Day: March 6, 2024

Madam Vivian Obuobisa-Darko, Headmistress, Trinity Presby Model School, Adweso-Koforidua, has emphasised the importance of continuity in educational policies for the nation’s future prosperity.

She said Ghana’s education had suffered over the years because there was no continuity in educational policies.

In an interview with the GNA, in Koforidua on the eve of Ghana’s 67th Idependence Day celebrations, she stressed the need for successive governments to continue educational policies initiated by their predecessors.

The euphoric scenes at Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital town, barely 24 hours to the climax of Ghana’s 67th Independence Day Anniversary ignited the enthusiasm for a memorable celebration.

For many of the residents, the occasion presents an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural diversity, history of the people and socio-economic potential of one of Ghana’s most serene urban areas.

The stakes are high given the crucial role of the Region in the attainment of Ghana’s independence in 1
957.

Founded in 1875, Koforidua is noted for its tropical forests and cascading waterfalls, tourist attraction sites and beautiful landscape.

Ahead of the anniversary celebration, the town is adorned with the nation’s red, gold and green flags with black star on the gold at every visible corner, billowing the bustling streets proudly.

Madam Obuobisa-Darko said a consistent and coherent educational framework was essential for fostering long-term development and ensuring Ghana’s competitiveness in education on the global stage.

‘Going forward, the government should let us have a permanent educational system that people will not come and change here and there.

‘As we have our current education now, no government should be able to change, so we can have a stable educational policy for a long time,’ Madam Obuobisa-Darko said.

She said the 67th Idependence Anniversary of Ghana required some stock taking of what the country had achieved and looking into the future with renewed hope.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Achimota School has celebrated its 97th Founders’ Day with a reminder to all stakeholders to reflect on how to actively contribute to restoring and safeguarding the school’s legacy of academic excellence and public-spiritedness.

‘Doing this would require a lot of support from all Old Students, affectionately called Akoras,’ Mr Adrian Nii Odoi Oddoye, the Special Guest Speaker, and a member of the 1974-Year Group, said.

He re-emphasized academic excellence and public-spiritedness as legacies that must be restored and nurtured.

The celebration, held on March 2, was on the theme: ‘Nurturing the Present, Restoring the Legacy.’

The 1974, 1984 and 1999 Year Groups sponsored this year’s celebration.

As their legacy project, the 1974- and 1984-Year Groups undertook the task to rehabilitate and convert the original old assembly hall into a ‘state-of-the-art’ multipurpose facility.

The Founders Day celebration honours and remembers not only the ‘Founding Fathers’ of the school but all the great women and men who
passed through the school and gone into the world to becoming ‘Living Waters to a Thirsty Land.’

The Founders’ Day celebration is a weekend of activities to remember the troika of founders of the school; Guggisberg, Fraser and Aggrey, as well as all the influential Ghanaians who have passed through the school, and to remind past and present students of the lofty vision of Achimota, as well as recalibrate it for the future.

Founders’ Day celebrates tremendous achievements of all Alumni referred to as Akoras in various fields to inspire the younger generation to strive for higher heights.

This year’s Founders’ Day celebration marks the countdown the centennial anniversary in 2027 with a series of activities and projects lined up to restore the legacy

Mr Oddoye, in the keynote address, called for collaboration to ensure the good governance of the school, adding: ‘We should actively seek ways to collaborate with the government and the school administration to contribute to the school’s governance.’

He called
for the School Board to be empowered with autonomy to ensure that decisions were made with the best interests of the school and its legacy in mind.

‘Independence allows for strategic planning and execution of policies that align with Achimota’s values,’ he said, noting that while collaboration was essential, excessive interference from external bodies could hinder the school’s ability to maintain its unique identity and legacy.

‘We must advocate for a balance that preserves Achimota’s traditions and values.’

‘We must actively support and participate in programmes and activities that continue to foster wisdom and character development. Mentorship programmes, leadership seminars, and community service initiatives are just a few examples of how we can contribute to nurturing the youth and contributing to the Achimota legacy.’

‘Akora’ Oddoye charged old Achimotans to rally to nurture the present and restore the legacy of their alma mater.

He urged the students to let the pursuit of academic excellence and pu
blic spiritedness always be on their minds.

The Old Achimotan Association President, Mr Joel Nettey, charged all to revisit the objectives and values on which the school was founded.

He charged all to ask themselves if Achimota School, as it is currently structured, is in the position to deliver on these objectives and values.

He called on Akoras worldwide to see what each could do to help Achimota School regain its glory as well as compete favourably on the international stage.

‘And even more, let’s have a national rethink of what the structure and governance of secondary schools in Ghana should look like for success,’ Mr Nettey said.

Mr Ebenezer Graham Acquaah, the Headmaster, commended all the celebrating year groups for the unflinching support and the investments made to keep the school running smoothly.

He implored them to continue to discharge their duties with excellence and collectively strive towards positioning Achimota School as a global centre of excellence in secondary education.

‘Achimota
School has a glorious legacy that should be preserved,’ Mr Acquaah said.

Established in 1927 as the first mixed gender secondary boarding school in the Gold Coast, Achimota has been a trail blazer in providing an all-round education bringing together boys and girls into a boarding system to use their heads, heart, and hands in service and to lead their communities into a brighter future.

It has produced great leaders such as Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and Flt. Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings.

Dental screening and health outreach, the launch of the Achimota School Endowment Trust Fund, Torchlight Procession, preceded the celebration.

Source: Ghana News Agency

About 768 pupils, teachers and other recognised groups, have commemorated Ghana’s 67th Independence Day with a march past at the Cluster of Schools, Tapa-Abotoase in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region.

Madam Millicent Kabuki Carboo, Biakoye District Chief Executive (DCE) and the Reviewing Officer, in her address, said Ghana’s Independence was a momentous occasion for all to reflect on the profound impact it had on the nation’s democracy.

She said independence held significant historical and symbolic importance, marking the culmination of years of struggle and sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom and self-governance.

‘Ghana’s journey to independence was and has been a beacon of hope for Africa and a symbol of what is possible when people unite for a common cause.’

Madam Carboo said the country witnessed multiple successful transitions of power from one government to another, demonstrating commitment to democratic governance and the will of the citizenry.

‘This peaceful transition of power is a testamen
t to the maturity of our democracy and the resilience of our institutions.’

She said the benefits of independence to Ghana’s democracy were manifolds and profound since they granted the invaluable opportunity to chart the country’s course as a sovereign nation, 67 years ago, free from the shackles of colonial rule.

Madam Carboo said the independence had also empowered the country to shape its destiny, determine political institutions and establish a system of governance that reflected the aspirations and values of the people.

Madam Carboo said it was on the shoulders of the principles and pillars of democracy that the Oti Region and Biakoye District was carved to decentralise governance and bring development to the people.

‘Democracy has played a significant role in rural development by empowering rural communities such as ours.

‘By promoting participatory decision-making and fostering accountability and transparency in governance.’

She said the Tapa-Abotoase town had marvelous naturally occurring lands
capes and historic monuments and urged all to enjoy the beauty and breathtaking scenery that abounds in it.

Madam Carboo also urged the people of the district to champion the agenda of ‘Wear Ghana’ to promote local textiles, ‘Eat Ghana’ to promote growers and farmers, and ‘Buy Ghana’ to promote and strengthen local businesses.

She also tasked them to reflect on the past and look forward to building an even stronger democracy for future generations.

Awards were given to schools who performed well.

The 67th Independence Day celebration was on the theme: ‘Our Democracy, Our Pride’.

Source: Ghana News Agency

In line with its sustainability efforts towards the environment, Vivo Energy Ghana, the Shell Licensee is partnering the United Way Ghana, a non-governmental organisation to launch a renewable energy project among schools within its communities.

The project seeks to empower and provide students with a solid understanding of various renewable energy sources, including solar energy.

By introducing innovative educational programmes and practical demonstrations, the initiative aims to inspire the next generation to embrace sustainable energy solutions and raise awareness about environmental challenges and the importance of adopting sustainable energy practices within the school and the broader community.

A statement signed by Shirley Tony Kum, Corporate Communications manager and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said working closely with the Educational Director, Ghana Education Service of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, the Vivo Energy Ghana renewable energy project for school children would f
eature a series of interactive workshops, educational tours, development of educational materials and hands-on activities designed to engage students in learning about solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.

‘ Through experiential learning opportunities, participants will gain deeper understanding of the environmental benefits and practical applications of renewable energy technologies’.

The statement said the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had committed both organisations to instil in the school children a sense of responsibility towards the environment and prepare them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

‘Partnering the United Way Ghana on this renewable energy project underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment,’ says Kader Maiga, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana. ‘Together, we aim to instil a sense of environmental responsibility in young learners and equip them with the knowledge and skills ne
eded to build a greener future,’ he added.

United Way Ghana shares the vision of promoting sustainable development and recognises this partnership as an important step towards achieving that goal.

‘Following the successful roll-out of Cyclean in the La Enobal Basic School, we are excited to enter into another partnership with Vivo Energy Ghana to introduce school children to renewable energy. By investing in the education and engagement of young learners, we can create a ripple effect of positive change across communities and drive the transition towards renewable energy,’ says Faustina Abbey, Acting Executive Director of United Way Ghana.

As part of the partnership, Vivo Energy Ghana and the United Way Ghana will also work closely with local schools within their area of operation, community centres, and educational institutions to ensure broader participation and impact.

Source: Ghana News Agency

A contingent of hundred and twenty from 58 schools and voluntary organizations in the Yendi Municipality participated in the 67 Independence Anniversary celebration at the Dagbon State Senior High School.

The schools included 15 Kindergarten, 25 Primary Schools, 15 Junior High Schools, and three Senior High Schools.

Alhaji Hammed Abubakar Yussuf the Yendi Municipal Chief Executive who addressed the parade entreated teachers to give more time to their pupils and students to promote high standard of education whilst their pupils and students should devote a greater portion of their time to studies.

He reminded them that education was the key to progress and development and it was the reason the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under the visionary leadership of President Akufo – Addo had made significant strides in education sector by implementing various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education especially at the basic and secondary school levels.

He said the implementation of the Free Sen
ior High School policy, the distribution of free textbooks and other teaching aids to schools, the construction of new classroom blocks and the renovation of existing ones, the recruitment of more teachers to reduce student teacher ratio were being implemented across the country.

Alhaji Hammed said in addition, the government was implementing a new curriculum that emphasized skills acquisition and critical thinking to prepare students for the demands of the 21st country.

He said the government had also prioritized the training and professional development of teachers to ensure that they were equipped with necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality education. He said the theme: for this year’s celebration ‘Our Democracy Our Pride’ was an enviable and priceless asset that had been handed down to them by their forefathers and that it was achieved through hard work dedication and unity of purpose.

He urged parents to take advantage of the opportunity provided by government to enrol their children in sch
ool and ensure that they completed their education.

Alhaji Hammed said the Yendi Municipal Assembly was committed to working closely with the education Directorate to ensure that the initiatives were properly implemented.

He called on them to use the occasion to rededicate themselves to the principles of unity, hard work and discipline which their forefathers used in attaining independence for them by working together in building a better Ghana where all citizens could live with dignity and prosperity.

The representatives of the Overload of Dagbon Ya- Na Abukari II at the celebration included, Naa Yaba Bindana Ziblim, Naa Zo Balo – Naa Alhaji Mahama and accompanied by Registrar of Dagbon Traditional Council Mr. Alhassan Fatawu.

During presentation of awards in the KG Category Future Preparatory Academy took the first position and took home, my first second books, for schools.

In the Primary School category Phonemes Mission Academy was first and took home text books.

In the JHS Category Abatey JHS won th
e first position and took home silver cup and a football, and in the SHS Category Yendi Senior High School won the first position and took home silver cup and footballs.

Source: Ghana News Agency