The Bolgatanga Technical University, as part of its move towards gender inclusivity and excellence in engineering, has advanced plans to institute an award scheme that will honor the best female engineers each academic year.
The move, according to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Samuel Erasmus Alnaa, will not only support female engineering students financially but also bolster female representation and success in the field of engineering.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Prof. Alnaa highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering an environment where female engineers can thrive.
He emphasized that while traditionally male-dominated, engineering should be equally accessible and rewarding for all genders.
“We are not leaving the male to have it, but the female can also have it,” he affirmed, underlining the university’s dedication to gender equity in engineering education.
Prof. Alnaa explained that the award will be presented at each graduation ceremony, honoring the emerging best female engineering graduate.
He shared that last year, a deserving female student was awarded GH¢2,000.00 for her exemplary performance as the best female engineering graduate.
“This financial reward serves as both recognition for the recipient’s hard work and dedication, as well as an investment in supporting their future endeavors within the engineering field.”
Prof. Alnaa also underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing gender diversity in engineering education.
He expressed gratitude for the partnership with CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), which is actively involved in projects aimed at empowering women and girls through education.
Prof. Alnaa, therefore, noted that initiatives like these would play a vital role in realizing the goal of increasing the number of female engineers graduating from the Bolgatanga Technical University.
The Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association (GUNMA) has announced its members’ intention to stage a nationwide demonstration on April 16th.
This collective action comes in response to what they perceive as deliberate neglect by the government, leaving them jobless since 2020.
The association, representing over 70,000 individuals, has voiced their frustration with the persistent failure of both the Ministry of Health and the Finance Ministry to address their employment plight, despite numerous appeals and written correspondences.
Sarah Mensah, the National Public Relations Officer of the Association, articulated their grievances during an interview with A1 Radio.
“Members of our association are weary of idling at home, devoid of any meaningful engagement,” expressed Sarah Mensah.
According to her, since the onset of the unemployment crisis in 2020, the Association has tirelessly advocated for its members’ inclusion in the healthcare workforce, only to be met with silence and inaction from the authorities.
The situation, she added, has led to disillusionment among their members, who had entered the profession with a fervent commitment to healthcare service.
She, therefore, added that the looming demonstration will take place in Accra at the Ridge Taxi rank, where they will march to the Ministry of Health office and that of the Parliament House to meet with the health committee members and other key stakeholders in health.
\[04:59, 15/04/2024\] Moses A1 Radio: Over 70,000 GUNMA Members Ask Government Not to Use Economic Woes as Excuse for Their Unemployment
Over 70,000 graduate nurses and midwives across the nation have asked the government not to use the prevailing economic conditions as a shield in denying employment since 2020.
The professionals, who have found themselves grappling with the harsh reality of unemployment, have indicated that despite numerous appeals to various stakeholders, including the government, they have failed to adhere to their plight.
“The government can’t say due to the recent economic crisis it will not employ us. If so, then it will be a lie because we have seen it engaging other sectors. We are Ghanaians too and are tired of staying in the house doing God knows what. We are tired,” said the National PRO, Sarah Mensah.
Ms. Mensah, who was speaking on A1 Radio, articulated the frustration felt by members who have been left to languish in uncertainty.
“Our members are tired of roaming the halls of their homes, devoid of purpose. The promises of employment have fallen on deaf ears, leaving many disillusioned and desperate.”
She indicated that they have scheduled April 16th, 2024, to spotlight the glaring issue of joblessness that has plagued their members since 2020.
She added, “Do you know some of our members are surviving… tragically, some have turned to illegal mining, known as galamsey, in a bid to eke out a living.”
Tagging themselves as the Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association, they asserted that the time for action could not have been better than now.
They, therefore, said their demands were clear, as they wanted an immediate end to the cycle of broken promises and a genuine commitment from the government to address the systemic issues that have perpetuated the crisis.
The former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Regional Women Organizer for the Upper East Region, Charity Asoema, in an interview on A1 Radio, expressed her profound disappointment in the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
She stated her dissatisfaction, stating that their governance has falled short of the standards set by the nation’s forefathers, emphasizing a perceived mishandling of the country’s affairs.
“I’m very disappointed in the two of them because they didn’t rule the country how our forefathers would have loved it to be. They enjoy corrupt acts, President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,” she declared.
Hajia Charity did not mince words as she compared the current administration’s performance unfavorably with the legacy left by former President John Mahama.
She contended that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration had mismanaged the nation, leaving it in a state of disarray.
She accused them of prioritizing corrupt practices over the development and prosperity of the nation, lamenting the repercussions of their alleged actions.
“Look, they loved corrupt acts more than helping build the country the way we want. Just look at the mess that they have put us into. They came to finish the country’s progress. Are they the only ones with big stomachs?”
She therefore called on Ghanaian citizens to rally behind the NDC for a positive change in the democratic dispensation of the country.
Retailers and consumers in the Bolgatanga Municipality and Bolgatanga East District of the Upper East Region have found themselves grappling with a sudden scarcity and spike in prices of donkey meat, a staple in the local cuisine.
What was once a common commodity, used to prepare light soups and other delicacies, has now become a luxury as prices skyrocket and availability dwindles.
They indicated that previously they could purchase a donkey head for GH¢90.00, but now prices have surged to GH¢200.00, with fluctuations depending on the size of the donkey.
This drastic increase has left them in a tough spot, as they struggle to afford the meat themselves while attempting to maintain profitability by doubling prices for customers.
Speaking to some retailers in Zuarungu, Bolgatanga East District, the situation appears dire.
Atiamah, a distressed retailer, expressed the hardship she faces, unable to procure donkey meat for two consecutive days.
This scarcity, she said, not only affects her business but also jeopardizes her ability to provide for her family.
“I came here around 5 am, hoping that I would get the head and some intestines to buy. But they are telling me that others have already requested them. For two days now, I haven’t gotten any to sell. Meanwhile, that is where I used to feed my children of five.”
“If you look at it, the donkeys are no longer available, and where they (slaughterers) usually go to buy them, they said the authorities there have put a ban on the sales of donkeys. I think that is also causing this high in prices,” said Abena, another retailer.
Robert, a trader and slaughterer in Zuarungu, also attributed the surge in prices to a decline in the availability of donkeys.
He explained that traditional sourcing regions like Burkina Faso and Tongo are experiencing shortages, leading to higher acquisition costs, now ranging from GH¢1,500.00 to GH¢1,800.00 per donkey.
“Imagine, you buy three or four donkeys, each GH¢1,500.00 in Burkina Faso or Tongo, plus the transportation and other expenses. I don’t think it will be fair to sell it at the same price. So, yes, this is causing the donkey meat to be expensive nowadays.”
Meanwhile, the calls to end the slaughtering of donkeys by individuals and NGOs continue.
As the saying goes, ‘Free things are very costly.’ Free Education is undoubtedly a beautiful and relieving system for anyone in the country. However, since its implementation in Ghana, it has never been free from criticism and concern from stakeholders.
For the government, it may have been a promising manifesto to garner votes, while for many parents and guardians, it offered relief from financial burdens. Unfortunately, not enough input was sought from various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, educators, and other well-meaning Ghanaians who prioritize education.
While the current government and some Ghanaians take pride in the existence of free education in the country, we must also acknowledge the practical challenges of making it work and, more importantly, sustaining it.
The level of commitment from stakeholders such as parents and educators has decreased, and most schools have overcrowded classrooms and stretched resources. As a result, many parents feel compelled to hire additional tutors for their children on weekends and during holidays.
Due to overcrowding in most school facilities, children are forced to run on a shift system, where some kids stay home for nearly four months before going back to school. If parents can’t arrange for additional tutoring or engagement during this period, the child may return to school unprepared.
Consequently, academic performance has suffered, and there has been an increase in immoral behavior among students, along with a decline in discipline. These challenges highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address or review issues surrounding Free Education in Ghana.
The natural notion that ‘good work and behavior drive good rewards, while shoddy or lazy work generates no reward but rather the opportunity to try again’ has been eroded. As part of the Free Education policies, no pupil or student is allowed to be held back in a class if they don’t perform well in a promotion examination.
This mindset has gradually permeated the thoughts of many children, leading to a perception that learning has become leisure time. Many children express sentiments such as, ‘Even if I score aggregate 50 in the examination, I’ll still advance to the next level anyway, so what’s the point of straining myself?’ This mentality creates significant challenges at the tertiary level of education, as weak fundamentals are exposed.
On the flip side, the low performance of free public schools has led to the proliferation of expensive private schools in the country.
Parents who understand the importance of education for their children are doing everything possible to enroll them in these upscale schools. The Akan adage ‘Be bi shi na be bi ye yie’ (As one side or place is burning, another is doing well or strengthening) aptly describes this situation.
Interestingly, many of these private schools are owned or operated by politicians, influencers in society, affluent individuals, and churches. This trend is gradually exacerbating the divide between ‘rich kids’ and ‘poor kids.’ In my opinion, this was not the intended outcome of Free Education in the country.
If we’re not careful, the existing socioeconomic class divides in many societies could worsen, perpetuating divisions between the poor and the rich, or even along racial lines in the minds of these children.
For now, I strongly suggest that the Free Education policy in the country should be based on merit. A certain grade or fixed score could be established for all students. Once a student attains that mark, they should qualify for the free package, similar to a scholarship scheme. In regions facing severe challenges, such as underdeveloped areas, the grading system could be adjusted upwards to incentivize interest and participation.
Students who do not meet the pass mark or grade could be required to rewrite the following year. Parents who wish their children to continue without meeting the pass mark should cover the expenses.
This approach would save considerable money for the country, encourage seriousness in public schools, foster healthy competition among students, motivate teachers to support their students in achieving the required grade, and encourage greater parental involvement in their children’s education in public schools. It could also help restore a sense of normalcy between public and private schools.
Furthermore, I believe that certain sectors in every country, such as education and health, should have long-term policies that are reviewed periodically by all stakeholders. I strongly disapprove of political parties prioritizing these sectors as part of their manifestos, as frequent changes can be confusing for students, daunting for parents, and overwhelming for teachers. Instead, there should be stability and consistency to ensure effective learning and development.
Nicholas Nibetol Aazine, SVD Coordinator: Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Society of the Divine Word, Ghana Province A Catholic Religious Congregation (Serving God through the people) Email: nicholasbetol@gmail.com”
The Deputy National Youth Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has advocated for significant reforms in the administration of scholarships in Ghana.
According to him, decentralizing the Scholarship Secretariat will grant each region the authority to allocate scholarships to deserving yet financially disadvantaged students.
He said the move would mitigate corrupt practices within the current centralized system.
The organizer’s proposal comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny following recent investigative reports by the Fourth Estate regarding the scholarship allocation process.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayariga underscored the importance of addressing systemic flaws within the Scholarship Secretariat.
He expressed concern over potential irregularities in the awarding of scholarships and emphasized the need for swift action to restore public trust in the process. To this end, he has formally petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor to launch an investigation into the Secretariat’s operations.
He also called for the Registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat to be subjected to investigation and urged for their temporary removal from office pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The AquaBolg Foundation, a subsidiary of AquaBolg Nature Mineral Water, has extended support to 10 newborns and their mothers at Bongo Hospital in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region.
To commemorate the Eid celebration, the foundation provided essential baby products and other necessities to the newborns and their mothers.
The gesture, CEO of the AquaBolg Foundation, Humul Khrusum Tahiru said, aimed to alleviate the burdens faced by the less fortunate and spread joy during a time of celebration.
Madam Tahiru emphasized the organization’s dedication to supporting those in need.
She stated, “We believe that extending a helping hand to these mothers and their infants will instill hope and alleviate the burdens faced by some of them.”
The recipients of the foundation’s benevolence expressed profound gratitude for the invaluable support received during such a crucial moment in their lives.
They highlighted that the gesture not only provided tangible assistance but also served as a beacon of kindness during a time of joy and celebration.
Dr. Kofi Asare-Ansah, a Medical Doctor at the facility, appreciated the gesture and called for more support for the less privileged mothers in the facility.
Stephen Yakubu, the outgoing Upper East Regional Minister, has acknowledged the role that the media plays in informing the public and holding politicians accountable. Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Yakubu, however, expressed dismay at the apparent divide in media coverage, noting that while some practitioners have been supportive allies, others have resorted to malicious attacks on him, driven by personal animosity.
“You guys have been my friends, but some of you have taken me to the gutters. What I will encourage you to do is to keep an eye on us, but always make sure you verify the information before you put it out there. Because, in most cases, sometimes they don’t like you, and whatever they get, they put it out there to destroy your reputation,” he stated.
The minister was speaking to the media in Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District when the Ghana Boundary Commission and its counterpart in Burkina Faso inspected some encroachment along the border pillars. The visit was part of measures to find a lasting solution to the massive encroachment within the buffer zone.
Mr. Yakubu, who shared some memories of working with the media in the Upper East Region, lamented that some reportage that goes viral and remains on the internet is “very painful” to them as politicians.
While entreating the media to avoid sensationalism and properly verify issues before disseminating them to the public, the outgoing regional minister cautioned that if reports based on hatred of a person persist, it could deter individuals from entering into politics.
“As politicians, if you guys [media] are going to continue this way, I am sure it will come to a point that nobody will want to become a politician,” he pleaded.
Mr. Yakubu took over from Tangoba Abayage in February 2021 as the Upper East Regional Minister. On April 5, President Akufo-Addo reassigned him to the Upper West Region and moved his counterpart, Hafiz Bin Salih, from the Upper West Region to the Upper East Region with immediate effect.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has expressed its disappointment and condemnation of the Government of Ghana’s recent decision to approve the commercialization of 14 novel Genetically Modified (GM) products. The approval, which was granted through the National Biosafety Authority (NBA), includes 8 maize and 6 soybean products, sparking concerns among farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
In a press release issued by the National President of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Wepia Addo Awal Adugwala, the organization strongly denounced the government’s interest in promoting the agenda of multinational seed companies through their agents in Ghana. The Association raised alarm over the potential risks and consequences associated with the adoption of GM crops, emphasizing the need for caution and thorough scrutiny before introducing such products into the agricultural sector.
The Peasant Farmers Association demanded an immediate response and assurance from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) that the inputs to be supplied under the ongoing Planting for Food and Jobs phase 2 shall not include these GM varieties. The Association urged MOFA to prioritize the interests and concerns of small-scale farmers and ensure that their livelihoods are not jeopardized by the introduction of genetically modified seeds.
Furthermore, the Association called on all its members to reject any GMO seeds that will be supplied by any company, individual, or government. It emphasized the importance of preserving traditional farming practices and protecting the integrity of Ghana’s agricultural heritage.
The decision to commercialize GM products has ignited a debate within the agricultural community, with proponents highlighting potential benefits such as increased crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases. However, the Association wants the government to assist farmers with marketing instead of advocating for the adoption of “laboratory seeds that come with serious negative implications on health, the economy, and the environment.”
World Vision Ghana will roll out an ambitious project in April to accelerate Ghana’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The project, dubbed “Transforming Household Resilience in Vulnerable Environments (THRIVE),” is envisioned to build secure and resilient livelihoods in the poorest communities in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, and Savannah regions of Ghana.
This project will fill gaps left by several livelihood and income-generation interventions and will address critical issues such as poverty, access to financial services, hunger, and malnutrition, among others.
Through collaborative efforts with local communities and partners, the THIVE project will tackle seven of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to accelerate their achievements.
The hope is to create an environment that will accelerate access to sustainable livelihoods, promote economic growth, and create a social environment that ensures the safety and protection of all children.
The Northern Regional Operations Manager for World Vision Ghana, Francis Gumah, hinted at this when he addressed some selected community champions for Savings for Transformation (S4T) and staff of World Vision Ghana at the digitalization of Savings for Transformation workshop held in Tamale.
He said, “Thrive was developed to expand essential livelihood services to better the lives of the most vulnerable children in the most deprived communities in northern Ghana.”
The manager said the THRIVE project affirms World Vision Ghana’s commitment to eliminating the root causes of poverty and injustice that affect children. World Vision Ghana strives to create an environment that enables children and their families to thrive.
“This project will focus on promoting sustainable and inclusive livelihoods, economic growth, and a social environment that ensures the safety and protection of all children,” he added.
The THRIVE project, funded by World Vision United States of America, is part of World Vision Ghana’s five-year strategic development plan, which seeks to address the basic needs of 3.3 million children, their families, and communities, including WASH, education, child protection, and nutrition.
The project manager, Justice Azare Atiiga, said the project will be implemented in Zabzugu, Bawku West, Garu, Builsa South, Wa West, East Gonja, Bodi, and Kassena Nankana West, among others.
The project will increase access to finance through fast loans, as well as introduce profitable and sustainable enterprises to ensure households’ income security.
THRIVE intends to reach out to 246,000 households, approximately 1.7 million people directly and 1,078,000 indirectly, by 2030. The project also targets 644,000 adolescents and disabled persons directly and 93,800 indirectly for transformation.
World Vision Ghana is a child-focused humanitarian, relief, and emergency organisation that seeks to transform the lives of the most vulnerable children, families, and communities.
It does this through four transformative technical programming areas: health and nutrition (HEAL), livelihood and family and environment (life), reading improvement in education (RISE), and child protection and advocacy.
