Accra, June 22, GNA - The Private Universities Students Association of Ghana (PUSAG) has said any official of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) found liable over the leakage of this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) questions must be punished.
The Association said the leakage threatened to undermine the credibility of the nation’s educational system.
Monday, June 22, 2015
GNAT appeals for long preparation time for BECE candidates
Accra, June 20, GNA – Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has appealed to West African Examination Council to give the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates ample time to overcome the psychological trauma to prepare for the re-scheduled examination.
GNAT is advocating enough and better time than June 29 and June 30 given by the Council for preparation because the nation does not have enough counsellors in the school system to offer the necessary support systems that would bring the affected students back to normalcy.
A statement in Accra and signed by Mr V. V. K. Demanya, Acting General Secretary of GNAT, indicated that it is the conviction of the Association that the Bureau of National Investigations which has been assigned the duty to earthen the culprits would live up to expectation.
“GNAT hopes that all persons in the chain of the examination processes will avail themselves to the investigators for a thorough work to be done.
“All those found to have compromised their positions in this year’s BECE should bow down their heads in shame for causing unwarranted mess in the country.”
The statement noted that the perpetrators caused the problem because of their selfish ends and the law should deal with them appropriately.
It said the Association one of the reasons for this kind of behaviour might be the moral breakdown which has resulted in all manner of corrupt practices.
Members urged the Government to start looking at the educational system again to find lasting solutions to it.
“The number of papers written in BECE is too many and we need to take another look at this situation.”
The Association noted that it is the hope of members that the pupils and teachers would be strengthened as they go through the challenging times.
Source: GNA
GNAT is advocating enough and better time than June 29 and June 30 given by the Council for preparation because the nation does not have enough counsellors in the school system to offer the necessary support systems that would bring the affected students back to normalcy.
A statement in Accra and signed by Mr V. V. K. Demanya, Acting General Secretary of GNAT, indicated that it is the conviction of the Association that the Bureau of National Investigations which has been assigned the duty to earthen the culprits would live up to expectation.
“GNAT hopes that all persons in the chain of the examination processes will avail themselves to the investigators for a thorough work to be done.
“All those found to have compromised their positions in this year’s BECE should bow down their heads in shame for causing unwarranted mess in the country.”
The statement noted that the perpetrators caused the problem because of their selfish ends and the law should deal with them appropriately.
It said the Association one of the reasons for this kind of behaviour might be the moral breakdown which has resulted in all manner of corrupt practices.
Members urged the Government to start looking at the educational system again to find lasting solutions to it.
“The number of papers written in BECE is too many and we need to take another look at this situation.”
The Association noted that it is the hope of members that the pupils and teachers would be strengthened as they go through the challenging times.
Source: GNA
Takoradi Polytechnic develops software for industrial liaison unit
Takoradi, June 19, GNA - The Takoradi Polytechnic Industrial Liaison Office has adopted a software platform to help the department strengthen its database and monitor its relationship and with stakeholders.
The software (T’poly Industrial Liaison Portal) developed by TPCONNECT – an in-house research team, has also been tasked to undertake projects aimed at using information technology to aid in meeting the objectives of the polytechnic.
Mr Kow Panyin Nketsia-Richard, Polytechnic Relations Officers told Ghana News Agency that steps are being taken to make the polytechnic business processes more effective and efficient.
He said the team has been undertaking feasibility studies and gathering inputs from various stakeholders and departmental units to have a very robust database for the school.
Mr Timothy Simpson, Project Manager, said the system could be accessed online and via the Takoradi Polytechnic main website adding: “Students can now be able to obtain and print their attachment letters online.”
The new system according to him has the ability to generate several reports. It could sort out students by name, location, company, programme and department as well as any other report when needed.
Mr Simpson said the online portal would be maintained by the ICT Services Department, adding that the system could be customised for any institution upon request.
“We have plans of having an intranet platform (internal network) where students, lecturers, administrative staff and unit heads can have access to the Polytechnic Online Services based on their access rights and level of responsibility,” he said.
The student portal could be accessed via the website link: .liaison.tpoly.edu.gh.
Source: GNA
The software (T’poly Industrial Liaison Portal) developed by TPCONNECT – an in-house research team, has also been tasked to undertake projects aimed at using information technology to aid in meeting the objectives of the polytechnic.
Mr Kow Panyin Nketsia-Richard, Polytechnic Relations Officers told Ghana News Agency that steps are being taken to make the polytechnic business processes more effective and efficient.
He said the team has been undertaking feasibility studies and gathering inputs from various stakeholders and departmental units to have a very robust database for the school.
Mr Timothy Simpson, Project Manager, said the system could be accessed online and via the Takoradi Polytechnic main website adding: “Students can now be able to obtain and print their attachment letters online.”
The new system according to him has the ability to generate several reports. It could sort out students by name, location, company, programme and department as well as any other report when needed.
Mr Simpson said the online portal would be maintained by the ICT Services Department, adding that the system could be customised for any institution upon request.
“We have plans of having an intranet platform (internal network) where students, lecturers, administrative staff and unit heads can have access to the Polytechnic Online Services based on their access rights and level of responsibility,” he said.
The student portal could be accessed via the website link: .liaison.tpoly.edu.gh.
Source: GNA
GES Director-General calls for team work
Accra, June 19, GNA - Mr Jacob A.M. Kor, Acting Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has called for teamwork among stakeholders in education so as to achieve the aspirations of the sector.
Speaking at his maiden meeting with heads of educational institutions and stakeholders in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday, Mr Kor said to achieve the aims of education, stakeholders, including the leadership of the GES, teachers, students, and labour unions, must play their roles effectively.
This, he said, should be done with the best interests of the children and the various stakeholders, while striving to serve them to the best of their ability.
He said leaders must have excellent interpersonal relations with their colleagues if they are to be successful in their roles.
Mr Kor said the most effective way to address some challenges in the sector such as declining performance, was not to apportion blame but to collectively work to address them.
He said there was the need to tackle teacher professionalism by addressing issues of teacher absenteeism, lateness and unpreparedness for teaching since these factors contribute to the student’s poor performance.
Mr Kor urged teachers to desist from the use of indecent language in the classroom and branding of children as their words had an effect on the children saying they should rather encourage the students to succeed.
“We cannot do anything without the support of the stakeholders” he said and tasked the District Directors of Education and heads of schools to respect the inputs of stakeholders like Parent-Teacher Associations, labour unions and community members.”
He said parents as first teachers played an important role in their children’s education and entreated parents to dialogue with teachers and other officials on issues affecting their wards’ education.
“Teaching is a calling like that of reverend fathers or Imams and if we serve the children with love, we will receive blessings and live long on earth. Our reward will be on earth, not in heaven,” Mr Kor said.
He urged students, as stakeholders in education, to be prepared to study with zeal to be able to pass their examinations without having to resort to cheating.
With reference to the cancellation of some papers in the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Exams (BECE), he noted that examination malpractices had become a canker in the sector and signalled the need to re-strategise.
Speaking at his maiden meeting with heads of educational institutions and stakeholders in the Greater Accra Region on Thursday, Mr Kor said to achieve the aims of education, stakeholders, including the leadership of the GES, teachers, students, and labour unions, must play their roles effectively.
This, he said, should be done with the best interests of the children and the various stakeholders, while striving to serve them to the best of their ability.
He said leaders must have excellent interpersonal relations with their colleagues if they are to be successful in their roles.
Mr Kor said the most effective way to address some challenges in the sector such as declining performance, was not to apportion blame but to collectively work to address them.
He said there was the need to tackle teacher professionalism by addressing issues of teacher absenteeism, lateness and unpreparedness for teaching since these factors contribute to the student’s poor performance.
Mr Kor urged teachers to desist from the use of indecent language in the classroom and branding of children as their words had an effect on the children saying they should rather encourage the students to succeed.
“We cannot do anything without the support of the stakeholders” he said and tasked the District Directors of Education and heads of schools to respect the inputs of stakeholders like Parent-Teacher Associations, labour unions and community members.”
He said parents as first teachers played an important role in their children’s education and entreated parents to dialogue with teachers and other officials on issues affecting their wards’ education.
“Teaching is a calling like that of reverend fathers or Imams and if we serve the children with love, we will receive blessings and live long on earth. Our reward will be on earth, not in heaven,” Mr Kor said.
He urged students, as stakeholders in education, to be prepared to study with zeal to be able to pass their examinations without having to resort to cheating.
With reference to the cancellation of some papers in the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Exams (BECE), he noted that examination malpractices had become a canker in the sector and signalled the need to re-strategise.
Source: GNA
Parents asked to send children to school
Gomoa Brofo (C/R) June 19, GNA - Parents who refuse to enroll their children in school should be reported to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for their assistance.
This is because it is the basic right of every child to have access to education, especially the basic one.
Mr Alex Ebo Afful, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District Director of CHRAJ made these remarks at a public forum to mark the “World Day Against Child Labour” at Gomoa Brofo.
The theme for the celebration was: “No Child Labour and Yes to Education.”
It was sponsored by the Gomoa West District Assembly
According to Mr Afful, if a parent found his next door neighbour maltreating a child, he or she should not hesitate to inform the CHRAJ for their intervention.
Mr Afful pointed out that any children not educated would grow to become a burden on society.
Education can, therefore, help to develop the mind even during apprenticeship training, and all aspects of life.
Mr Emmanuel Kwaku Glagoe, Assistant Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES) at Apam, said that caning of school children had not be abolished, but with guidelines attached to it.
He explained that three strokes of the cane could now be administered by a headteacher only.
According to him, caning was not the only punishment that could be given to instil discipline, but other soft punishments could be used.
He said government was doing its best to ensure quality education in schools, and therefore appealed to parents to reciprocate the gesture by providing basic needs to their wards.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee of the programme, Dr Mark Nii Lamptey, said the Day was instituted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Source: GNA
This is because it is the basic right of every child to have access to education, especially the basic one.
Mr Alex Ebo Afful, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District Director of CHRAJ made these remarks at a public forum to mark the “World Day Against Child Labour” at Gomoa Brofo.
The theme for the celebration was: “No Child Labour and Yes to Education.”
It was sponsored by the Gomoa West District Assembly
According to Mr Afful, if a parent found his next door neighbour maltreating a child, he or she should not hesitate to inform the CHRAJ for their intervention.
Mr Afful pointed out that any children not educated would grow to become a burden on society.
Education can, therefore, help to develop the mind even during apprenticeship training, and all aspects of life.
Mr Emmanuel Kwaku Glagoe, Assistant Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES) at Apam, said that caning of school children had not be abolished, but with guidelines attached to it.
He explained that three strokes of the cane could now be administered by a headteacher only.
According to him, caning was not the only punishment that could be given to instil discipline, but other soft punishments could be used.
He said government was doing its best to ensure quality education in schools, and therefore appealed to parents to reciprocate the gesture by providing basic needs to their wards.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee of the programme, Dr Mark Nii Lamptey, said the Day was instituted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Source: GNA
Churches urged to establish more schools
Lume-Atsyame (V/R), June 16, GNA - Most Reverend Francis A.K. Lodonu, Catholic Bishop of Ho, has called on churches to consider establishing more schools in their domain.
He said by doing so, they would be contributing to the transformation of the people.
Bishop Lodonu said this when he inaugurated a nursery and kindergarten block for Lume-Atsyame Roman Catholic Basic School.
The 209,000-Ghana-Cedi facility was sponsored by Kindermissionswerk, an organisation based in Germany.
Bishop Lodonu said it was not enough for churches to concentrate solely on the creation of new branches, but it was important to ensure that the educational needs of the people were met.
He said early churches like the Evangelical Presbyterian and Roman Catholic, knowing the importance of education, established schools for many communities and towns in the Volta Region, adding that this effort must be a sustained.
Bishop Lodonu said, the Ho Diocese of the Catholic Church, for example, has 98 kindergartens, 96 primary schools and 43 junior high schools.
He said such investments could save the country from “religious and moral bankruptcy”.
Source: GNA
He said by doing so, they would be contributing to the transformation of the people.
Bishop Lodonu said this when he inaugurated a nursery and kindergarten block for Lume-Atsyame Roman Catholic Basic School.
The 209,000-Ghana-Cedi facility was sponsored by Kindermissionswerk, an organisation based in Germany.
Bishop Lodonu said it was not enough for churches to concentrate solely on the creation of new branches, but it was important to ensure that the educational needs of the people were met.
He said early churches like the Evangelical Presbyterian and Roman Catholic, knowing the importance of education, established schools for many communities and towns in the Volta Region, adding that this effort must be a sustained.
Bishop Lodonu said, the Ho Diocese of the Catholic Church, for example, has 98 kindergartens, 96 primary schools and 43 junior high schools.
He said such investments could save the country from “religious and moral bankruptcy”.
Source: GNA
GES recommends counselling for BECE candidates
Accra, June 19, GNA - Mr Jacob A.M. Kor, the Acting Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has directed Heads of Basic Schools to organise counselling sessions for candidates in the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
In a statement confirming the cancellation of five papers of the BECE due to the mass leakage of the questions, Mr Kor said the counselling was necessary as some of the candidates may suffer psychological effects due to the cancellation.
He stressed that: “The move would ensure that their confidence does not wane as they continue to write other papers.”
Mr Kor also tasked teachers to ensure that the new dates for re-writing of the cancelled papers - 29th and 30th June - were well communicated to the students and parents in order to avoid any absenteeism.
He also entreated teachers to educate parents on the need to support their children to take away any fears they might be harbouring.
“GES takes the opportunity to apologise to all parents, guardians and candidates for the unfortunate incidence and the inconvenience caused,” he concluded.
The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), on Wednesday, announced the cancellation of five papers in the ongoing BECE, citing massive leakage of examination papers.
The affected papers are English Paper Two, Mathematics Paper Two, Integrated Science, Religious and Moral Education (RME) Paper Two and Social Studies.
In a statement confirming the cancellation of five papers of the BECE due to the mass leakage of the questions, Mr Kor said the counselling was necessary as some of the candidates may suffer psychological effects due to the cancellation.
He stressed that: “The move would ensure that their confidence does not wane as they continue to write other papers.”
Mr Kor also tasked teachers to ensure that the new dates for re-writing of the cancelled papers - 29th and 30th June - were well communicated to the students and parents in order to avoid any absenteeism.
He also entreated teachers to educate parents on the need to support their children to take away any fears they might be harbouring.
“GES takes the opportunity to apologise to all parents, guardians and candidates for the unfortunate incidence and the inconvenience caused,” he concluded.
The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), on Wednesday, announced the cancellation of five papers in the ongoing BECE, citing massive leakage of examination papers.
The affected papers are English Paper Two, Mathematics Paper Two, Integrated Science, Religious and Moral Education (RME) Paper Two and Social Studies.
Source: GNA
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