Day: March 25, 2024

Under the review, approval and direction of Dr. Edwin Alfred N.O Provencal, chairman of the GITFiC-AfCFTA Tertiary Students Club, a team of respected and intellectual subject-related academicians, from some tertiary institutions in Ghana have been constituted to draft courses to integrate the AfCFTA into Africa’s Tertiary Education Curriculum.

This mandate has become necessary considering several calls from member states, public and private actors within the trade space of Africa’s economies to the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference – GITFiC.

A statement signed by Mr Selasi Kofi Ackom, Chief Executive Officer of GITFiC and copied to the Ghana News Agency said After successfully inaugurating the AfCFTA Tertiary Students Clubs in four of Ghana’s prime tertiary institutions namely; University of Ghana, All Nations University, University for Development Studies and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science of Technology, the call became daunting to charter the path and as always lead the direction i
n making this happen.

It said the constituted team of consultants included Prof. Festus Ebo Turkson – Associate Professor and Development Economist, Department of Economics, University of Ghana, Dr. Deodat E. Adenutsi – Senior Lecturer, Ho Technical University, Dr. Ellis Akwaa-Sekyi – Lecturer, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Brako – Lecturer, All Nations University, Mr. King Effah-Nkyi, Trade Investigation Officer – Trade Commission, Mr. Gerald Ekow Woode – Director for Research Policy and Advocacy, Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference.

The statement said the final presentation of the draft course would be marked with a small ceremony and submitted to various universities across ratified member states for onward submission to their various state actors and curriculum assessment units for review, evaluate and approve into their various course for studies.

‘The significance of incorporating AfCFTA into tertiary education, elucidate the objectives of the proposed mo
dule, and underscore the critical role of universities as catalysts for knowledge dissemination and capacity building in support of regional integration and sustainable development agendas. Through this initiative of ours, we aspire to nurture a generation of forward-thinking leaders equipped to shape Africa’s economic future and leverage the AfCFTA as a catalyst for inclusive growth and prosperity. With a shared commitment to advancing youth empowerment and education, we at the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference – GITFiC seek to endeavor the transformative potential of AfCFTA and pave the way for a more prosperous and integrated Africa’.

On the objectives of the integration, the statement said it would equip students pursuing education degrees in various disciplines with a comprehensive understanding of AfCFTA’s principles, objectives, and implications and foster an informed participation and leadership among students in the evolving landscape of international trade.

‘To encourage critical
thinking, problem-solving, and policy analysis skills essential for addressing the challenges and maximizing the opportunities associated with AfCFTA implementation.

‘To underscore the role of universities as catalysts for knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and policy advocacy in support of regional integration and sustainable development agendas’.

On its significance, he was meant to grasp Fundamental Concepts: Introduce the AfCFTA as a subject and enable students to grasp the fundamental concepts and principles underpinning regional integration and economic cooperation among African nations. They can explore topics such as trade liberalization, tariff reductions, market access, and regulatory harmonization, gaining insights into the mechanisms driving intra-African trade and economic development.

‘Analyzing Socio-Economic Impacts: It empowers students to analyze and evaluate the potential socio-economic impacts of the agreement within the context of their respective countries and regions. This i
nterdisciplinary approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for addressing the challenges and maximizing the opportunities associated with AfCFTA implementation.’

The statement said the module underscored the role of universities as catalysts for knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and policy advocacy in support of regional integration and sustainable development agendas.

‘ Tertiary institutions contribute to shaping a cadre of future leaders, policymakers, and practitioners equipped to navigate the complexities of global trade governance and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s socio-economic transformation’.

The establishment of these clubs on tertiary campuses in Africa marks a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of fostering deeper engagement and understanding of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

With the AfCFTA poised to reshape Africa’s economic landscape, it is imperative that academia plays a pivotal role in analyzing, in
terpreting, and advocating for its implications.

The GITFiC AfCFTA Tertiary Students Club serves as a platform for students, faculty members, and researchers to convene, deliberate, inform, sensitize and collaborate on issues pertaining to regional integration, trade policies, economic development, and related themes within the context of the AfCFTA. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the club aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of the AfCFTA, encompassing trade dynamics, legal frameworks, socio-economic impacts, and opportunities for sustainable growth across African countries.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ensign Global College, a world-class academic institution, has received accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) to run a Master of Public Health (MPH) Programme.

CEPH is an independent agency recognised by the United States Department of Education that accredits higher education-based public health schools and programmes.

Ensign Global College is the first African-based institution to receive accreditation to reward masters in public health from the Council.

The achievement underscores Ensign Global College’s commitment to excellence in global public health education and sets a new standard for academic achievement on the African continent.

The accreditation process, spanning approximately three years from initial application to decision, involved detailed evaluation and adherence to internationally recognised, rigorous standards.

Professor Stephen Alder, President of Ensign Global College, expressed excitement having reached that milestone as the first African institution to
attain preeminent recognition of adherence to the highest academic standards.

‘This is in alignment with our mission to educate professionals and scholars who have attained the highest levels of public health competence,’ he said in a news brief.

Professor Alder said the accreditation would not only ensure the quality of the College’s Master of Public Health programme, but also open doors for students and alumni to pursue career opportunities, professional certifications, and educational opportunities that prioritised graduates with CEPH-accredited degrees.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Management of Manya Krobo Rural Bank has provided 200 bags of cement to Our Lady of Fatimah School at Kpong, in the Eastern Region, as part of its commitment to improving educational infrastructure.

Mr Patrick Amanor Buckor, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank, accompanied by some board members, management, and staff, donated the cement to help pave the school’s compound.

The cement was delivered to the school’s administration, led by Rev. Sister Paulina Osei, the Headmistress.

Mr Buckor said the gift symbolised the Bank’s recognition of the special commercial cooperation shared with the school.

‘The Manya Krobo Rural Bank regards the school as a valued client. As a bank, we thought it wise to do something special to make sure the school is paved quickly and on time as part of our values…’

He explained that a few weeks ago, the school requested assistance for the pavement of the compound to make it look more attractive.

‘Since they are our partners, we believe we must get close to the
customers and support them so that the burden won’t be on them alone.’

He emphasised the role education played in the advancement of society and promised to keep working with the school to make the benefits of education visible.

On behalf of the entire Our Lady of Fatima School fraternity, Rev. Sister. Osei commended the board and management of the bank for considering their request.

She said the rains often turned the compound into a muddy mess, making it challenging for both staff and pupils to navigate.

‘Due to this circumstance, we reached out to the bank, making a heartfelt plea for assistance in paving the property, and our request was graciously approved.’

She implored the financial institution’s management to persist in their support for partners, pointing out the positive impact it had on the nation’s development.

Source: Ghana News Agency

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given an outlook of the benefits Ghana is to derive from its digitilisation in education as the Government resources students with tablet computers.

Some 1.3 million Senior High School (SHS) students are billed to receive a tablet each under the ‘One Student, One Tablet’ initiative being implemented under the Ghana Smart Schools Project.

The President, speaking at the launch of the Project in Accra, said the devices fitted with digital contents to aid research, teaching and learning, aimed at making the students technically-inclined.

The overarching objective is to equip the students with state-of-the-art learning tools to be empowered to compete globally.

He said the nation was on the trajectory to making her educational space more attractive, well-resourced and scientific in line with the 21st Century and Fourth Industrial Revolution demands.

Therefore, the huge investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as well as technical
and vocational training, is in line with the vision to transform the educational sector.

‘Government continues to seek innovative ways to boost further the ‘Free SHS’ policy.

‘As we gather here today, let us reflect on the crucial role education plays in shaping the destiny of our nation. Indeed, education is at the centre of poverty eradication,’ he stated.

President Nana Akufo-Addo said in pursuance of his Administration’s policy, the next phase of the ‘Free SHS’ policy would be propelled by digitalisation to enhance online and offline teaching and learning experience.

At the tertiary level, the Government intended to provide at a discounted price, tablets and laptops to students and lecturers to facilitate academic work, he hinted.

The President, justifying the massive resources pumped into educational development, stated that more than 500, 000 children entered the SHS this academic year – the highest ever enrolment of children into SHS in a single year in the nation’s history.

A substantial number
of Ghanaian children running into millions, have so far benefitted from the SHS policy since its inception in 2017.

‘The considerable budgetary allocation within the period totaling some 12.8 billion Cedis, amply demonstrates the sheer determination by the Akufo-Addo-led Government to ensure that education becomes a catalyst around which the future transformation of our nation will revolve,’ President Nana Akufo-Addo noted.

On the Ghana Smart Schools Project, he disclosed that the Government was constructing 100 educational facilities across the country, of which 30 were expected to be completed this year.

The schools will be provided with solar panels and digitalised infrastructure.

This is to enhance teaching and learning for transformative and futuristic education.

The President was optimistic that with the plans being put in place, the schools would be turned into hubs of innovation and creativity.

Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, said the future of Ghana in terms of educational developme
nt could not have been better as being witnessed currently.

‘Education changes the fortunes of nations,’ he stated, noting that the Ministry had stepped up efforts to ensure that the nation achieved the Sustainable Development Goals on education within the stipulated period.

‘We have only six years to achieve inclusive and equitable education for all,’ he stressed, and lauded the President for his determination to see to the realisation of the nation’s agenda.

In attendance at the programme was the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumiah, educationists and technocrats, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Techire Senior High School (SHS) in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region has appealed for the expansion of physical infrastructure, to increase student admissions as beneficiaries of the free SHS programme.

Mrs Shallot Crentsil, the Headmistress, said the school was relocating from its old site to enable it to admit more students, because the environment at the old site was no longer conducive for academic work.

She said this was because the site is now at the center of the Techire town, and the few classroom blocks could no longer accommodate the growing student population too.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Techire, a mining community, the Headmistress said the school needed male and female dormitories.

The dormitories would effectively position the school to admit more students from elsewhere, Mrs Crentsil stated, and expressed worry that students from other places were provided with rented accommodation due to the lack of dormitories, which was also a contributory f
actor to indiscipline.

Mrs Crentsil said besides this the school’s population was not growing as expected due to the lack of proper boarding facilities.

That notwithstanding, its academic performance had improved, she said, but regretted that several students placed at the school refused admission because of the lack of some academic facilities.

She said the school had only 270 students and needed a science and computer laboratory too to advance the study of ICT.

Mrs Crenstil said the school was relocating from its old site and expressed appreciation to the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), for constructing a three-storey classroom block, an administration block and a bulk water supply facility.

These projects were about 90 per cent complete, she stated, and commended the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) for putting up a 12-unit classroom block and a 12-seater toilet, which were 60 and 90 per cent complete respectively.

Mrs Crentsil said the school needed a boarding status, teachers’ qua
rters, an infirmary and a standard library.

She said the government absorbed the school in 2019, after operating as a private school for some years.

Source: Ghana News Agency