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

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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.

Otumfuo Foundation commissions Smart AI Laboratory at Wioso 

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Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II and teachers from Wioso St Peters' prim JHS in a group picture

The Otumfuo Foundation, in partnership with Newmont Gold and Coral Reef hub, has commissioned an AI Laboratory for St Peters’ Prim/JHS at Wioso, in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti region.

Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II being assisted by David Johnson to Commission Smart AI Laboratory

The Smart Lab is expected to serve as the springboard for the youth to dive into the ever-changing world of technology, innovation and endless possibilities, as well as serve as incubators of ideas, a workshop of tomorrow’s inventors and a classroom of future leaders.

Mr Kwabena Owusu Ababio, Head of Stakeholders engagement, explained that the Asantehene’s vision for the foundation is to help improve health care and Education of the children of all school going ages to compete globally towards the total freedom and liberation of his people.

According to him, Newmont Gold has collaborated and supported Otumfuo’s vision to complement his 25th Anniversary with an AI Centre for the youth, to enhance his vision of development and growth.

Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II with some of the students

Mr. Richard Osei Anim, Director of Coral Reef Hub, stated that their aim is to give the students technologies to compete globally in the area of health and education and become relevant in Ghana and Africa.

He urged the managers of the school to take good care of the facility and to ensure its sustainability by creating a fund to keep the project going through regular maintenance.

Mr. David Johnson, the Director of Communication and External Relations of Newmont Gold disclosed that there is ample evidence that less privileged communities are often overlooked because of distance from the main city centres and critical infrastructure where talent, creativity and dreams that deserve every opportunity to flourish are often overflowed.

Hence the need for the Newmont and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation collaboration to take a giant leap forward in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that many more children in these less resourced communities are given the requisite support to be competitive globally.

He noted that the construction and commissioning of Wioso’s Smart Laboratory is more than just the construction and installation of equipment but symbolises a promise of empowerment, inclusion and value creation that directly improves the lives of less endowed communities.

The Smart AI Laboratory center

He indicated that, as the world’s leading gold business, Newmont is well aware of the value of innovation and technologically driven development which explains their commitment to investing in education through their development foundations in Ahafo and Akyem, by maintaining a strong partnerships with progressive organisations such as the Otumfuo Foundation.

The collaboration, he said, comprises financial, technical and human resources of the forward-looking partners to bring the locked-up dreams of many young people to life.

Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Otumfuo Hiahene and the Board Chairman of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation explained that the Smart AI Laboratory would expose the school children to new technology and scientific advancement that could activate interest of the students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

He indicated that, His Royal Majesty in the past 25 years has been committed to enhancing the lives of people in our communities through provision of quality Education, quality Health care and promotion of programmes in ICT, among others.

The Board Chairman disclosed that the AI Laboratory for the people of Wioso is evidence of the continued commitment of the King to ensure that the people in the rural communities get access to various opportunities that are easily accessible to our brothers and sisters in the cities and big towns.

He expressed Otumfuo Foundation’s appreciation to Newmont Ghana for their commitment to collaborating with the foundation over the years to help achieve the objectives of the King’s social initiatives.

 

Editorial: Punish students who vandalise school properties

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

An alumnus of Sogakofe Senior High School (Sogasco) and National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for South Tongu, Maxwell Lukutor, is calling for punitive action against students arrested on charges of vandalising school properties.

Eight persons, including four students of the Comboni Technical Institute (Combotech) and four former students of the same institute, were arrested on Monday, March 11, 2024 by the Sogakofe Divisional Police Command for their alleged involvement in a violent attack on the Sogakofe Senior High School.

Reportedly triggered by instances of student bullying originating from Combotech, the incident escalated into a confrontation between students from both institutions. Subsequently, significant damage was caused at both campuses and a Combotech school driver sustained injuries.

The Chronicle finds this as a deep concern and underscores the urgent need for decisive action to address indiscipline in our educational institutions.

As reported, the confrontation between students from Sogasco and Combotech resulted in significant damage to school properties and left a Combotech school driver injured. Such acts of violence not only disrupt the learning environment but also pose a threat to the safety and well-being of students and staff.

In light of these disturbing events, it is commendable to hear the call for punitive action against those responsible, as voiced by Maxwell Lukutor, an alumnus of Sogasco and National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for South Tongu. Lukutor’s appeal for the perpetrators to be held accountable through legal processes sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and justice must prevail.

Discipline is a fundamental pillar of any educational institution and maintaining a conducive learning environment requires a zero-tolerance approach to violence and vandalism. Students must understand that their actions have consequences, and those who engage in destructive behavior will face appropriate sanctions.

However, it is essential to recognise that addressing the root causes of such incidents require a multifaceted approach. Beyond punitive measures, there is a need for proactive strategies to foster a culture of respect, tolerance and conflict resolution among students. Schools should prioritise the implementation of comprehensive anti-bullying and conflict management programs to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Furthermore, effective collaboration between schools, parents, communities and law enforcement agencies is crucial in addressing issues of student indiscipline. By working together, stakeholders can identify early warning signs, intervene proactively and provide support to students at risk of engaging in violent behavior.

As we reflect on this unfortunate incident, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding discipline and accountability in our schools. Every student has the right to learn in a safe and nurturing environment and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that this right is upheld.

Let us use this incident as a catalyst for positive change, striving towards creating environments in our schools where respect, integrity and responsibility are upheld at all times.

Joberg Foundation, Ghana, hands over expanded Manhyia hospital Maternity Ward to Otumfuo Foundation

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Dr. Mokowa Blay Adu-Gyamfi, handing over keys of the maternity block to Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II

Joberg Foundation, Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has handed over a 30-bed maternity ward to the Otumfuo Foundation under its expansion project.

Joseph Magnus Marteye, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation explained that the gesture was to complement Lady Julia, the wife of the Asantehene’s vision to help the hospital meet the health needs of patrons, especially pregnant women and new mothers, to access healthcare delivery at the facility.

Joseph Magnus Marteye, CEO of Joberg Foundation, Ghana

According to him, the aim of the Foundation is to ensure that the clients in the Middle Belt are well taken care of with the provision of adequate beds to ensure that no pregnant women and new mothers sleep on the floor for lack of beds.

Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Otumfuo Hiahene and Board Chairman of the Otumfuo Foundation received the keys from Dr. Mokowa Blay Adu-Gyamfi, Board member of the Joberg Foundation.

He expressed the appreciation of the Asantehene and his wife to Joberg Foundation, Ghana, for prioritising the health needs of the people in the Middle belt.

The Hiahene disclosed that the project is very important to Lady Julia who planned the expansion of the Ward to ameliorate the plight of new mothers and pregnant women.

He explained that when Joberg Foundation approached her and expressed their intentions to help the Otumfuo Foundation build a Vocational Training center, Lady Julia rather directed them to build the maternity block as a priority and commended Joberg for the facility that stands to serve pregnant women and new mothers to help reduce mortality rate in the Middle belt, especially in the Ashanti region.

Ondo 2024: APC gov aspirant seeks free, fair primary

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Olusola Oke

As the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State prepares for the forthcoming governorship primary in April, a governorship aspirant of the party, Chief Olusola Oke, has called on the leadership of the party to conduct a free and fair primary.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed April 2024 for the party’s primaries ahead of the forthcoming governorship primary in November, but the national leadership of the APC is yet to fix an exact date for the April primary of the party.

Oke, who spoke during his visit to the state secretariat of the party in Akure, the state capital, on Monday, expressed confidence that he would emerge the candidate of the party after the primary.

He said, “I have come here today to notify you of my intention to throw in my cap again into the contest for the governorship seat of Ondo State on the platform of APC.

“All I have come here to ask for is not to ask you to descend to the arena but to organise a free and fair primary. Once this is done, we will all go to the field and I assure you I know I will emerge. But in any circumstance, I will remain a loyal party member.”

Oke would be contesting for the primary of the party alongside other aspirants who include, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, a former Commissioner for Finance Mr Wale Akinterinwa, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Mayowa Akinfolarin; a former Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Oladunni Odu and a former Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Health, Prof Francis Faduyile.

Others include a former governorship aspirant of the APC, Chief Olusola Oke, a former, a former Chairman of the Ondo State Oil-producing Areas Development Commission, Mr Gbenga Edema, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, Dr Paul Akintelure and  Brig. Gen. Olamide Ohunyeye (retd).

Oke, who had contested the governorship election twice with the Peoples Democratic Party and the defunct Alliance for Democracy in 2012 and 2020 respectively, declared that he was ready to serve the state if voted for.

“Ondo needs a governor that is familiar with the environment. I have spent the whole of my life in Ondo state, I’ve never been away for six months except in 1971 when I was in Lagos for nine months. I have been part of the suffering, I’ve been part of the denial and that’s why I will be part of the solution to the problems of our state.

“I’ve contested for this position three times, I lost like Buhari and the fourth time is my turn. Recall that three of us rose at the same time in this state. Mimiko, Akeredolu and I. The three of us are from three senatorial districts.

Mimiko took his turn from the central senatorial district, and Akeredolu took his turn from the north. I am told and I’m glad that the ticket is shifting to the south, so who’s turn is next? It is my turn! I am the only one who can say that, nobody else can say that Oke stated.

Responding, the National Chairman of the state APC, Mr Ade Adetimehin, urged the aspirants not to take the primary as a do-or-die affair, saying all the aspirants would still come back as members of the same party after the primary.

“We want to appeal to you and your supporters to play the game according to the rules in a civilized way. We should not fight. Don’t be involved in the campaign of bitterness. What I want from you is to focus on how to develop the state.

“I want to appeal to you to all aspirants to cooperate and work with whoever emerges as the winner of the primary because we are all members of the same family,” the APC chairman urged.

Credit: punchng.com

Gunmen attack UNTH, abduct Deputy Director, security man

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University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH)

Armed hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday morning again attacked the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla, in Enugu State.

Earlier this year, a resident doctor was attacked by gunmen on the hospital premises and abducted but later managed to escape from the kidnappers’ den.

Vanguard learnt that the kidnappers allegedly abducted a female deputy director of the hospital and a security man.

An SUV allegedly belonging to the abducted woman, a nurse, was seen abandoned in a viral video with bullet-perforated glass on the front passenger side.

The police and hospital management are yet to confirm the incident at the time of filing this report.

But a reliable source who confirmed the incident said it occurred at the same location where a medical doctor was abducted a few weeks ago.

“This is so sad; we are not safe at all in this hospital; everywhere is porous,” a distressed staff member lamented.”

Credit: vanguardngr.com

Tinubu submits FCTA 2024 budget to Reps, seeks speedy consideration

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President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday submitted the 2024 budget for the Federal Capital Territory Administration to the House of Representatives for consideration and passage.

Mr President’s letter seeking the passage of the budget which was read on the floor of the House during the plenary session on Tuesday, was however silent on the estimates.

The letter reads: “In line with the provisions of sections 121 and 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has prepared the 2024 budget proposal of the FCT which is here before you for the consideration and approval by the National Assembly.

“The proposal has been prepared based on the FCTA revenue and expenditure focus and is in line with the fiscal and development policy of the federal government and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“In addition, the budget proposal takes into consideration, the 2024/2026 economic recovery and growth plan as well as key assumptions in the 2024 budget

“The FCTA is prioritising improvement in health care services, job creation, youth empowerment, and increased productivity in agriculture to lift many citizens as much as possible out of poverty.

“I hereby forward the 2024 statutory budget proposal of the FCTA and I trust that it will receive the kind consideration and expeditious approval of the House of Representatives. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.

Credit: punchng.com

Remove taxes on our medications -Glaucoma Patients

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Glaucoma

Mr Harrison K. Abutiate, the National President of Glaucoma Patients Association of Ghana (GpAG), has appealed to the Government to remove all taxes on glaucoma medications.

Mr Abutiate, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said treatment had become a challenge due to high cost of medication arising from high taxes and exchange rates.

“One of the reasons prices are high is because of the high taxes and exchange rate. Taxes on them are about fifty percent of the cost of the drugs. If you add the freight charges and importers margin, we will be talking of almost 75 to 80 percent of charges.

“So, if the government reduces the tax by 50 percent, it will be affordable, probably a third of what we are paying now,” he said.

He made the appeal at the commemoration of the World Glaucoma Awareness Week held by the Trust Specialist Hospital at Osu, Accra.

The GpAG President also appealed to Government to intensify the lighting of the streets and cover all open drains to save persons with vision challenges from falling into ditches.

“Most people driving may have vision challenges, but glaucoma patients have additional problems because they are losing their peripheral vision… it will also help a lot if there is adequate street lighting, especially at night. A lot of pavements and edges of bridges are also not marked with reflectors, and this also creates problems… there are so many accidents just because many cannot see properly when driving or crossing,” he said.

According to data published by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), glaucoma constitutes 19.4 percent of all eye-related diseases in Ghana and comes second to cataract pegged at 54.5 percent as the common causes of blindness in the country.

Dennis Aggrey Ampiah, who is vision challenged, narrated his story of overcoming the condition and advised Ghanaians to refrain from self-medication and report early to hospital when they detected signs of vision decline. He also warned against wrong use of eyeglasses.

“Be cautious of quacks who parade with all kinds of concoctions, claiming to cure glaucoma and other eye diseases.

“Avoid buying cheap eyeglasses from questionable sources and report eye problems to the hospital immediately to avoid future vision loss… treasure your eyes. Don’t wait till you lose your sight,” he said.

GNA

COPEC blames Surge in fuel prices on depreciation of the Cedi  

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Chamber of Petroleum Consumers

The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has cautioned that fuel prices will continue to surge in the coming weeks if the depreciation of the Cedi against the Dollar is not addressed.

The Chamber blamed the recent marginal increments in fuel prices on the depreciation of the local currency and predicted that fuel prices were likely to go up again at the pumps by the end of the week.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary, COPEC, called for urgent action to halt a further depreciation of the Cedi to stabilise prices at the pumps.

“If the Cedi is still not showing strength and still depreciating, there is a greater tendency that you will pay more for fuel at the pumps…it is likely prices will go up again,” Mr Amoah said.

After months of stabilised prices at the pumps, prices of petro, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) went up marginally for two consecutive pricing windows, from February 1, 2024.

In the February 2024 Second Pricing Window, fuel prices went up at an average of GHS0.45 per litre for petrol and GHS0.30 per litre for diesel. LPG increased by GHS0.65 per kilogram.

Prices went up again in the March 2024 First Pricing Window. Currently, petrol is selling at an average GHS 13.49 per litre and GHS14.49 for diesel.

The Institute of Energy Security (IES) attributed the increment in prices to the depreciation of the Cedi against the Dollar.

In its evaluation of the February 2024 Second Pricing Window, the IES Economic Desk found that the Ghana Cedi depreciated by 1.44 per cent to a U.S. Dollar, trading at GHS 12.60 to the dollar.

“Barring any intervention in the coming days, consumers should expect further marginal increases in the price of Gasoil, Gasoline and LPG, this is largely due to the worsened Ghana Cedi,” the IES said.

COPEC said the Government’s Gold for Oil programme was not sustainable intervention to address the forex factor that contributed to increment in fuel prices.

Mr Amoah said the policy only covered about 20 per cent of total consumption and that meant that larger percentage of the market relied on dollars to import petroleum products into the country.

He said using the country’s gold reserves to cushion the Cedi from depreciating would have been a more sustainable option than exchanging the gold with petroleum products on the international market.

The Government announced the Gold for Oil Policy in November 2022 as an innovative measure to exchange gold for petroleum products instead of US Dollars.

The Government said the move was intended to reduce the demand for dollars for the importation of petroleum products and by extension reduce the rate of depreciation of the Cedi.

It is estimated that the country required about $400m to import petroleum products monthly – out of which the Bank of Ghana is able to supply only $120m to petroleum importers.

By Edward Acquah

GNA

ECG alerts Ghanaians of peak-hour outages 

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ECG

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced power outages between 19:00 and 23:00 hours across its operational zones, indicating that rising demand had forced around 630 distribution transformers to operate at full capacity.

Although the electrical distribution company did not specify the duration of the outages, it stated that the decision was made to prevent fuses from blowing and broken conductors, particularly during peak demand hours.

“We wish to assure our customers that transformer upgrading and new projects are ongoing to relieve these transformers to ensure a more reliable power supply,” ECG said in its public notice.

The company asked for consumer support and advised them to be patient while it took steps to improve its electricity distribution system.

Calls have increased for ECG to announce a schedule for outages so that people could plan their lives accordingly, while also addressing sector concerns through a national consensus.

“It’s proper to let people know that you’ll be taking off light so that they can plan their lives and be aware that today when you go home, you’re not going to have light,” Mr Ben Boakye, Executive Director, Africa Centre for Energy Centre said.

He stated in an interview with TV3, which was monitored by the Ghana News Agency that without a timeline ECG would be “subjecting people to an unexpected mental process, where you suddenly get home and there’s no light.”

Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES) told the GNA that the power sector’s fundamentals remained weak and that outages could be lengthy.

He warned that power plants would shut down due to a lack of maintenance, insufficient fuel supply and non-payment of invoices and cited failures in transmission and distribution networks due to a lack of/or deferred upgrades, as the causes of the outages.

Last week, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) decried the nation’s high incidence of power outages and the politicisation of the problem, urging a national consensus to address issues in the sector.

“Energy is like air and it is so important for houses and industry, and we cannot mess with it,” Mr Kwame Jantuah, Chairman, Oil and Gas sector, AGI, said in an interview with GNA.

“Where power is concerned, it shouldn’t be a political situation but a national discussion where political leaders sit and come to an agreement,” Mr Jantuah said.

He urged ECG to take drastic measures to “block wastages in the system, collect the cash waterfall, and spread it among the lot,” claiming that this would help reduce the frequent power outages.

In November 2023 total energy consumption reached 21,440 GWh, with the Energy Commission projecting a year-end figure of 23,617 GWh and an estimated consumption of 24,997 GWh in 2024, representing a 5.8 per cent increase.

By Francis Ntow 

GNA 

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