The District Chief Executive for Atiwa West District Assembly in the Eastern Region, Paddy Amponsah Douglas says the free Senior High School flagship has made Junior High School attractive to Ghanaian children.

According to him, the implementation of the FSHS policy has increased the number of candidates who sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) since 2017 to date.

This is because once they obtain good grades the probability of being enrolled in the SHS is assured, unlike the erstwhile NDC government where parents have to sell their properties to finance their ward’s education.

Amponsah Douglas mentioned that one amazing thing about the FSHS education is the addition of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program beyond students only offering reading courses.

“So before they graduate from the SHS or SHTS they will be having their handiwork and with that, they don’t become a burden to society after their graduation; hence every Parent in Ghana is taking their children to school to become the breadwinner of the family in future,” he stressed.

The Atiwa West DCE was speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH when he toured all 4 BECE centers in the district to motivate them to come out with flying colours.

“Government has invested heavily in TEVET and STEM so I will entreat all parents to allow their wards who have an interest in that course to pursue it,” he opined.

Paddy Amponsah Douglas said that there is a STEM School in his District and they have four Nigerian students who are there studying because the world is going digital that is why parents need to allow their children who have an interest in those programs to read it in school because it comes with a huge sums of money.

Speaking to Kingdom News, some of the BECE candidates described the ongoing exercise smoothly and strongly believe that they will surely smile after the outcome.

According to them, their quest of being beneficial to the FSHS education is unchanged to become great persons in the future.

In total, 1,397 candidates registered for the 2024 BECE in the area, 29 of them were absent leaving 1,368 candidates on the battlefield participating in this year’s exams in the Atiwa West District Assembly.

At least, 53,624 sat for the exams in the region comprising 26,829 boys and 26, 435 girls.

John Kwasi Osafo, the Director of Education for the District noted that he assumed office in 2021, and the performance of the students in the area for the past 3 years is very encouraging.

“In 2021 they had 67.7%, as against 75% and 78 pass mark respectively in 2022 and 2023 but have targeted to get 80% pass mark in 2024,” he stated.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Eastern Regional Organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hackman Kabore says the party is extremely excited over the incumbent governments’ ticket in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, outdoored the latter as running mate to the Dr. Bawumia candidacy.

Reacting to the development, the NDC organizer commended the leadership of the NPP for the choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to partner the flagbearer ahead of the 2024 general elections.

According to Kabore, the ticket of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and NAPO will make the work of the NDC easy in winning the 2024 election.

In his view, the year’s election will be based on ‘character against character’.

“Comparatively, the difference between John Mahama and Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s tickets and Bawumia-Opoku Prempeh’s is very huge because Ghanaians won’t make the mistake of entrusting the country into the hands of liars instead they will be entrusted their destiny into the hands of someone who think about implementing good programs and policies to better their future.”

Mr. Kabore added Ghanaians can attest to the fact that it is only John Mahama and Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s ticket who can run and manage the affairs of the country better than Dr. Bawumia and Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

He believes the tickets of the NPP are what he described as a “bunch of failures,” who have nothing new to offer Ghanaians.

“So apart from Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the NPP didn’t get any qualified personnel to lead them into the December 7 polls?” He asked.

He furthered that both running mates for the NDC and NPP were once Educational Ministers thus the contributions to the sector can be attested by every citizen.

Hackman Kabore made this known to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH following the outdooring of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh in Kumasi.

He also argued that under the leadership of Dr. Opoku Prempeh as Education Minister, the only feat as his achievement was “turning the Free SHS policy tot tot like drinking spot” due to short term periods spent in school by the students. He noted that the practice does not help teaching and learning.

“President Akufo Addo and his NPP government have deteriorated the Senior High Schools despite the Free SHS policy but all hope is not lost because John Dramani Mahama is coming back in 2025 as President to make it attractive again because he began the free SHS education with the day students,” he concluded.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Education Director for Atiwa East District Assembly in the Eastern Region, Pearl Acquah has praised the Member Of Parliament (MP) of the area, Abena Osei-Asare for her commitment to education.

Her commendation followed the MP’s gesture of presenting 600 mono desks to the Atiwa East Educational Directorate to be distributed among some 20 schools in the district to enhance teaching and learning.

According to Pearl Acquah, some schools in the country lack desks for the pupils to sit on, a situation which compels the learners to sit on the floor to write.

However, she noted that the narrative in Atiwa East is different because they have an indefatigable MP who has education as a priority and also has the welfare of the learners at heart.

The Atiwa East Education Director further stated that Abena Osei-Asare is doing everything possible to support education when it comes to logistics, thus providing laptops, mono desks and just to mention a few.

Madam Abena Osei-Asare on Monday, June 8, 2024, toured some BECE centers in the area where she interacted with the candidates and urged them to ensure they understood every single question they tackled to be able to answer and score better results.

The MP who doubles as the Minister of State in charge of Finance mentioned that the educational infrastructure being put in place by the New Patriotic Party’s government has transformed the education sector and also motivating the teachers in her constituency has helped the pupils in the area to perform excellently in the BECE for the past 3 years in the region.

“The NPP government is committed to education; hence implementing the free SHS to give hope to JHS graduates whose parents don’t have money to be enrolled in SHS to become prominent persons in the country,” she told Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH.

Madam Osei-Asare stated that the 600 mono desks presented to the Atiwa East Educational Directorate will help the pupils from the beneficial schools to have peace of mind to learn and also be punctual at school.

There are 56 schools in the District and 1,614 candidates sitting for the 2024 exams in the District, meanwhile, 53, 264 sit for the exams in the Region which comprises 26, 829 boys and 26, 435 girls.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com

The Director for International Precious Metals Bullion (IPMB) in Africa, Ohene Danquah Agyeman Duah has revealed that the company is set to construct 50 mechanized boreholes for residents in Kyebi Afiesa and its surrounding communities.

This philanthropic work followed the detrimental effects of mining activities on the local water sources leading to the deterioration of water quality that adversely impacted the well-being of the inhabitants in the area.

According to Ohene Agyeman Duah, these proactive steps taken by the IPMB would help solve the water scarcity issue and enhance the quality of life of the people of Africa and its neighboring areas.

The African director for IPMB who doubles as the Founder and Chairman of the Aristocrats Fraternity made this known when they visited and joined Afiesahene, Ortafregya Agyeman Kumaning to observe the Akwasidae celebration.

Ohene Danquah Agyeman Duah revealed that these water projects have been deliberated upon at the international level and have been endorsed by the Chief Executive Officer of the International Precious Metals Bullion, John Vakis, indicating that works will commence soon to enable the residents in the area to get hygienic water for their daily activities.

On behalf of the Afiesaman, Ortafregya Agyeman Kumaning thanked the leadership of IPMB for the steps taken to construct 50 mechanized boreholes for the entire community.

He stressed that when these projects are completed many people will benefit from it and will help them to stay healthy.

Ortafregya Kumaning furthered by saying, that anybody who gives you water has given you life because water plays a crucial role in our daily lives; hence the Nanaanom of Kyebi Afiesa will remember them their prayers for their work to grow from Grace to Grace to be able to assist other communities that also needed support.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has named a multipurpose office complex in the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong after a former Moderator of the Church, Very Reverend Professor Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante.

The naming of the four-story multipurpose office complex was done by the current Moderator of the Church, Right Rev.  Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, and other leaders of the Church.

The gesture is in line with his good service to the church and the country during his time at the post.

Professor Obiri Mante who then became the 18th Moderator of the Church served from 2018 to 2023 and has been the Council Chairman for Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong for over 10 years and led the transition of the College from Teacher Training College to a Tertiary Institution.

The Governing Council of the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong-Akuapem, in consultation with the Council of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, agreed to name the 4 – Storey Lecture Halls, ICT Centre, Labs, Library and Offices Facility Complex in honour of the Very Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, PhD the Immediate Past Moderator of the General Assembly of PCG.

Speaking to Kingdom News, Rt. Rev. Nana Opare Kwakye said during the administration of the former moderator, he masterminded many projects, so the entire Church together with the college community saw the need to honor his hard work to encourage others to follow suit.

For his part, Very Rev. Professor Joseph Mante indicated that he was amazed when he heard the news that the Church was going to name after him a facility, expressing that the gesture meant a lot to him and his family.

He further thanked the Church and the leadership of the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong for the honor done him.

He advised those with positions heading organisations or institutions in the country to ensure they are up to their task by discharging their duties as deemed them to leave a good legacy for future recognition.

The Principal of the Presbyterian College of Education, Akropong, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Apreh Saiw underscores the importance of the college to recognize the efforts of the pacesetters who served and contributed to the growth of the College since its establishment in 1848 and the Church as well.

Hence, he said, called for the honor of Professor Yeboah Mante.

The College had its 3rd edition of the heritage celebration and the program was proposed by the former Moderator of the Church, Very Reverend Prof. Mante, aimed at lecturing students about the need to embrace and preserve the Ghanaian tradition and culture.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Constituency in the Eastern Region, Abena Osei-Asare has distributed mathematical sets and pens to the candidates of the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the area.

The presentation was done on her behalf by the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atiwa East District, Kwabena Panin Nkansah.

Speaking after the presentation, the DCE was full of praises to the MP for her gesture since 2012.

“We have 56 schools in the District and 1, 614 candidates sit for the 2024 exams” he added.

He pointed out that the supportive gesture of the MP has been instrumental in aiding Atiwa East to stand tall among all the 33 Municipal and District Assemblies in the Region in terms of performance.

He mentioned that in the 2021 BECE, they placed second and subsequently secured the 1st positions in both 2022 and 2023 respectively.

With this, he contended that 2024 will be distinctive to maintain their position in the rankings.

Mr. Nkansah while speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN OBOH revealed that the secret behind their outstanding performance is the Assembly’s collaboration with their MP in providing the necessary learning materials to the students and the motivation of teachers as well.

In conclusion, he stated that measures being put in place for the pupils in the district have helped them to get their top-notch preferred SHS in the country to attend after graduating from the Basic School.

He then advised them to learn hard to protect the legacy of their predecessors and make Atiwa East proud.

At least 53, 264 candidates in the Eastern Region are expected to sit for the 2024 BECE.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Gifty Twum Ampofo has presented over 1000 mathematical sets to the Education directorate to distribute to candidates who will sit for the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination.

Speaking after the presentation, Gifty Twum Ampofo noted she has been embarking on such a gesture since she became the member of parliament of the area.

1,508 candidates drawn from 59 Schools both Public and Individual are sitting for the 2024 BECE in the area, and each candidate is to get two mathematical sets to assist them in the long week exercise.

Madam Twum Ampofo noted that most candidates do not get the necessary motivation and encouragement needed from their parents.

Therefore, she uses the occasion to motivate them and assure them of her continuous support to further their education to the Senior High School level.

“Usually, when they [candidates] go to the exams room they borrowed mathematical sets from their colleagues but with these everybody would be focused and do independent work which will help them to come out with good scores.

“We don’t give the mathematical sets to the teachers to do the distributions but rather we do it ourselves to also use the opportunity to motivate and wish them success in the exams since this gesture ginger them to improve their performance,” she said further.

The Abuakwa North MP reminded the BECE candidates that President Akufo Addo and the Ministry of Education love them, hence implementing the Free Senior High School policy to enable them to have a good future.

Receiving the items, the Education Director for Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, Grace Adza-Awude thanked the MP on behalf of the candidates for her kind gesture.

She stated that, in the 2023 BECE, the children had 76% pass marks in all the subjects and she is hopeful that they will improve it to 80% and more.

The 2024 BECE is slated for Monday, July 8 and over 53,000 candidates sit for the exams in the Eastern Region.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source//Obohnewsonline.com.

Legendary Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame, known for his thought-provoking lyrics and fusion of African cultural elements in his music videos, shared his insights on the intersection of art, culture, and identity in a class lecture organized by Daniel Obeng Acquah, a lecturer at the Department of Integrated Social Sciences, UniMAC-IJ, for his Introduction to African World and Development class.

The lecture focused on Okyeame Kwame’s recent music video, “No Competition,” featuring Kwame Eugene, which showcases vibrant African cultural heritage and symbolism. Okyeame Kwame broke down the inspiration behind the song and video, highlighting the importance ofg celebrating and preserving African culture in modern art.

Through his presentation, Okyeame Kwame demonstrated how art can serve as a powerful tool for cultural expression and education. He encouraged students to embrace their cultural roots and explore ways to incorporate traditional elements into their creative pursuits.

The lecture was followed by an engaging session, where students had the opportunity to ask Okyeame Kwame about his creative process, cultural influences, and experiences as a musician. Daniel Obeng Acquah was optimistic that the lecture would instill in the students the spirit of African values and African consciousness. He admonished the Ghana Commission on Culture to be more proactive in issues concerning African and Ghanaian cultural issues.

Present at the lecture was Dr. Daniel Odoom, the Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Social Sciences. He shared his insights and urged other musicians to emulate Okyeame Kwame’s art to promote African culture.

Okyeame Kwame’s visit and the valuable insights he shared are a testament to the significance of cultural exchange and the role of art in shaping our understanding of the world around us. Okyeame Kwame is a celebrated and award-winning artiste known for hit songs like “Made in Ghana,” “Masan Aba,” “Bolgatanga Girl,” among other hit songs.

By// Nana Kwasi Asare.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com

The Member of Parliament for Fanteakwa South Constituency in the Eastern Region, Kofi Okyere Agyekum has entreated Ghanaians to be nice to the National Democratic Congress by retaining them in opposition in the December 7 polls.

Arafat, as popularly called revealed that the flagbearer of NDC, former President John Mahama said if he had 2 billion Ghana Cedis he would not invest it into the free Senior High School Education and their actions show that if they come to power again, they will abrogate it.

According to him, Free Senior High School Education is being funded by the country’s natural resources and every Ghanaian child must benefit from it; hence trying to enact a law to bind any government that will come to power to stake with it.

“But the Minority caucus in Parliament say they won’t accept it and this shows they don’t think about the future of the children in the country,” he mentioned.

Kofi Agyekum told Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH during the sod cutting for the construction of a 6-unit classroom block with the headteacher’s office and 6 water closet toilet facilities for Hemang D/A Primary School.

Kofi Okyere Agyekum added that indirectly, the Flagbearer of the NDC has told Ghanaians that he was not in support of the Free SHS flagship program, therefore when entrusted this country under their care in 2025 they would trash it into the dustbin so we must make a wise decision in December 7 polls to retain New Patriotic Party in power to protect it.

The District Chief Executive for Fanteakwa South District Assembly, Ernest Ofosu mentioned that projects have taken place in all the schools in Hemang under the NPP administration in the past 16 years including other infrastructure projects, and have to reward them in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

“We will monitor closely the results NPP will pull out from Hemang because that’s the hometown of their Parliamentary Candidate, Duke Ofori-Atta because NDC doesn’t deserve to get a single vote in the community.

Furthermore, the Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency, Duke Ofori-Atta praised his MP, Kofi Agyekum for his good work and promised to work hand in hand with him to transform Fanteakwa South if he succeeded him as the Member of Parliament in 2025.

He then advised the schoolchildren to take their studies seriously especially, those from Hemang because the NPP government led by President Akufo Addo wants to give them a better future; hence the implementation of the FSHS education flagship program.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline.com.

The Communication Berau of the New Patriotic Party in the Abuakwa North Constituency of the Eastern Region has hit back at the running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Professor Jane Opoku-Agyemang over comments made about the flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) education.

The NDC’s running mate, during her tour of the Abuakwa North on June 26, 2024, amid visiting and consoling the fire victims of the Young Women Christian Association Palm Oil Extraction Factory, claims the erstwhile NDC government implemented the Free Senior High School policy before leaving office in 2017.

Addressing the media in a press conference held at the party’s office in Akim Kukurantumi on Sunday, June 30, the Communication Director for the Constituency, Stephen Osei Wusu, debunked the statement made by the NDC’s running mate.

She also advised her to abstain from deceiving Ghanaians, especially residents of Abuakwa North by claiming ownership of the policy implementation.

He said that during her days as Minister of Education, the NDC promised to pay Gh¢34.00 as school fees for all the day students for the 2014 and 2015 academic year but they failed.

Osei Wusu stated that it took Matthew Opoku Prempeh and President Akufo Addo to clear that debt in 2017 before finally implementing the Free Senior High School (FSHS) education policy to enable every Ghanaian child to have access to education without any stress.

“Let me again remind Prof. Naana Opoku-Agyemang that during her time as Education Minister, the late Vice President, Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur’s wife, Matilda Arthur came to Kukurantumi Presbyterian Primary School and the headmistress of the school pleaded with her to try and get them chalk and she told her she won’t give them any chalk, this indicated there was a shortage of chalk under her administration and such person doesn’t deserve to talk about the Free Senior High School education because she has no idea about how it came into existence.

Our Member of Parliament, Gifty Twum Ampofo is committed to education; hence constructing more classroom blocks in the Constituency to enable the children in the area to go to school and become good leaders for the country,” he added

Osei Wusu emphatically stated that during the NDC’s regime, none of the Senior High Schools in the constituency had a bicycle but when the NPP government came to power, Gifty Twum Ampofo lobbied for brand new pickups and 64-seater buses for all the the schools, namely; Ofori Panin SHS, Savior SHS, W.B.M Zion SHS and St. Paul Technical Institute.

“We have an indefatigable Member of Parliament who is visible 24/7 and one thing about her is that in all the educational infrastructure projects she has executed, she involved the Akyem Tafohene, Daasebre Adusei Peasah,” he noted.

By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.

Source// Obohnewsonline. com