Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticised the actions and comments of Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, a flagbearer aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He expressed concern that should Ken Agyapong become Ghana’s president, he would disregard the laws and regulations of the country.
Hon.Johnson Aseidu Nketia
Hon.Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
His comment was in response to the ongoing dispute between Ken Agyapong and Chairman Wontumi regarding the murder of Ahmed Suale, an investigative journalist, in 2019.
When Ken was questioned in an interview about Wontumi’s allegation concerning his involvement in Suale’s murder, he responded, “You see, I don’t want to talk about Chairman Wontumi. He is a young man who has just joined the party, and I have forgiven him.”
“I thought a bold man would always say ‘if he challenges me again or threatens me, I’m also going to face you.’ But if you resort to the police, it means you are a coward; case closed,” he added.
Speaking in an interview on OyerepaBreakfastTime on October 11, 2023, Mr. Nketia expressed his disagreement with Ken’s assertion, stating that it implied a lack of respect for the rule of law. He added that should Ken become president of
Ghana, he would potentially disregard the law and act in a lawless manner.
“When Kennedy was asked to respond to Wontumi’s allegation, he said that only women report an alleged criminality to the police. He said you must prepare as a man and face that person…Someone who wants to become president, instead of you making sure the rule of law works, you’re rather going to fight someone,“ he wondered.
“Per what is happening, Kennedy Agyapong will be lawless if he becomes president,” he added.
The second pricing window for the month of October under the National Petroleum Authority’s price deregulation programme on petroleum pricing is set to commence from Monday the 16th of October.
Indications of prices based on international price movements and the forex performance over the past forthright points to some marginal reductions across pumps for the coming window as confirmed by CBOD petroleum pricing outlook for the window.
The figures below form the basis of Projections for the Window.
A. International Pricing
Crude 92.70 (-2.27%)
Petrol .. $848.3/MT (-13.06%)
Diesel .. $829.36/MT (-16.48%)
LPG ..$530.64/MT (-9.67%)
Thus, Petroleum prices generally have witnessed a significant drop on the international market according to the trading benchmarks.
B. Forex rate
The exchange rate for the Dollar recorded an increase of 1.44% to close trading at GHS12.10/$
C. Projections
Petrol.. GHS12.098/L
To be selling between GHS11.49/L and GHS12.70/L within ±5% of COPEC’s Projections
(Current market Mean Price =GHS12.63/L)
Expected Mean % drop (3.73%)
Diesel.. GHS12.694/L
Projected to be selling for between GHS12.06/L and GHS13.33/L within ±5% of COPEC’s Prediction.
(Current Mean Price = GHS13.40/L)
Expected Mean % drop (5.55%)
LPG.. GHS12.147/kg
To be selling between GHS11.54/L and GHS12.75/kg within ±5% of COPEC’s Prediction.
Stephen Ayesu Ntim, National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has issued an apology to Despite Media for the intrusion of ‘thugs’ during Saturday’s episode of United Showbiz on UTV.
Over 20 thugs who identified themselves as NPP sympathizers stormed the UTV studios refusing to let the show go on until A-plus, a regular panelist on the show, apologized to the NPP for ripping a letter addressed to the management of UTV to reform United Showbiz.
This put the programme on hold for over 40 minutes until the Police intervened leading to the arrest of about 16 of them.
Stephen Ntim, speaking on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ Thursday morning, stated that thuggery is not a part of the NPP and assured that the unfortunate incident would not be repeated.
“This is not how the NPP is…this is not our tradition, so we render an unreserved apology to the management of Despite media, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, and the entire nation”.
He added: “You know me, there have been several incidents where I have been provoked but I never reacted and always maintained my cool and this is the sort of quality I want to transcend to party members from the National to polling station levels. I want everyone to have self-control in our political discourse.
Going forward, he said, “You can count on us that this incident will not repeat itself . . . even if there’s anger, there’ll be self-control. Internally, we are putting measures to ensure that this doesn’t happen here (Despite media) or anywhere else again”.
“We want the law to take its course and we are ready to assist the police in their investigations,” he added.
Source: Peacefmonline.com
MTN Ghana has organized a debate for students at the Osu Presbyterian Senior School on the motion, ‘Social media platforms should implement stricter security and privacy controls because users are incapable of protecting themselves online.’
The programme is in furtherance of MTN’s commitment to cybersecurity education and awareness as part of this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
In a lively atmosphere, students both for and against the motion shared ideas on cybersecurity and how individuals need to embrace the subject and ensure their safety online. The students who spoke for the motion won the debate.
Following the debate, Bernice Badu-Marfoh, Analyst, Enterprise Information Security at MTN Ghana, shared a brief presentation with the students on how to manage their social media presence. The areas she touched on include the following:
Reputation: don’t post anything you would not want teachers, family and future employees to see.
Bullying: tell someone if you think cyber bullying is happening to you or other people.
Manners: always be kind and respectful to others.
Talk: tell a parent what you are doing online. Ask a trusted adult if you need help or are unsure of any online activity.
Accounts: only create accounts with trusted sites. Make sure you have strong passwords and do not share your passwords with others.
Privacy: Keep your personal information private.
Unplug: balance your screen time. Take a break, read a book, or go for a walk.
Speaking at the programme, Jacqueline Hanson-Kotei, Senior Manager for Enterprise Information Security and Governance at MTN Ghana, said, “Today’s digital landscape is rife with all manner of threats such as malware, phishing attacks, data breaches and ransomware. Cybersecurity awareness equips us with the knowledge and skills to recognize and defend against these threats. We are happy to listen and share insights on cybersecurity with the students here”.
“With a firm belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected world, MTN is committed to empowering users to take control of their digital engagement to ensure meaningful progress for all. Education remains one of the key areas for empowerment”, she added.
The month of October is a month dedicated for public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. MTN Ghana has outlined several activities to boost cybersecurity education across the country. There are currently several engagements going on across the country to engage the public.
Over 500 students participated in the programme. In attendance were the authorities of Osu Presby Senior High School and employees of MTN Ghana.
Information reaching TheNewTrustNewspaper indicates that the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Asante Akim South Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Hon. Kwaku Asante-Boateng, has declared his support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (DMB) ahead of the November 4 Presidential Primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Screen shots of the event
The MP has, therefore, appealed to the delegates in the constituency to help garner about 90 percent of the votes for the Vice-President, Dr. Bawumia.
Hon. Asante-Boateng made the commitment at Asankare Pentecost Church auditorium on Wednesday, 11th October 2023.
The MP, constituency executives, electoral area coordinators and polling station executives renewed their support for the DMB Ashanti Operations team as part of their tour ahead of the primaries.
Short video
A cross-section of the delegates recounted the great contributions of Dr. Bawumia towards the victory of the party in the 2016 and 2020 elections. They also commended him for his digitalisation agenda among other achievements.
They believe the Vice-President is the right candidate who can make the “break the 8” agenda a reality in the 2024 polls.
The DMB Ashanti Operations team encouraged the delegates to stay focused and shun any acts that could bring the name of Dr. Bawumia and the NPP government into disrepute.
Source: tntnewspapergh.com
The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Abdul Salam Issah,has appealed to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to move Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh to the Roads Ministry in the speculated reshuffle by government.
Speaking to this reporter in Kumasi on Wednesday, the CPP regional scribe noted that the competences of Dr Opoku-Prempeh from the previous position he held at the MInistry of Education and currently at the Energy Ministry makes him ideal to deal with the challenges of road development in Ashanti.
The CPP man said residents of Ashanti especially those in Kwabre, Ejisu and Manso as well as those at Sofoline and Suame were increasingly becoming livid at the manner the government had treated their roads.
“I am sure that with Napo as Minister for Roads the perennial neglect of communities and areas that vote massively for the NPP would be athended to”, the CPP scribe posited.
Competences:
The CPP regional secretary said depsite the challenges that lied in the education sector, Dr Opoku-Prempeh popularly known as Napo was able to surmount same.
He mentioned that Napo braved the odds when the free Senior High School was launched and was facing accommodation challenges.
The introduction of the double track system that ensured students went to school in a properly arranged batches was a masterstroke, the CPP man noted.
“We all saw what Napo did when the free SHS was launched with him leading the implementation and amidst the challenges that came he with total commitment worked to weather the storm.
Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, Energy Minister
And now at the Energy Ministry our lights are on and we can buy power with monies on our phones and these are testaments of the workaholic Napo”, the CPP man commended.
Abdul Salam Isssh
Stalled Projects:
Mr Abdul Salam said he was sure that apart from fighting to get Ashanti roads fixed, Napo would work to get the others which have suffered neglect to be fixed.
He mentioned that the Sofoline Interchange which has stood uncompleted for over a decade could be worked on and completed.
The routes in Ejisu and Suame as well as many other communities in the Kwabre and Manso Nkwanta would receive the kind of attention
the residents need, the CPP man beat his chest.
“I am hopeful that with Napo as Roads Minister we in Ashanti would see the kind of road development that has happened in Accra and Eastern region”, the CPP man recalled.
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says his government’s goal is to position Ghana as a leader in STEM education and innovation in Africa, as STEM education has become the cornerstone of progress and innovation in our modern world.
Addressing the 61st Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools on Wednesday, 11th October 2023, President Akufo-Addo stated that, towards the realisation if this vision, Government is creating a STEM pipeline to increase STEM enrolment at tertiary education level, through pre-engineering programmes.
“The pre-engineering programme has been introduced to target Senior High School Graduates in General Arts, Visual Arts and Business. The one-year pre-university programme, launched in February 2022, has admitted its second cohort of students,” he said.
The President continued, “The objective is to increase the talent pool from which engineers can be selected to ensure the number of engineering graduates, that is First degree and Higher National Diploma, increases from the current six thousand, five hundred (6,500) to thirty thousand (30,000) by 2030.”
At the senior high school level, increasing enrolment in STEM, he said, has been made possible by operationalising four (4) newly constructed STEM Model Schools, and converting three (3) existing schools into STEM Model Schools.
President Akufo-Akufo
Dr.Oseo Yaw Adutwum -Education Minister
“The Ghana STEM Academy Schools are Abomosu STEM Academy, Awaso STEM Academy, Kpasenkpe STEM Academy, Bosomtwi Girls STEM Academy, Bosomtwi STEM Academy, Accra High School STEM Centre, and Koase Secondary Technical School. These schools have been equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms, dormitories, assembly halls, dining halls and conducive environments to foster teaching and learning. There are some two thousand, four hundred (2,400) students enrolled to study General Science and STEM in the seven (7) schools,” he added.
In addition to these, the President indicated that Government has completed the construction of ten (10) regional STEM Centres to train a complete STEM pipeline from primary through JHS to SHS.
“The Accra High School STEM Centre is operational, and it receives some two hundred and fifty (250) students every day, who undertake training in robotics, 3D printing, coding, physics, chemistry and biology for JHS and SHS students who are in the Greater Accra Region,” he said.
Indeed, six (6) other centres, which are at ninety percent (90%) complete, are located at Mfantsipim School, Fijai SHS, Koforidua SHS, Jinijini SHS, Ahafoman SHS and Abuakwa SHS, whilst the rest, namely Mawuko SHS, Sefwi Wiawso SHS and Atebubu SHS are between thirty to fifty percent complete.
“We have also embarked on the retooling of science laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) of one hundred and eighty (180) selected Senior High Schools,” he added.
“It is important to state that no Government, in the history of the 4th Republic, has done more for the growth of the education sector than the Akufo-Addo Government, and the numbers back this claim. The total allocation to the education sector, since I came into office in 2017, is one hundred fourteen billion, five hundred million, six hundred twelve thousand, one hundred and thirty-five cedis (GH¢114,500,612,135), of which twelve billion, nine hundred and sixty-one million, two hundred and eighty-four thousand, five hundred and forty-eight cedis (GH¢12,961,284,548) has been spent on senior high schools.”
These were the words of the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, when he delivered an address at the 61st Annual Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), at Achimota School, Accra, on Wednesday, 11th October 2023, where he outlined his government’s record in office in the education sector.
According to President Akufo-Addo, his government’s unwavering commitment to education has led to the attainment of significant strides in the areas of access, quality, and relevance, making Ghana a beacon of progress in the region.
“At the Senior High School level alone, of which there are nine hundred and twenty-five (925) schools, we have initiated a total of one thousand, one hundred and five (1,105) projects, including accommodation, teaching and learning related projects from 2017 till date. Out of this total, four hundred and six (406) are classroom blocks of various types, science laboratories and home economics blocks; three hundred and eighty-six (386) are dormitory blocks; two hundred and thirty-three (233) are toilet facilities; with nine (9) newly constructed model STEM senior high schools spread around the country,” he stated.
He continued, “Two hundred and eighty thousand (280,000) laptops for teachers, three hundred and fifty (350) buses, eight hundred and forty (840) pick-up vehicles, one thousand five hundred (1,500) motorcycles, and six hundred and seventy-seven thousand, four hundred and seventy (677,470) pieces of furniture have been distributed since 2017. Four hundred and fifty thousand (450,000) tablets, in the 1-laptop-1-student policy, will also be distributed soon.”
Kindergarten, Primary & JHS
In kindergarten schools, the President stated that his government has invested significantly in teachers, equipping them with modern methodologies tailored for early childhood development, and has provided age-appropriate learning materials, play equipment, and resources for interactive and engaging learning experiences.
“Through GETFund, we are executing one thousand, two hundred and seventy (1,270) infrastructure interventions, setting new standards for early childhood education. These schools boast cutting-edge technology, including smart boards, to enhance interactive learning experiences. I am pleased to report that a substantial number of these projects are nearing completion, and, by early 2024, they will be fully operational,” he said.
At the primary school level, President Akufo-Addo indicated that Government has ensured the consistent provision of learning materials and embarked on targeted infrastructure upgrades to create conducive learning environments.
“The implementation of National Standardized Tests for Primary 2 and Primary 4 pupils is a pivotal step towards assessing and improving learning outcomes. It is gratifying to note that proficiency in reading for Primary 2 students has seen a significant improvement, from two percent (2%) in 2015 to thirty-eight percent (38%) in 2022,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo told the members of CHASS that his Government’s Model Junior High Schools project, supported by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, is ensuring the construction of eleven (11) model schools, each designed with modern amenities to provide an optimal learning environment.
The President noted further that the Ghana National Digital Literacy Project (NDLP) is ensuring that every student is equipped to thrive in the global digital economy.
“The heart of this endeavour lies in our primary schools, where the foundation of learning is laid. Phase I focuses on establishing SMART LABs in seven hundred (700) public schools across the nation. These labs are equipped with a suite of tools, including tablets for students, laptops for teachers, content access points, projectors, robotics kits for STEM education, and essential storage and charging units”, he said.
President Akufo-Addo continued, “I am pleased to announce that the project has successfully delivered Smart Lab hardware to some four hundred and eighty-five (485) schools across all sixteen (16) regions of Ghana. This great achievement ensures that the technological infrastructure is firmly in place to facilitate digital learning.”
Phase II of the Project, he noted, “is poised to extend the impact further. Contingent on the success of Phase I, our goal is to establish a SMART LAB in each of the twenty-seven thousand and sixty-four (27,064) schools across Ghana, accompanied by comprehensive training for two teachers per school.”
Phase III, he told the gathering, is a visionary step towards self-reliance, adding that “we aim to establish a local plant dedicated to assembling and manufacturing the devices necessary for the SMART LABs. This initiative not only bolsters our technological capabilities, but also provides avenues for job creation and economic growth.”
SHS
At the Senior High School level, in tandem with the National Digital Literacy Project, the President stated that the e-Transform Ghana project stands as a beacon of progress.
With an investment of ninety-seven million United States dollars (US$97 million), Government is enhancing service delivery through ICT. Among its many facets, the e-Education component promises to establish computer laboratories in three hundred and five (305) public Senior High Schools in all the regions of the country.
These labs, according to the President, will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, fostering an environment where students can immerse themselves in the digital realm.
“As we open tenders tomorrow, on 12th October, for the equipment in the remaining two hundred and thirty-two (232) Senior High Schools, and with contracts already signed for seventy-three (73), we are well on our way to bridging the digital divide,” he said.
The President continued, “Our commitment to every student’s journey into the Fourth Industrial Revolution is unflinching. The “One Student One Tablet” initiative is evidence of our belief in the transformative power of technology. By repositioning our educational system, we are nurturing a generation of empowered Ghanaians armed with the skills essential for our economic prosperity,” he stated.
TVET
Touching on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), President Akufo-Addo stated that TVET education has seen a comprehensive modernisation and expansion drive, with new state-of-the-art facilities under construction, with existing undergoing renovation and upgrading.
The Dual TVET Method, he explained, is combining classroom learning with practical, on-the-job training, is revolutionising skills development in the country, ensuring learners are well-prepared for their chosen fields.
“A comprehensive review of TVET curricula has also been undertaken to align them with current industry demands and emerging technologies. This process involved collaboration with industry stakeholders to identify the skills and competencies needed for a rapidly evolving job market. The revised curricula aim to equip students with practical, job-ready skills that are in high demand,” he added.
Tertiary
President Akufo-Addo noted that, over the past four years, his government’s commitment to expanding higher education has borne fruit, with the establishment of new institutions catering to a diverse range of academic disciplines.
These institutions, he stated, are strategically located to ensure equitable access to higher education opportunities for students from all regions.
“Among the proposed universities are the University of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Akrodie in the Ahafo Region, Mampong University in the Ashanti Region, and Bunso University in the Eastern Region,” he said.
Additionally, the University of Health, Culture, and Life Sciences in Kintampo, in the Bono East Region, formed through the merger of the Kintampo College of Health and Well-being and the Kintampo Research Institute, stands as a testament to his government’s dedication to fostering excellence in education.
“These new universities are expected not only to provide high-quality education, but also stimulate economic growth and development in their respective regions. They will serve as hubs for collaboration between academia and industry, creating a dynamic environment for learning and innovation,” he said.
Furthermore, the President stated that his government’s “No Guarantor” policy, under the Student Loan Trust Fund, is breaking down financial barriers for students seeking higher education.
“By eliminating the requirement for a guarantor, we empower students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations without undue financial burden,” he said.
To align tertiary education with the needs of the job market, the President stated that Government has created partnerships between tertiary institutions and industries.
These collaborations, he explained, provide students with practical training, internships, and research opportunities, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are directly applicable in their chosen fields.
