Deputy Minister for Education, John Ntim Fordjour, has criticised National Democratic Congress flagbearer John Dramani Mahama for pledging to abolish the teacher licensure examination if he wins the 2024 general elections.
The Assin South lawmaker argues that Mahama’s promise would undermine the progress made in the policy, which he deemed a “game changer.”
In a post on X Saturday, November 18, Ntim ‘Mahama is by far the biggest threat to Ghana’s progress’ –Rev. Ntim Fordjour declares urged Ghanaians to reject the former president in the 2024 polls, claiming that Mahama poses the greatest threat to the country’s progress.
The Deputy Education Minister expressed the view that Mahama lacks the vision necessary for advancing the nation.
“There are leaders who establish policies and introduce new systems for the good of our people and for the development of our nation. This one lacks vision. He only cancels and threatens to cancel good policies at every opportunity. Mahama is, by far, the biggest threat to Ghana’s progress.”
Rev. Ntim Fordjour
John Dramani Mahama
“The alternative is empty! No vision, just desperate for power which was once incompetently handled,” he posted on Twitter.
Mr Mahama has vowed to discontinue the teacher’s licensure examination, arguing that the concept was not well thought through.
He expressed concerns about why students of Colleges of Education are required to take another test after undergoing several examinations before being allowed to practice.
The Government of Ghana through the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) ,has trained over 19,000 master craft persons and apprentices since 2018 under the Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP).
Out of the over 19,000 people, 13,883 of them representing 73 per cent of the beneficiaries are females, whilst 5,179 representing 27 are males.
The Head of Corporate Affairs for CTVET, Mr. Albert Opare, who announced this explained that the Ghana TVET Voucher project (GTVP) is a project under the Ghanaian-German Financial Development Cooperation, co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW Development Bank and the Government of Ghana, whiles CTVET is the implementing agency.
Mr Opare announced this on Friday when he interacted with the media after an official visit to the Dabokpa Technical Institute in Tamale in the Northern region, one of the beneficiary institutions of the project.
Demand-driven initiative
He stated that the GTVP provides demand-driven training vouchers to CTVET-registered master craft persons, their apprentices and workers, adding that the vouchers are used to fund competency-based training (CBT) courses in CTVET–-accredited training institutions for certification in National Proficiency Levels I and II and Certificate I and II respectively.
Mr. Opare indicated that the beneficiaries received the training in skills areas such as automotive repairs, cosmetology, garment, welding, consumer electronics, plumbing, electrical installation, block laying and furniture making.
He hinted at plans to expand the project by the government even further and has secured additional funding of 60 million dollars from the World Bank and 40 million Euros from the German Government through KFW Bank to train at least 50,000 more beneficiaries over the next five years.
Great impact
The Head of Corporate Affairs indicated that, in addition to the training provided, the GTVP project has had a very positive impact on the TVET system in Ghana, a key among them being that numerous training institutions have been encouraged through the project to register with CTVET and are keen to achieve official accreditation for CBT implementation.
Again he stated that this had resulted in trade associations and informal sector training providers being encouraged to register with CTVET.
Background
As a result of the implementation of the project, the country has witnessed the Competency Based Training (CBT) approach being implemented on a large scale for a large number of Ghanaian youths.
This has led to the modernization of the traditional apprenticeship system in Ghana through the implementation of the project, and this has strengthened CTVET as the regulatory body for TVET in Ghana.
The General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua and the National Organizer of the party, Lawyer Henry Nana Boakye, aka Nana B, have donated two hundred thousand Ghana cedis (GH¢ 200,000) in support of the “Heal Komfo Anokye” project recently launched by the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The two leading members of NPP, who hail from the Ashanti Region, also pledged to be ambassadors of the project to help mobilise more funds, especially from the members of their party and friends.
Justin Frimpong Kodua and Nana B making presentation to KATH CEO,Prof.Dr.Addai-Mensah
Justin Kodua, affectionately called Okumkom, and Nana B contributed GH¢100,000 each to make it GH¢200,000. They presented a cheque to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Professor Dr. Otchere Addai-Mensah, in the presence of some senior management members of KATH at a short ceremony on Friday,17th November 2023, at the conference room of the board members of the hospital.
The Overlord of the Asante Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll, has appealed to every household in the Ashanti Region to donate GH¢200 a month towards the renovation of KATH.
The project, dubbed: “Heal Komfo Anokye”, is being spearheaded by the King to mobilise $10 million to fully renovate the 70-year-old facility.
In the King’s address at the official launch of the Asantehene’s fundraising campaign in aid of the renovation of KATH old blocks as part of the legacy projects to mark the 25th anniversary of his enstoolment, His Royal Majesty bemoaned the sorry state of the Teaching Hospital.
Justin Kodua,Nana B in a group photograph with some Constituency Chairmen who accompanied them to make the donation.
He, therefore, implored all residents of the Ashanti Region to show commitment to assist the renovation drive of the facility by donating money periodically.
In his introductory remarks, Henry Nana Boakye said their donations were in response to the appeal made by Otumfuo.
He said, “Interestingly, the General Secretary of NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua … and myself are very happy to be part of this legacy project since we’re all from the Ashanti Region.” He added that the party (NPP) itself is preparing to make donation in support of the project.
Justin Frimpong Kodua, also known as JFK, highly commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll and the CEO of KATH for the laudable initiative. He, therefore, encouraged other leaders of the various institutions and agencies to emulate the good example.
The NPP General Secretary said, “We’re here today in a quick response to Otumfuo’s appeal to make our donations as members of this region in support of the “Heal Komfo Anokye” project. We’re also going to be ambassadors of the project to help mobilise more funds in support of the project to help continue to provide the needed healthcare to Ghanaians.”
Justin Kodua was excited about the show of support towards the project from many individuals and institutions. He, therefore, appealed to all Ghanaians, especially residents of the Ashanti Region, to donate to support the project, since healthcare should not be politicised.
The NPP General Secretary said “Ashanti Region shouldn’t suffer because we have the numbers. Can we get about 1,000 people from this region who would be willing to donate GH¢1,000 every month to support KATH to enable the hospital to continue to provide the needed healthcare to our people?”
“I’m ready to donate GH¢1,000 every month … so KATH CEO, apart from the “Heal Komfo Anokye” project, consider setting up a foundation to help get about 1,000 people from the region who would be supporting the hospital monthly,” he added.
He also stressed the need for the hospital management to take the maintenance of the hospital seriously to avoid recurrence of the current state of the hospital.
On his part, Prof. Dr. Otchere Addai-Mensah, on behalf of the management, board members, staff and patients of the hospital commended Justin Frimpong Kodua and Henry Nana Boakye for their donations. He was excited about the response they were getting since the launch of the project by the Asantehene recently. ”I’m confident that with unity, we can achieve our target,” he added.
The committee in charge of the fundraising drive has set aside Fidelity Bank account number 2400302340016 for persons willing to donate to support the project.
Also, potential donors can use the short code 7761955# (for all networks), MTN Mobile Money number 0544195525, and Merchant ID 195525, to donate funds in support of the healing of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Executive Director at the National Service Secretariat (NSS) Hon Osei Assibey Antwi, has shown his support for the Heal Komfo Anokye Project by presenting a cheque of ₵30,000 to the Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
At a brief ceremony on Friday (17 November), Emmanuel Tweneboah Koduah, Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer for the NSS, conveyed the Director’s appreciation for the initiative and praised Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his leadership role in garnering support for the project.
Emmanuel Tweneboah Koduah, Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer for the NSS making presentation to KATH CEO on behalf of Hon Osei Asibey Antwi-NSS Boss
Hon.Osei Assibey Antwi
“My boss is happy to contribute to the Heal Komfo Anokye Project. The initiative is laudable, and we appreciate Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his leadership in mobilizing support”, Kodua said.
He emphasised his boss’ commitment to the project and promised to leverage his influence to lobby for more support for the renovation of KATH. He noted the vital role KATH plays as the premier hospital in the region, addressing numerous referral cases and emergencies.
“All we have is Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and some of us will keep supporting this very important initiative so that the hospital can be raised to a level comparable to any modern one elsewhere in the developed world,” he added.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the hospital, Professor Otchere Addai Mensah thanked the NSS Executive Director for his kindness and stressed the importance of such contributions to enable the renovation project.
The project, spearheaded by the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II aims to raise $10 million to renovate the old KATH block also known as ‘GEE’. It is also one of the legacy projects of the overlord of the Asante Kingdom as he marks his 25th anniversary since his enstoolment.
KATH is planning a massive health walk to create awareness about the Heal Komfo Anokye Project and encourage public contributions to support the facility’s renovation. Residents of Kumasi, identifiable groups, political party leaders, and members, as well as the public and KATH staff, are expected to join the health walk.
Two UK-based research firms are predicting a win for former President John Mahama in the upcoming 2024 Presidential elections.
The firms making this projection are the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and Fitch Solutions.
According to the EIU, Ghana is likely to experience a transfer of power from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This, the EIU says, will be largely driven by declining living standards, limited job opportunities, and poor public services.
Former President John Mahama
Fitch Solutions, on the other hand, says the ruling party is unlikely to remain in power with former President Mahama expected to win the swing regions by nearly 48 percent as against Vice President Bawumia’s 29%.
According to BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, it is unlikely that the ruling NPP will remain in power after the 2024 election.
They sourced data from Global Info Analytics plus their own data which put the NDC ahead of the NPP in the; Volta-Oti regions, Northern regions, all swing regions and the Akan regions as well.
On the economy
The report projects the cedi will regain some of its lost value on debt restructuring deal and end 2024 below 12 cedis to the dollar.
On elections
So EIU states that about nine African countries will be going to the polls in 2024; where incumbent regimes are expected to prevail in most of the elections, but there is a heightened risk of reduced parliamentary majorities.
According to the EIU report Ghana is likely to experience a transfer of power from the ruling NPP to the NDC in 2024. This they say is largely driven by declining living standards, limited job opportunities and poor public services.
The EIU report also predicted that inflation in most African countries will ease in 2024 but double-digit inflation will continue to afflict some major economies including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sudan.
The Bank of Ghana has cautioned the general public to desist from dealing with some eight(8) unapproved Money Transfer Organisations (MTOs).
In a statement signed by The Secretay, Sandra Thompson(Ms), the Bank of Ghana said a number of these MTOs operating within the remittance and the Ghana Forex Market were without approval from it.
These organisations are;
1- LEMFI
2- WISE
3- TRANSFER GO
4- XOOM-A PAYPAL SERVICE
5- SENDWALU
6- BOSS REVOLUTION
7- BTC-AZA FINANCE
8- SUPERSONIC
The BoG, therefore, said, “the Public, Banks, Dedicated Electronic Money Issuers (DEMI), and Enhanced Payment Service Providers (EPSP) are, by this Notice, cautioned to desist from dealing with any of the institutions named above.”
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has described the completion of the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) jointly conducted by the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) and Rocksure International on parts of the Nyinahin Hills as a historic feat that will transform the Ghanaian Economy.
At a brief event to formally present results of the MRE on Nyinahin Block B, specifically Hills 4,5 and 6 to him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene emphasized that the availability of the certified MRE results will attract the investment needed to drive the Integrated Aluminium Industry.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu was full of praise for the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), Mr. Michael Ansah and Chief Executive Officer of Rocksure International, Mr. Kwasi Ofori for their commitment towards the execution of Project 2 (Development of a mine in Nyinahin-Mpasaaso with a refinery solution) and pledged his continuous support to the project.
According to him, the development of the Integrated Aluminium Industry could be the panacea to Ghana’s unemployment woes as it will employ hundreds of the teeming youth, adding that he is extremely elated to be alive to witness this significant milestone.
Board Chairman of GIADEC, Dr. Tony Oteng Gyasi who led the delegation from GIADEC and Rocksure International, thanked Otumfuo for his continuous support towards the development of the Integrated Aluminium Industry and called for similar support and buy-in from his sub-chiefs and members of the community where the bauxite deposits are located.
Chief Executive Officer of GIADEC, Mr. Michael Ansah, on his part, noted that the completion of the MRE paves the way for the next phase of the project which is obtaining a mining lease and then forming a Joint Venture (JV) with Rocksure to begin mine construction with a refinery solution.
He disclosed that the MRE results showed a 50% % appreciation on the historical figures with a jump from the 250MMT historical bauxite deposits in the three hills to 375MMT of bauxite deposits.
CEO of Rocksure International, Mr. Kwasi Ofori assured the Asantehene that Rocksure International will undertake its operations in conformity with all regulatory and environmental requirements and international standards.
The delegation from GIADEC included board member, Nana Amampene Boateng Twum II, Executive Assistant to the CEO and Head of Communications, Mr. Kojo Yankah, Communications Manager, Mr. Sheriff Appiah and Communications Officer, Mr. Joseph Chibae Adjaho. The delegation was also joined by Senior Executive Members of Rocksure International.
Background
In September, 2021, GIADEC announced the selection of Rocksure International, a wholly Ghanaian owned Company, as its strategic partner for Project 2, one of four projects that define the Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), being executed by GIADEC.
Rocksure International was selected after a rigorous competitive three-round investor engagement process in 2019. The process began with about 40 companies expressing interest. Fourteen (14) companies were shortlisted to progress to round two, of which five (5) advanced to the final round.
In March 2022, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, gave his blessings to the partnership between GIADEC and Rocksure International to execute Project 2 (Develop a mine in Nyinahin-Mpasaaso with a refinery solution) and pledged the support of his kingdom and sub-chiefs within the mining communities to the project.
Rocksure International, following the endorsement from the Asantehene commenced a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in Nyinahin Block-B, specifically Hills 4, 5 &6 to validate and define the bauxite resources.
Ghana’s bauxite resources are estimated to be around 900MMT. Bauxite in Ghana is mainly concentrated in three (3) areas i.e Awaso in the Western-North region with 60MMT, Kyebi in the Eastern region with 160 MMT and Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region with the highest bauxite resources of 700MMT.Source: Justice Isaac Bediako
The validation of the bauxite resources in parts of the Nyinahin area through an MRE is the first time Ghana is taking steps to validate all of its bauxite resources across the country.
The National Media Commission (NMC) has issued a warning to some 15 television stations, ordering them to desist from content not deemed fit for broadcast.
The NMC warned that there will be severe consequences for their actions if they don’t advise themselves.
These TV stations were reported by the public for showing content considered unacceptable by the standards of media ethics, Ghanaian culture, traditions, and norms.
They include Asomafo TV, Adwenpa TV, Eagle TV, Best TV, Energy TV, Diamond TV, X TV, Asomdwie TV, Funny TV, Advice TV, Big TV, Passion TV, Nkabom TV, Seekers TV, and Elephant TV.
The NMC in a statement issued on Thursday said “For the stations listed above, we hereby serve them notice to cease and desist from those activities otherwise there will be severe consequences.”
The Commission said the reportage followed a collaboration between it and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to identify and address deficits in broadcast content.
It indicated that a total of 318 incidents were reported by the public. Out of the number of reported incidents, the commission said 224 were money-doubling incidents; 83 money rituals; 24 fake lotteries; 18 occultic practices, and 13 incidents of pornography.
The rest of the complaints related to fake loan schemes and people seeking to use fraudulent means to extract money from others.
The NMC stated that it would soon brief the public on its decision on the TV stations listed above.
Meanwhile, the commission said it would soon announce its decision on that matter involving Onua TV/Radio.
The NMC issued a final warning to Onua Radio/TV and Captain Smart over an inciteful broadcast.
In a press statement dated Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the NMC said that Captain Smart had directly insulted the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as “beasts” during a recent broadcast.
The NMC further stated that Captain Smart had claimed that these officers embezzled money meant for soldiers on peacekeeping operations but had offered no evidence to support his claims.
The NMC described the broadcast as “dangerous” and “unprofessional.” It also noted that it had warned Onua Radio/TV about promoting violence against the state in December 2022, but that the station had not taken steps to address the issue.
The NMC gave Onua Radio/TV and Captain Smart until November 19, 2023, to:
– Withdraw the insults and apologize to the CDS and his commanders
– Apologize to the Ghanaian public for the use of vulgar language
– Put in measures to stop the dangerous behavior of the station and improve the station’s capacity for regulatory compliance
The Ahafoman Senior HighSchool on Wednesday surprised the country with their supremacy in innovation andtechnological knowhow by beating 24 other Senior High as well asTechnical and Vocational education Training Institutions nationwide by scoring164 points to emerge winners of the 2023 edition of the national STEMNNOVATION competitionin Accra.The Ahafoman SHS team presentedon a project on Flexible Use of Electricity, where they generate electricalpower through a locally modified generator and accumulator connected to a solarpanel to power a plant-based incubator.For their prize, the three contestantsand their coaches would be sponsored to spend one week in Japan where theywould participate in an international STEM competition next year as well as afour year full scholarship in any Engineering University in Ghana.
As part their prize they alsotook home an amount of Gh50, 000 cash from the National Entrepreneurship andInnovation Programme (NEIP), a desktop computer donated by Omega Computers, Gh20,000life insurance cover from Glidco Insurance company, medals STEM textbooks.
Dr Adutwum presenťing an award to Ahafoman SHS for emerging winners of the 2023 edition of STEMNNOVATION
The three female contestantswho represented the Ahafoman SHS, a mixed school were also presented with “GirlsTeam Award” of Gh5000 from Bountiful Technologies while their coaches were presented with mobile phones from Motorola.
The second-placed WesleyGrammar SHS received GHS 30,000 cash prize, a laptop and a printer; whereas,third-placed Bosomtwe Girls’ had GHS20,000 cash prize, a laptop and a printer.
The second place position wentto Wesley Grammar SHS with a score of 150 points whiles the Bosomtwe Girls’ STEMSHS which had 143 points placed third in the competition.For their prizes, Wesley GrammarSHS took home Gh30,000 cash, a laptop, STEM textbooks, a one year life insurancecover from Glidco, medals and a trophy while the Bosomtwe Girls STEM Academy also went home with Gh20,000 cash, one year insurance cover, STEM textbooks,medals and other, souvenir.Specific project awards URBANGARDENING AWARD1STPLACE – URBAN GARDENING AWARD: WESLEY GRAMMAR SHS, 2NDPLACE – URBAN GARDENING AWARD: BOSOMTWEGIRLS STEM SHS, 3RD PLACE – URBAN GARDENING AWARD: DABOKPA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.CLEANWATER1STPLACE – CLEAN WATER: SWEDRU SHS, 2NDPLACE – CLEAN WATER: AKUSE METHODISTSHTS, 3RD PLACE – CLEAN WATER: BOSOMTWE STEM ACADEMY.EFFECTIVEUSE OF ELECTRICITY1STPLACE – EFFECTIVE USE OF ELECTRICITY: AHAFOMANSHS, 2ND PLACE –EFFECTIVE USE OF ELECTRICITY: ST LOUISSHS, 3RD PLACE –EFFECTIVE USE OF ELECTRICITY: APPLIEDTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTECOREVALUES AWARD went to KPANDO TECHNICALINSTITUTE, ENGINEERING AWARD went to SUNTRESO SHTS, while DABOKPA TECHNICAL INSTITUTE was awarded with the BESTPRESENTATION and WESLEY GRAMMAR SHS gotan award as the BEST STEM PROJECT
.The Education Minister Dr YawOsei Adutwum, who was so excited at the performance of the students expressed hisgratitude to the judges and coaches for their guidance, headmasters/headmistressesfor encouraging the children to participate in the completion.
He was upbeat that the skillsand innovation exhibited by the various schools attested to the fact that theeducation the nation’s education reforms was yielding great results.
Dr Adutwum said that thegovernment would continue to put in more effort towards engaging variousstakeholders in the country towards revamping the nation’s economy throughprudent education policies that stand the chance of making the nation an educational hub for the African continent.
The Education Minister congratulatedall the competing institutions and urged the students to continue working veryhard towards becoming what they aspire to achieve in life.Dr Adutwum pledged to build anew science laboratory for the Ahafoman SHS who won the competition although they do not have a science laboratory in the school.
The Deputy Coordinator of theFree Senior High School, praised all the sponsors and institutions which playedvarious roles towards the second edition of the competition.
She stated that his officewould continue to work extra hard to ensure an improvement in the subsequent editionsof the competition to help enhance the teaching and learning of science in the schools across the country.
Background
The competition organised bythe Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Entrepreneurshipand Innovation Plan (NEIP) provided a platform for the students to showcaseSTEM projects they had developed to solve societal problems
.This year’s projects weregrouped under three categories, namely Urban Gardening, Clean Water andEffective Use of Electricity.
