challenges.

Overlooking these issues may result in a generation of students who, despite their potential, find themselves hindered in their educational journey and cultural development. The consequences of such oversight extend beyond the immediate academic impact, affecting the broader cultural fabric of our society.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the dedication of your outfit to the improvement of our education system. Your thoughtful consideration of these challenges and subsequent actions would undoubtedly contribute to the continued progress and success of our educational initiatives. I humbly urge you to consider these concerns as opportunities for positive transformation.

I sincerely appreciate your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to learning about any insights or actions taken to address these concerns and contribute to the betterment of  educating our children. As we collectively advance the path towards an improved educational system, I remain hopeful that our shared commitment to the welfare of our students and the preservation of our cultural heritage will guide us.

Wisdom KoudjoKlu,

Educationist,

Greater Accra Region.

wisdomklu@gmail.com

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.

1...961962963...2,420Page 962 of 2,420

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle