16-02-10 Sandema Senior High to Benefit from a Mechanized Water System
The Sandema Senior High School at Sandema in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region would soon enjoy a mechanized water system to address the problem of water shortage at the school. This was disclosed by the District Planning officer, Lawrence Webadna Tangyei at the 14th edition of the school’s annual Inter-House Athletic Competition. Mr. Tangyei who gave the assurance in a speech read on behalf of the District Chief Executive, said plans are in progress for the completion of new structures to add up to the few classrooms and dormitories in the school, adding that, the assembly as part of its core mandate to provide and execute some developmental projects for schools in the area, have put in place prudent measures in ensuring that all schools in the area benefits from basic facilities and amenities to enhance the level of academic excellence. The Headmaster of the school, Mr Ababu Afalabi expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the Builsa District Assembly for the supply of exercise books and pens for the school. He also commended the entire teaching staff of the school for enormous contribution towards the development of education in the school and expressed the hope that the school in the coming years will produce some of the best students in the area and the region at large. The Physical Education Co-ordinator, Mr Thomas Awoya urged the sports teachers and students of the school to prepare adequately for this year’s national sports festival schedule to take place in the Northern Region. He commended the headmaster for taking keen interest and steps to the promotion enhancement and achievement of sporting discipline and academics of the school. He advised the students to refrain from promiscuous life styles to prevent them from the deadly HIV/AIDS scourge and other sexually transmitted diseases. Mr Awoya further encouraged the student to go for the voluntary HIV/AIDS test to know their health status. During the school athletics completion, Azantilow house were emerged as the overall winners. Atuga house took the second position whilst Abakisi and Mandela house obtained the third and fourth position respectively.
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Tuesday, 16 February 2010
PROJECT CITIZEN-GHANA
16-02-2010 PROJECT CITIZEN-GHANA
Narration: The annual Upper East “Project Citizen’ Ghana Regional showcase, the second of its kind in the region has taken place at Bolgatanga. The annual learning and research event which is a joint collaboration between the Upper Regional office of the National Commission for Civic Education NCCE and Project Citizen Ghana with support from Hanns Seidel Foundation and Promasidor Ghana Limited was attended by a section of the public, educationists, as well as representatives from the various Junior high school and second cycle institutions in the region. Participants were students from 15 junior and senior high schools in the Bolgatanga municipality. Isaac Asare and Selase Sedzi were there for Radio Ghana and have sent this report.
Report
Fifteen selected schools comprising six second cycle institutions and nine Junior High school drawn from Bolgatanga and its environs, are participating in this year’s Project Ghana Regional showcase competition. It was on the theme: “Consolidating Democracy through Youth Participation”. The National Co-ordinator of Project Citizen, Mrs. Fanny Kumah stated that project citizen Ghana aims at instilling into students the spirit of patriotism, tolerance and democracy through education and school competition. She said the organisation also seeks to equip students with the requisite skills in the area of communication, analytical thinking skills among other related disciplines. Mrs Kuma also noted that the programme which is being spearheaded by NCCE is a civic education programme that cuts across the various educational curricula to influence public policy in solving problems both at school and the communities, adding that the best regional schools would then meet for the national competition whiles prices would be won at each level. Addressing participants the Regional Director of Civic Education, P. H. Mensah recognized the importance of placing special emphasis on the youth in schools as a significant target for civic education informed by the principle of ‘catch them young’. He noted that this aims at educating the students on the skills of citizenship and governance in their formative stage. He stressed that his outfit has introduced a number of programs which include the formation of civic education clubs in schools, constitution game competitions, quizzes and debates in order to achieve the set objective. The Upper East Deputy Regional Minister Lucy Awuni, emphasised that government had put in place the necessary structures to enhance participation in quality of teaching and learning by rehabilitating existing classroom and also providing the needed furniture for all new schools to be constructed. She said the government will continue to promote the STMA clinics in schools to increase the enthusiasm of students in the study of science especially the girl child.
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Narration: The annual Upper East “Project Citizen’ Ghana Regional showcase, the second of its kind in the region has taken place at Bolgatanga. The annual learning and research event which is a joint collaboration between the Upper Regional office of the National Commission for Civic Education NCCE and Project Citizen Ghana with support from Hanns Seidel Foundation and Promasidor Ghana Limited was attended by a section of the public, educationists, as well as representatives from the various Junior high school and second cycle institutions in the region. Participants were students from 15 junior and senior high schools in the Bolgatanga municipality. Isaac Asare and Selase Sedzi were there for Radio Ghana and have sent this report.
Report
Fifteen selected schools comprising six second cycle institutions and nine Junior High school drawn from Bolgatanga and its environs, are participating in this year’s Project Ghana Regional showcase competition. It was on the theme: “Consolidating Democracy through Youth Participation”. The National Co-ordinator of Project Citizen, Mrs. Fanny Kumah stated that project citizen Ghana aims at instilling into students the spirit of patriotism, tolerance and democracy through education and school competition. She said the organisation also seeks to equip students with the requisite skills in the area of communication, analytical thinking skills among other related disciplines. Mrs Kuma also noted that the programme which is being spearheaded by NCCE is a civic education programme that cuts across the various educational curricula to influence public policy in solving problems both at school and the communities, adding that the best regional schools would then meet for the national competition whiles prices would be won at each level. Addressing participants the Regional Director of Civic Education, P. H. Mensah recognized the importance of placing special emphasis on the youth in schools as a significant target for civic education informed by the principle of ‘catch them young’. He noted that this aims at educating the students on the skills of citizenship and governance in their formative stage. He stressed that his outfit has introduced a number of programs which include the formation of civic education clubs in schools, constitution game competitions, quizzes and debates in order to achieve the set objective. The Upper East Deputy Regional Minister Lucy Awuni, emphasised that government had put in place the necessary structures to enhance participation in quality of teaching and learning by rehabilitating existing classroom and also providing the needed furniture for all new schools to be constructed. She said the government will continue to promote the STMA clinics in schools to increase the enthusiasm of students in the study of science especially the girl child.
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Installation of Solar Systems for Health facilities commendable- Dr Awoonor-Williams
2010 Installation of Solar Systems for Health facilities commendable- Dr Awoonor-Williams
The Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, John Koku Awoonor-Williams has commended government’s effort in the provision of Solar PV facilities to health centres across the country. This, initiative by the government, he said, would facilitate the smooth running of the various Community Base Health Care Services (CHPS) compounds manned by health officers and community health nurses at the various localities in the country. Dr Awoonor-Williams made this recommendation at the inauguration of solar systems for remote health facilities at Doninga, a community in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region. Dr Awoonor-Williams noted that the majority of the rural health facilities in the Upper East Region were without energy supply, stressing that the installation of solar facilities which comprises of a vaccine refrigerators, compound and indoor lighting for the centre would help address the problem of unnecessary referrals and even mortality among children under five years. He pointed out that lack of energy supply coupled with the frequent power fluctuation mostly experienced at the various health centres in the region, has grossly affected health care delivery, thereby, contributing to doctors and other health personnel refusal to accept postings to these facilities, particularly, the CHPS compound, where quality and safe health care are delivered at the door step of the people. This, situation, according to Dr Awoonor –Williams also gave rise to vacation of post by health personnel during weekends thus, interrupting health service delivery and general productivity. He, however, praised the level of effective partnership by the health sector, Ministry of Energy, the World Bank and development partners for playing a pivoted role in ensuring that basic health care delivery is accessible to all in the country. Dr Awoonor-Williams disclosed that the Ministry of Health in partnership with other donor agencies, have put in place planned preventive maintenance systems to cater and manage all health facilities in the country of which some personnel have been given the needed training in that aspect. The Energy Minister, Dr Oteng Adjei, in and address indicated that 29 communities in 8 districts of the Upper East Region are currently beneficiaries of the solar systems of which plans are afoot to extend it other parts of the three northern and Brong Ahafo regions.
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The Upper East Regional Director of Health Services, John Koku Awoonor-Williams has commended government’s effort in the provision of Solar PV facilities to health centres across the country. This, initiative by the government, he said, would facilitate the smooth running of the various Community Base Health Care Services (CHPS) compounds manned by health officers and community health nurses at the various localities in the country. Dr Awoonor-Williams made this recommendation at the inauguration of solar systems for remote health facilities at Doninga, a community in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region. Dr Awoonor-Williams noted that the majority of the rural health facilities in the Upper East Region were without energy supply, stressing that the installation of solar facilities which comprises of a vaccine refrigerators, compound and indoor lighting for the centre would help address the problem of unnecessary referrals and even mortality among children under five years. He pointed out that lack of energy supply coupled with the frequent power fluctuation mostly experienced at the various health centres in the region, has grossly affected health care delivery, thereby, contributing to doctors and other health personnel refusal to accept postings to these facilities, particularly, the CHPS compound, where quality and safe health care are delivered at the door step of the people. This, situation, according to Dr Awoonor –Williams also gave rise to vacation of post by health personnel during weekends thus, interrupting health service delivery and general productivity. He, however, praised the level of effective partnership by the health sector, Ministry of Energy, the World Bank and development partners for playing a pivoted role in ensuring that basic health care delivery is accessible to all in the country. Dr Awoonor-Williams disclosed that the Ministry of Health in partnership with other donor agencies, have put in place planned preventive maintenance systems to cater and manage all health facilities in the country of which some personnel have been given the needed training in that aspect. The Energy Minister, Dr Oteng Adjei, in and address indicated that 29 communities in 8 districts of the Upper East Region are currently beneficiaries of the solar systems of which plans are afoot to extend it other parts of the three northern and Brong Ahafo regions.
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Monday, 15 February 2010
Chiefs and People of Bolgatanga Celebrates ‘Adakoya” Festival
15-02-2010 Chiefs and People of Bolgatanga Celebrates ‘Adakoya” Festival
Narration: The annual Adakoya festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Bolgatanga Traditional Area and its environs has taken place at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region with an urgent call on parents and traditional leaders to place premium on the education of the girl child since the role of education in the development of our communities and the country at large cannot be over-emphasized. The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga who made the call said the promotion of girl child education aims at women empowerment which also serve as a means of strengthening the family, providing economic security as well as encouraging savings for the enhancement of social life. Isaac Asare has filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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Report
The ‘Adakoya’ Festival celebrated by the chiefs and people in the Bolgatanga municipality marks a period of thanksgiving to the ancestral spirits of the land for good harvest, peace, good health and for the general development. It is also an occasion for renewing and strengthening the unifying bond among the people of the land. The festival which was celebrated amidst drumming and dancing brought together sons and daughters of the area, some government officials, opinion and religious leaders as well revered chiefs and elders of the area. The Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga touched on the promotion of girl child education which he said forms as an instrument for the maintenance of social order and satisfying needs in the promotion of socio-economic and political development of the society. Mr. Epsona urged the people to contribute their quota towards the development of the Bolgatanga Traditional Area-Girl-Child Education Fund in order to assist brilliant but needy student’s, particularly girls to enhance the level of education among girls in the municipality and the region in general. Mr. Epsona used the occasion to denounce some of the socio cultural and dehumanizing practices on women and children such as excision and widowhood rites and formation of tribal marks and appealed to the traditional leaders to partner with government to reform some of these antiquated customs and cultural norms which impede economic progress. He outlined a number of interventional policies and programmes instituted by the government towards the development of the region and called on the traditional leaders to help release land for the government to undertake some developmental projects to better the lot of the people. The Paramount Chief of the Bolgatanga Traditional Area, Naba Martin Abilba on his part, commended the government for the level high of development it has brought to the region and appealed to the government to exploit the region’s local resources, including the Northern Star tomato factory, the small scale mining sites, handicrafts, the Shea- nut processing industries among others. This, according to him, will generate job opportunities for the teeming unemployment youth in the region. Naba Abilba also urged the government to ensure that, appropriate royalties are paid to land owners in order to meet the challenges relating to land issues.
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Narration: The annual Adakoya festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Bolgatanga Traditional Area and its environs has taken place at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region with an urgent call on parents and traditional leaders to place premium on the education of the girl child since the role of education in the development of our communities and the country at large cannot be over-emphasized. The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga who made the call said the promotion of girl child education aims at women empowerment which also serve as a means of strengthening the family, providing economic security as well as encouraging savings for the enhancement of social life. Isaac Asare has filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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ANCR V/O
Report
The ‘Adakoya’ Festival celebrated by the chiefs and people in the Bolgatanga municipality marks a period of thanksgiving to the ancestral spirits of the land for good harvest, peace, good health and for the general development. It is also an occasion for renewing and strengthening the unifying bond among the people of the land. The festival which was celebrated amidst drumming and dancing brought together sons and daughters of the area, some government officials, opinion and religious leaders as well revered chiefs and elders of the area. The Municipal Chief Executive, Epsona Ayamga touched on the promotion of girl child education which he said forms as an instrument for the maintenance of social order and satisfying needs in the promotion of socio-economic and political development of the society. Mr. Epsona urged the people to contribute their quota towards the development of the Bolgatanga Traditional Area-Girl-Child Education Fund in order to assist brilliant but needy student’s, particularly girls to enhance the level of education among girls in the municipality and the region in general. Mr. Epsona used the occasion to denounce some of the socio cultural and dehumanizing practices on women and children such as excision and widowhood rites and formation of tribal marks and appealed to the traditional leaders to partner with government to reform some of these antiquated customs and cultural norms which impede economic progress. He outlined a number of interventional policies and programmes instituted by the government towards the development of the region and called on the traditional leaders to help release land for the government to undertake some developmental projects to better the lot of the people. The Paramount Chief of the Bolgatanga Traditional Area, Naba Martin Abilba on his part, commended the government for the level high of development it has brought to the region and appealed to the government to exploit the region’s local resources, including the Northern Star tomato factory, the small scale mining sites, handicrafts, the Shea- nut processing industries among others. This, according to him, will generate job opportunities for the teeming unemployment youth in the region. Naba Abilba also urged the government to ensure that, appropriate royalties are paid to land owners in order to meet the challenges relating to land issues.
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Sunday, 14 February 2010
St John Bosco’s College Of Education @ 60
St John Bosco’s College Of Education @ 60
Introduction: the St John Bosco’s College of Education is situated at Navrongo in the Kassena –Nankana District of the Upper East Region. It is one of the renowned colleges in the country that started in 1930 when it was known as Mary Immaculate Conception Junior Seminary under the then Reverend Father Gagnon. The name St John Bosco’s Training College was named after the Patron Saint –John Bosco who was a saint and a friend of the youth during his life time. He was born in 1815, in a town in Northern Italy called Turin by two poor couples. His father died when he was at the age of two leaving him, the surviving mother and the brothers in a very poor state. Due to financial difficulties his poor mother had a very tough time sending him to school though Bosco had the desire of going to school with the aim of becoming a priest. The mother through her religious commitment was later fortunate to win the heart of a retired priest who expressed his readiness to teach Bosco privately. After a while the priest fell ill, but before his death he called Bosco and gave him a substantial amount of money to cater for his education. Bosco after the death of the priest also handed the money back to the priest’s family because he felt he was not entitled to the money leaving him in dire poverty again. Bosco had complete confidence that the lord would see him through despite the challenges. He later worked as a farm labourer and earned some money to enter the secondary school. At school Bosco was mocked, bullied and intimidated by the students. His entire colleague came from rich families and they continually made fun of him because he also wore tattered clothes to school. Through thick and thin, Bosco passed through secondary school successfully, and was adjudged the best in class after the final exam. Bosco as a youth himself was an Apostle of youth. He was a magician, musician and above all an acrobat. He excellent display of skills earned him the motto” No prayer no display” since the children always flocked to witness his display. Bosco’s admission charged was, one decade of the rosary. After his second cycle education, Bosco proceeded to the major seminary and was ordained in 1841 at the age of 26. His first appointment as a priest was chaplain to the prison for young people.
The prison experience gave him some ideas for his system of preventive Education which he developed later. Once Bosco took all three hundred prisoners out on a long walk and none of them tried to escape. Bosco’s interest in the youth particularly the unemployed attracted hatred and criticism from his colleague priests. They did not understand the reason behind Bosco’s love and interest in wayward boys. Through him most of the youth at that time, mostly street children, were fortunate to acquire requisite skills, mainly carpentry. Saint John Bosco apart from getting the youth training skills also inculcated in the youth the fear of God which helped to instill discipline and moral upbringing among the youth. Since the college was into the training of the youth, the then superior of the institution, the late Father Gagnon deemed it appropriate to name the college after the saint, John Bosco as the Patron Saint. Bosco was chosen by founders of the college because they felt that he would be an ideal role model for students and teachers, and that the story of Bosco’s life would inspire the students to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the teaching vocation. The college since its name, has adopted the acronym BOSCOS. Within the nook and crannies of the region, the school through its academic credentials then became popular especially in the area of sports and other Educational Institutions. The secret behind this success chalked was due to the suffix “Co”, very soon most institutions added “CO” to their names. We now have names like BATCO, TATCO, AKROTCO, TUTCO, NAVASCO and the rest scattered all over the country. But until 1933, the seminary was occupying a place now known in the Navrongo Mission as Carpentry Shop. A senior seminary, St Mary Junior Secondary School by the middle of 1936 was attached to the seminary to meet the great demands of application most of whom wanted to receive higher education. A year later, a two year –teacher training course, the first training college in the then Northern Territories was also started along side the Junior Seminary and the senior secondary school. The training college has since metamorphosed into a cert B, Cert A, Specialist Training College in Arts Education, a post three –year Cert A College, and now into a Diploma college in basic education. In January 1946, there were four institutions of learning in St John Bosco’s. These were the Major and Junior Seminaries. The senior school and the training college which was opened as a Cert ‘B’ College, under the principal ship of the late, Reverend Father Chartrand. In June that same year, the two seminaries were moved to Wiaga due to the Problem of residential accommodation. But before that the British colonial Authorities decided that there should be only government administered schools in the north, and the first one they decided to close was St. John Bosco’s College. With the typical white fathers adroitness and daring, they had thousands copies of a memorandum printed, protesting the closure, to be distributed to people of influence in educational affairs in the whole country. However before they posted them to their various destinations, they first sent a copy to the Director of Education in Accra. Soon after, a letter arriver from Accra asking that all other copies be destroyed and given the assurance that St. John Bosco’s College could continue. Officially the college became known as the St. John Bosco’s Training College after the removal of the two seminaries institutions. The pioneer missionaries namely His Lordship Bishop Gercoret Bertrand, then Vicar Apostolic of Navrongo, Rev. V.J Veilleux, Rev.P.C Perrault, and Rev. Bro Aiden were among the first to become part of the establishment of the school in the year 1948 followed by Fr A.R Label and Fr. G. Lincourt who continued in the year 1957 when the first President of the country, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah with the support from his allies wrestle power from our colonial masters to become an independent nation. With regards to academics, the school has turned out hundreds of teachers who are now found in almost every corner of the country contributing their quota to the development of college education in the region and the country as a whole. Above all the school since its inception has also produced a number of teachers who have become priests, reverend brothers and sisters who are serving in various capacities in and outside the country. Currently 80 percent of the tutors lecturing at the college are products of the college including the Principal, Mr Alfred Ndago. It is gratifying note that the school since its establishment has also produced well intelligent and most discipline students the country has ever had. In line with these, plans are far afoot by the authorities of the college to run a tertiary programme among other colleges in the country. These colleges are being introduced to a special Diploma Programme in Mathematic and Science. Many are of the hope that St. John Bosco’s College over the next few years would be adjudged the best in the country owing to the enormous contribution it is making in producing the best of teachers and academic laurels. This is evident in the school’s vision statement which clearly states that the college shall attain a unique position of excellence in teacher training not only in Upper East but in Ghana as a whole. Quite apart from that its mission and objective is to serve as a centre of excellence in fulfilling the government policy on teacher training by inculcating in her graduates the requisite academic abilities, professionals competencies and moral and social values for teaching at the basic level. It is countless to know the number of students who have passed through the school some of whom are now government officials including, District Chief Executives, civil and public servants, heads of departments among other prominent personalities. One cannot talk about the successes and achievement of such a great institution without outlining its daunting challenges. The challenges of the school are enormous and needs radical attention by government, parents, teachers as well as relevant stakeholders to rectify the situation.
• The school for the past years, have been exposed to criminals and land encroachers due to lack of fence wall despite past and present government intervention to provide a fence wall for the school.
• The problem of staff accommodation also pose a major challenge to the school as most of the lecturers travel from long distances to give lectures thus, affecting their timely activities. This problem has existed for quite some time now and nothing concrete has been done to save the situation. Now with the increase in staff population from 25 to 60, there is very serious pressure on the few available buildings provided for the lecturers. The issue is much compounded in such a way that some bungalows take up to three or more tutors with the attendant social problems among inmates
• Moreover, the school garage which is now serving as the fitting shop is the first classroom used by the Founding Fathers of the college in the 1930s. It was a carpentry shop for boys training to be catechists. Now the shop lacks the needed tools and equipments to augment is efficiency and operation.
• One of the most fascinating buildings in the school is the ‘CASTLE’. It served as the first building to house the pioneer Missionaries and later the African Priest who worked tirelessly to provide formal Catholic Education to Northern Ghana. Attached to the castle is a tower which holds a water reservoir that served as then college kitchen and main buildings. It contains rain harvested water. The tower was used as an observatory. One can clearly see Bolgatanga on a clear day when one stand on top of the tower. The garage, castle and tower are very important historical pieces that should not be allowed to go waste.
• The male student dormitory housing most of the boys in the school, were built by Fr Perrot and his cohort in a unique architechral design containing cubicles for prefects of the school. One would wonder what aggregate building materials were employed to permit the long span of 60 years served by the blocks with cracks and fragilities exhibited by modern day building. Now some parts of the building badly leaks during rainy season.
• The school dining hall which is a make shift hall made from wood and old roofing sheets serves as the place for students to take their meals. This has been as a result of renovation of the college dining hall. Even though the facility being renovated, its capacity is too small for the present student population of 843. The school is therefore in dying need for a new dining hall.
• As part of efforts to mould students in the Christian way of life, St John Bosco’s College has within it ambience Bosco Demonstration Junior High School. The school is well accommodated though the primary school is the other way round. The primary school currently using the college block as a dormitory. The population has increased in the last three years from 240 pupils to 600 pupils in serious congestion. There is need to relocate the primary school to a new site to free the dormitory block for students housing needs.
• Congestion in the classrooms has been a major concern of the college. The two storey blocks that were constructed in 1982, is still awaiting completion though, one of them had already been completed. This has greatly affected the number of student intake at the college.
• The problem of accommodation for the women has also been a major problem confronting the school. It is sad to note that only three houses had been allocated for the women. The reason being that until 1985 the college was purely for the men, which later saw the introduction of specialist programmes resulting in gender main streaming in St. John Bosco’s Training College. Morin and Kaisie houses were created by renovating Morin and Ferguson houses which were male houses to female houses. Tono house is the only female block built to accommodate the increasing number of women in the college.
• The school library block which is suppose to contain only a small number of students at a given time now takes about 700 students compelling some students to wait for their colleagues to finish whatever they are doing before they move in. the college library was built in 1956 together with the school nursing block to serve as classrooms for students. This was because admission of students at that time was an average of 16 per class. To save the situation a new library block has been built to take about 500 students for the time being.
• Another remarkable initiative aimed at generating revenue for the school is the mango orchard. In 2004 the principal of the school called for the buying of 100 pieces of mango seedlings to start the project. Aftermath, the seedlings were transplanted and nurtured till some unscrupulous people came to destroy 23 of the plants a year later.
• Apart from these and other challenges the college is faced with the problem of water supply, as well as inadequate sports and toilet facilities for students. As at now the students still struggle over water with the local inhabitants because there is only one borehole serving both the students and insiders.
As part of activities marking the 60 years of the school, some past and present graduates from the school had their observation, suggestions, concerns and comments to share with the general public. These people now represent various institutions and departments in their respective jurisdiction.
A tutor of Gowrie Junior High school in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, Mr Vincent Asigre one of them and has this to share.
• Ayine Augustine a student on practice also had this to say
• A Headmaster, Mr Ndago Francis spoke on his experience back at school
• Apeme Kennete Ayaga outlines few challenges confronting academic work at the school.
• A senior hall tutor students affairs, William Anamoo Atindana said he had for some time now been able to monitor students’ movement in and out of the school with ease. To him, students’ compliance to his initiative is as a result of the discipline instilled in them.
• The Acting Vice-Principal of St John Bosco’s, Kukubor James Korbla Lorlornyo, talked about the problem of infrastructure and students inability to settle their fees. Also spoke about the relevance of accepting postings to the villages for teaching.
• Mr Bajna Moses encouraged management and staff, particularly, the principal to continue the good work and sacrifices they have been offering to the enhancement of academic performance among students.
• The Head of Mathematics Department, Alema Victor bemoaned female dislike for mathematics and suggested a separate block for the study of mathematics in the school. He spoke of other challenges.
• A student at Aggrey Hall, Mr Azagsiga Timothy complained of lack of electrical socket for studies. He also spoke about the inadequate toilet facilities and water at the school.
• Adongo Adua, of Cardinal Lavigerie Hall, spoke of the same challenges.
• The Head of the Technology Department, Rev. S.K Mensa who had served at the school for the past 20 years stressed about the problem of ladies not having the requisite qualification for some courses offered at the school. He therefore called on the government as a matter of urgency to help assist the school with access courses to help them.
• An old student of the school, Peter Tinasa appealed to the government to relocate the school to a different area since encroachers are gradually invading the school lands.
• The general Prefect, Isaac Nyaaba expressed much concern on the issue of sanitation and other relevant problems.
• Akpadago Joseph, a teaching practice co-ordinator made mention of the difficulties in supervising students who are on practical attachment. He mentioned lack of accommodation as one factor.
• The head of department, physical Education, Rev. Michael Yemisi made a humble appeal for the construction of a sports centre for the various sports disciplines.
• The President of the Students Representative Council, Nereous Daguah commended management for their generosity towards students who are not able to pay their fees on time.
• The Bongo District Director of Education, Mr. Francis Agyeere who was the acting Principal from 1998 to 2000 commended the continuous discipline in the school and appealed to old students and other relevant stakeholders to come to the aid of the school.
• Mr. Ayagitan Adiali Pwadali, an old mathematics tutor, who is the present Statistical Officer of the Bongo District Education Unit, shared his thoughts and opinion about the school. He also dwelled on discipline
• The Rector at Notre Dame Minor Seminary, Rev Fr Francis Kudelgo, is an old student of the school from 1982 to 1985. He talked about the cordial relationship between the various religious sects on campus at their time up to date.
• The Regional Manager, Catholic Education Unit and a member of the board of governors said at their time, the first 10 batch of students to be admitted were all ladies. He expressed dissatisfaction about the inadequate infrastructure at the school and called on the government and stakeholders to contribute their quota to the development of the school to enhance academic performance.
• Madam Rebecca Kubabon, Mistress of Morin Hall and an old girl of the school touched on the problem of accommodation and lack of fence wall for the school.
• An old tutor, Madam Faustibna Tankia spoke of the same challenges.
• The Vice Principal, Mr Yarig David Dabre lamented on some successes and challenges chalked as far as fence wall, classroom block, staff accommodation and other facilities are concerned.
• The Principal, St. John Bosco’s College, is Mr Alfred Ndago. He gave a brief historical background about the school with several appeals on government to increase the number of tertiary institutions for the three Regions of the North. Mr Ndago also stressed on the issue of certification accreditation for the college.
Introduction: the St John Bosco’s College of Education is situated at Navrongo in the Kassena –Nankana District of the Upper East Region. It is one of the renowned colleges in the country that started in 1930 when it was known as Mary Immaculate Conception Junior Seminary under the then Reverend Father Gagnon. The name St John Bosco’s Training College was named after the Patron Saint –John Bosco who was a saint and a friend of the youth during his life time. He was born in 1815, in a town in Northern Italy called Turin by two poor couples. His father died when he was at the age of two leaving him, the surviving mother and the brothers in a very poor state. Due to financial difficulties his poor mother had a very tough time sending him to school though Bosco had the desire of going to school with the aim of becoming a priest. The mother through her religious commitment was later fortunate to win the heart of a retired priest who expressed his readiness to teach Bosco privately. After a while the priest fell ill, but before his death he called Bosco and gave him a substantial amount of money to cater for his education. Bosco after the death of the priest also handed the money back to the priest’s family because he felt he was not entitled to the money leaving him in dire poverty again. Bosco had complete confidence that the lord would see him through despite the challenges. He later worked as a farm labourer and earned some money to enter the secondary school. At school Bosco was mocked, bullied and intimidated by the students. His entire colleague came from rich families and they continually made fun of him because he also wore tattered clothes to school. Through thick and thin, Bosco passed through secondary school successfully, and was adjudged the best in class after the final exam. Bosco as a youth himself was an Apostle of youth. He was a magician, musician and above all an acrobat. He excellent display of skills earned him the motto” No prayer no display” since the children always flocked to witness his display. Bosco’s admission charged was, one decade of the rosary. After his second cycle education, Bosco proceeded to the major seminary and was ordained in 1841 at the age of 26. His first appointment as a priest was chaplain to the prison for young people.
The prison experience gave him some ideas for his system of preventive Education which he developed later. Once Bosco took all three hundred prisoners out on a long walk and none of them tried to escape. Bosco’s interest in the youth particularly the unemployed attracted hatred and criticism from his colleague priests. They did not understand the reason behind Bosco’s love and interest in wayward boys. Through him most of the youth at that time, mostly street children, were fortunate to acquire requisite skills, mainly carpentry. Saint John Bosco apart from getting the youth training skills also inculcated in the youth the fear of God which helped to instill discipline and moral upbringing among the youth. Since the college was into the training of the youth, the then superior of the institution, the late Father Gagnon deemed it appropriate to name the college after the saint, John Bosco as the Patron Saint. Bosco was chosen by founders of the college because they felt that he would be an ideal role model for students and teachers, and that the story of Bosco’s life would inspire the students to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the teaching vocation. The college since its name, has adopted the acronym BOSCOS. Within the nook and crannies of the region, the school through its academic credentials then became popular especially in the area of sports and other Educational Institutions. The secret behind this success chalked was due to the suffix “Co”, very soon most institutions added “CO” to their names. We now have names like BATCO, TATCO, AKROTCO, TUTCO, NAVASCO and the rest scattered all over the country. But until 1933, the seminary was occupying a place now known in the Navrongo Mission as Carpentry Shop. A senior seminary, St Mary Junior Secondary School by the middle of 1936 was attached to the seminary to meet the great demands of application most of whom wanted to receive higher education. A year later, a two year –teacher training course, the first training college in the then Northern Territories was also started along side the Junior Seminary and the senior secondary school. The training college has since metamorphosed into a cert B, Cert A, Specialist Training College in Arts Education, a post three –year Cert A College, and now into a Diploma college in basic education. In January 1946, there were four institutions of learning in St John Bosco’s. These were the Major and Junior Seminaries. The senior school and the training college which was opened as a Cert ‘B’ College, under the principal ship of the late, Reverend Father Chartrand. In June that same year, the two seminaries were moved to Wiaga due to the Problem of residential accommodation. But before that the British colonial Authorities decided that there should be only government administered schools in the north, and the first one they decided to close was St. John Bosco’s College. With the typical white fathers adroitness and daring, they had thousands copies of a memorandum printed, protesting the closure, to be distributed to people of influence in educational affairs in the whole country. However before they posted them to their various destinations, they first sent a copy to the Director of Education in Accra. Soon after, a letter arriver from Accra asking that all other copies be destroyed and given the assurance that St. John Bosco’s College could continue. Officially the college became known as the St. John Bosco’s Training College after the removal of the two seminaries institutions. The pioneer missionaries namely His Lordship Bishop Gercoret Bertrand, then Vicar Apostolic of Navrongo, Rev. V.J Veilleux, Rev.P.C Perrault, and Rev. Bro Aiden were among the first to become part of the establishment of the school in the year 1948 followed by Fr A.R Label and Fr. G. Lincourt who continued in the year 1957 when the first President of the country, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah with the support from his allies wrestle power from our colonial masters to become an independent nation. With regards to academics, the school has turned out hundreds of teachers who are now found in almost every corner of the country contributing their quota to the development of college education in the region and the country as a whole. Above all the school since its inception has also produced a number of teachers who have become priests, reverend brothers and sisters who are serving in various capacities in and outside the country. Currently 80 percent of the tutors lecturing at the college are products of the college including the Principal, Mr Alfred Ndago. It is gratifying note that the school since its establishment has also produced well intelligent and most discipline students the country has ever had. In line with these, plans are far afoot by the authorities of the college to run a tertiary programme among other colleges in the country. These colleges are being introduced to a special Diploma Programme in Mathematic and Science. Many are of the hope that St. John Bosco’s College over the next few years would be adjudged the best in the country owing to the enormous contribution it is making in producing the best of teachers and academic laurels. This is evident in the school’s vision statement which clearly states that the college shall attain a unique position of excellence in teacher training not only in Upper East but in Ghana as a whole. Quite apart from that its mission and objective is to serve as a centre of excellence in fulfilling the government policy on teacher training by inculcating in her graduates the requisite academic abilities, professionals competencies and moral and social values for teaching at the basic level. It is countless to know the number of students who have passed through the school some of whom are now government officials including, District Chief Executives, civil and public servants, heads of departments among other prominent personalities. One cannot talk about the successes and achievement of such a great institution without outlining its daunting challenges. The challenges of the school are enormous and needs radical attention by government, parents, teachers as well as relevant stakeholders to rectify the situation.
• The school for the past years, have been exposed to criminals and land encroachers due to lack of fence wall despite past and present government intervention to provide a fence wall for the school.
• The problem of staff accommodation also pose a major challenge to the school as most of the lecturers travel from long distances to give lectures thus, affecting their timely activities. This problem has existed for quite some time now and nothing concrete has been done to save the situation. Now with the increase in staff population from 25 to 60, there is very serious pressure on the few available buildings provided for the lecturers. The issue is much compounded in such a way that some bungalows take up to three or more tutors with the attendant social problems among inmates
• Moreover, the school garage which is now serving as the fitting shop is the first classroom used by the Founding Fathers of the college in the 1930s. It was a carpentry shop for boys training to be catechists. Now the shop lacks the needed tools and equipments to augment is efficiency and operation.
• One of the most fascinating buildings in the school is the ‘CASTLE’. It served as the first building to house the pioneer Missionaries and later the African Priest who worked tirelessly to provide formal Catholic Education to Northern Ghana. Attached to the castle is a tower which holds a water reservoir that served as then college kitchen and main buildings. It contains rain harvested water. The tower was used as an observatory. One can clearly see Bolgatanga on a clear day when one stand on top of the tower. The garage, castle and tower are very important historical pieces that should not be allowed to go waste.
• The male student dormitory housing most of the boys in the school, were built by Fr Perrot and his cohort in a unique architechral design containing cubicles for prefects of the school. One would wonder what aggregate building materials were employed to permit the long span of 60 years served by the blocks with cracks and fragilities exhibited by modern day building. Now some parts of the building badly leaks during rainy season.
• The school dining hall which is a make shift hall made from wood and old roofing sheets serves as the place for students to take their meals. This has been as a result of renovation of the college dining hall. Even though the facility being renovated, its capacity is too small for the present student population of 843. The school is therefore in dying need for a new dining hall.
• As part of efforts to mould students in the Christian way of life, St John Bosco’s College has within it ambience Bosco Demonstration Junior High School. The school is well accommodated though the primary school is the other way round. The primary school currently using the college block as a dormitory. The population has increased in the last three years from 240 pupils to 600 pupils in serious congestion. There is need to relocate the primary school to a new site to free the dormitory block for students housing needs.
• Congestion in the classrooms has been a major concern of the college. The two storey blocks that were constructed in 1982, is still awaiting completion though, one of them had already been completed. This has greatly affected the number of student intake at the college.
• The problem of accommodation for the women has also been a major problem confronting the school. It is sad to note that only three houses had been allocated for the women. The reason being that until 1985 the college was purely for the men, which later saw the introduction of specialist programmes resulting in gender main streaming in St. John Bosco’s Training College. Morin and Kaisie houses were created by renovating Morin and Ferguson houses which were male houses to female houses. Tono house is the only female block built to accommodate the increasing number of women in the college.
• The school library block which is suppose to contain only a small number of students at a given time now takes about 700 students compelling some students to wait for their colleagues to finish whatever they are doing before they move in. the college library was built in 1956 together with the school nursing block to serve as classrooms for students. This was because admission of students at that time was an average of 16 per class. To save the situation a new library block has been built to take about 500 students for the time being.
• Another remarkable initiative aimed at generating revenue for the school is the mango orchard. In 2004 the principal of the school called for the buying of 100 pieces of mango seedlings to start the project. Aftermath, the seedlings were transplanted and nurtured till some unscrupulous people came to destroy 23 of the plants a year later.
• Apart from these and other challenges the college is faced with the problem of water supply, as well as inadequate sports and toilet facilities for students. As at now the students still struggle over water with the local inhabitants because there is only one borehole serving both the students and insiders.
As part of activities marking the 60 years of the school, some past and present graduates from the school had their observation, suggestions, concerns and comments to share with the general public. These people now represent various institutions and departments in their respective jurisdiction.
A tutor of Gowrie Junior High school in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region, Mr Vincent Asigre one of them and has this to share.
• Ayine Augustine a student on practice also had this to say
• A Headmaster, Mr Ndago Francis spoke on his experience back at school
• Apeme Kennete Ayaga outlines few challenges confronting academic work at the school.
• A senior hall tutor students affairs, William Anamoo Atindana said he had for some time now been able to monitor students’ movement in and out of the school with ease. To him, students’ compliance to his initiative is as a result of the discipline instilled in them.
• The Acting Vice-Principal of St John Bosco’s, Kukubor James Korbla Lorlornyo, talked about the problem of infrastructure and students inability to settle their fees. Also spoke about the relevance of accepting postings to the villages for teaching.
• Mr Bajna Moses encouraged management and staff, particularly, the principal to continue the good work and sacrifices they have been offering to the enhancement of academic performance among students.
• The Head of Mathematics Department, Alema Victor bemoaned female dislike for mathematics and suggested a separate block for the study of mathematics in the school. He spoke of other challenges.
• A student at Aggrey Hall, Mr Azagsiga Timothy complained of lack of electrical socket for studies. He also spoke about the inadequate toilet facilities and water at the school.
• Adongo Adua, of Cardinal Lavigerie Hall, spoke of the same challenges.
• The Head of the Technology Department, Rev. S.K Mensa who had served at the school for the past 20 years stressed about the problem of ladies not having the requisite qualification for some courses offered at the school. He therefore called on the government as a matter of urgency to help assist the school with access courses to help them.
• An old student of the school, Peter Tinasa appealed to the government to relocate the school to a different area since encroachers are gradually invading the school lands.
• The general Prefect, Isaac Nyaaba expressed much concern on the issue of sanitation and other relevant problems.
• Akpadago Joseph, a teaching practice co-ordinator made mention of the difficulties in supervising students who are on practical attachment. He mentioned lack of accommodation as one factor.
• The head of department, physical Education, Rev. Michael Yemisi made a humble appeal for the construction of a sports centre for the various sports disciplines.
• The President of the Students Representative Council, Nereous Daguah commended management for their generosity towards students who are not able to pay their fees on time.
• The Bongo District Director of Education, Mr. Francis Agyeere who was the acting Principal from 1998 to 2000 commended the continuous discipline in the school and appealed to old students and other relevant stakeholders to come to the aid of the school.
• Mr. Ayagitan Adiali Pwadali, an old mathematics tutor, who is the present Statistical Officer of the Bongo District Education Unit, shared his thoughts and opinion about the school. He also dwelled on discipline
• The Rector at Notre Dame Minor Seminary, Rev Fr Francis Kudelgo, is an old student of the school from 1982 to 1985. He talked about the cordial relationship between the various religious sects on campus at their time up to date.
• The Regional Manager, Catholic Education Unit and a member of the board of governors said at their time, the first 10 batch of students to be admitted were all ladies. He expressed dissatisfaction about the inadequate infrastructure at the school and called on the government and stakeholders to contribute their quota to the development of the school to enhance academic performance.
• Madam Rebecca Kubabon, Mistress of Morin Hall and an old girl of the school touched on the problem of accommodation and lack of fence wall for the school.
• An old tutor, Madam Faustibna Tankia spoke of the same challenges.
• The Vice Principal, Mr Yarig David Dabre lamented on some successes and challenges chalked as far as fence wall, classroom block, staff accommodation and other facilities are concerned.
• The Principal, St. John Bosco’s College, is Mr Alfred Ndago. He gave a brief historical background about the school with several appeals on government to increase the number of tertiary institutions for the three Regions of the North. Mr Ndago also stressed on the issue of certification accreditation for the college.
MEDIA PRACTITIONERS EMBARK ON FIELD TRIP
13-02-2010 MEDIA PRACTITIONERS EMBARK ON FIELD TRIP
Some selected media practitioners from the Upper East, Upper West and Northern region have conducted a field visit to the Nangode mining site at Nangode, a mining community in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region, to ascertain the level of land degradation and other environmental hazards caused as a result of the mining activities in the area. The visit was to have first hand information on the issues of desertification and mining as well as its impact on the livelihood and quality of life. The visit which is also geared at creating a unique platform for facilitating policy discussion and strengthening the capacity of civil society and media organizations to promote accountability and transparency in the natural resource and environmental sector, forms part of Kasa project, a civil society support organization in the natural resource and environmental sector. In an interview with Radio Ghana, the officer in charge of Communications and Event for Kasa, Naa Oye Nettey said the Kasa Projects place much premium on the country’s natural resources and environment and its deteriorating impacts. In view of this, Kasa Project with support from other civil society organizations and NGOs, deem it necessary by getting the media on board in the education of the public on natural resources and environmental issues. Madam Nettey commended the media for playing a leading role in the advocacy, creation, and education and information dissemination on environmental issues. A Veteran journalist, Alhassan Imoro, tasked the government and other duty bearers to effectively tackle the issue of environmental degradation to save the life of the people in the country. During a media interaction, some of the workers at the Nangode mining site expressed their appreciation to the media group for their contribution in helping to address the negative impact of mining in the life of the people in the country. They called on the government to assist them in their operations through the provision of equipments and tools for effective and safe mining activities. One of the workers, a 45 year old woman, Madam Lariba Kpangu talked about the ordeal women in the area go through in the process of their work. She said they have no option but to take part in the mining activities in order to help them cater of their families. This, she explained, was partly due to the unemployment situation in the area and appealed to the assembly to help provide jobs for the youth in the area.
Some selected media practitioners from the Upper East, Upper West and Northern region have conducted a field visit to the Nangode mining site at Nangode, a mining community in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region, to ascertain the level of land degradation and other environmental hazards caused as a result of the mining activities in the area. The visit was to have first hand information on the issues of desertification and mining as well as its impact on the livelihood and quality of life. The visit which is also geared at creating a unique platform for facilitating policy discussion and strengthening the capacity of civil society and media organizations to promote accountability and transparency in the natural resource and environmental sector, forms part of Kasa project, a civil society support organization in the natural resource and environmental sector. In an interview with Radio Ghana, the officer in charge of Communications and Event for Kasa, Naa Oye Nettey said the Kasa Projects place much premium on the country’s natural resources and environment and its deteriorating impacts. In view of this, Kasa Project with support from other civil society organizations and NGOs, deem it necessary by getting the media on board in the education of the public on natural resources and environmental issues. Madam Nettey commended the media for playing a leading role in the advocacy, creation, and education and information dissemination on environmental issues. A Veteran journalist, Alhassan Imoro, tasked the government and other duty bearers to effectively tackle the issue of environmental degradation to save the life of the people in the country. During a media interaction, some of the workers at the Nangode mining site expressed their appreciation to the media group for their contribution in helping to address the negative impact of mining in the life of the people in the country. They called on the government to assist them in their operations through the provision of equipments and tools for effective and safe mining activities. One of the workers, a 45 year old woman, Madam Lariba Kpangu talked about the ordeal women in the area go through in the process of their work. She said they have no option but to take part in the mining activities in order to help them cater of their families. This, she explained, was partly due to the unemployment situation in the area and appealed to the assembly to help provide jobs for the youth in the area.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
NON -PLACEMENT OF 177 QUALIFIED SUDENT WORRYING-BONGO PM
05-02-2010 NON -PLACEMENT OF 177 QUALIFIED SUDENT WORRYING-BONGO PM
The Bongo District Assembly and the Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council are currently grappling with the issue of 177 qualified Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in the district who could not get placement to second cycle institutions as a result of the computerized school selection and placement system. The situation has compelled some of the students to travel down south to engage in non existing jobs. The Presiding Member for the assembly, Emmanuel Nsor Atindana who disclosed this to Radio Ghana described the situation as unfortunate and very worrying and appealed to the authorities concerned to rectify the situation so that the students can continue their education as the area is already deprived. According to Mr Atindana, the assembly is humbly requesting a vivid explanation from the Director of the Ghana Education Service on the matter. He intimated that the situation if not tackled appropriately, would undoubtedly affect the educational development of the affected students in the area. He mentioned the Tarongo JHS, Kadari JHS, Goo JHS, Kanga JHS, Ganbongo JHS, among others as some of the nine Junior High schools within the district that were affected. Mr Atindana noted that although efforts by the District Education Directorate and the assembly have secured placement for some of these students, the fate of the rest have been a source of headache for their parents and the assembly in general. To this end, a joint collaborative efforts by some educationists and individuals have ensured the establishment of a temporary Senior High school, known as St. Theresa’s Senior High School at Zorkor in the Bongo district for the students. Mr Atindana said the school which now has a student population of 100, is currently offering only core subjects of which plans are far afoot to introduce four other courses into the school curriculum for the students. The courses, he said, would include General Arts, Agricultural Science, Business and General Science, adding that the school when officially commissioned would enroll more students to enhance academic performance in the region. He commended some chiefs in the Bongo district for releasing land for the construction of other facilities for the school. At a house sitting organized by the Bongo district assembly, the Bongo District Director of Education, Mr Francis Agyene said, he would with the support of other stakeholders, ensure that these students are enrolled into schools.
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The Bongo District Assembly and the Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council are currently grappling with the issue of 177 qualified Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in the district who could not get placement to second cycle institutions as a result of the computerized school selection and placement system. The situation has compelled some of the students to travel down south to engage in non existing jobs. The Presiding Member for the assembly, Emmanuel Nsor Atindana who disclosed this to Radio Ghana described the situation as unfortunate and very worrying and appealed to the authorities concerned to rectify the situation so that the students can continue their education as the area is already deprived. According to Mr Atindana, the assembly is humbly requesting a vivid explanation from the Director of the Ghana Education Service on the matter. He intimated that the situation if not tackled appropriately, would undoubtedly affect the educational development of the affected students in the area. He mentioned the Tarongo JHS, Kadari JHS, Goo JHS, Kanga JHS, Ganbongo JHS, among others as some of the nine Junior High schools within the district that were affected. Mr Atindana noted that although efforts by the District Education Directorate and the assembly have secured placement for some of these students, the fate of the rest have been a source of headache for their parents and the assembly in general. To this end, a joint collaborative efforts by some educationists and individuals have ensured the establishment of a temporary Senior High school, known as St. Theresa’s Senior High School at Zorkor in the Bongo district for the students. Mr Atindana said the school which now has a student population of 100, is currently offering only core subjects of which plans are far afoot to introduce four other courses into the school curriculum for the students. The courses, he said, would include General Arts, Agricultural Science, Business and General Science, adding that the school when officially commissioned would enroll more students to enhance academic performance in the region. He commended some chiefs in the Bongo district for releasing land for the construction of other facilities for the school. At a house sitting organized by the Bongo district assembly, the Bongo District Director of Education, Mr Francis Agyene said, he would with the support of other stakeholders, ensure that these students are enrolled into schools.
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DCE Commissions Health and Educational Facilities at Zebilla
04-02-10 DCE Commissions Health and Educational Facilities at Zebilla
Narration: The construction of a Six Unit Classroom block, an office accommodation and a KVIP, have been commissioned for the people of Gbere, in the Zebilla West District of the Upper East Region. The Atariko Primary school which is to serve the people of Gbere and its neighboring environs is being financed by the District Wide Assistant Project (DWAP) of the Canadian International Development Agency with support from the district assembly at the cost of 51,610 Ghana Cedis. The Bawku West District Chief Executive, Anaba Adam Moro who handed over the school block to the people, said the project forms part of government’s efforts in improving access to education to enhance teaching and learning in the region and the country as a whole. Isaac Asare has filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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For the past years, some school going children resident at Gbere and its catchment areas in the Bawku West District, have been learning under sheds and trees making teaching and learning difficult for teachers and the children as well. However, the provision of the classroom block with toilets and urinal has come as a wake up call to enhance the level of education in the area. Commissioning the building, the Bawku West DCE, Mr. Moro entreated teachers and parents to encourage their children to use the facilities for its intended purposes and also inculcate into the children good sanitary habits to benefit the whole community, stressing that the proper maintenance of the facility would help increase its life span. He hinted that another 3-Unit classroom Block has also been finally completed under the District Assemblies Common Fund to augment the complement of the DWAP Project at the cost of 49,000 Ghana Cedis. The headmaster of the school, Michael Atubiga later in an interview, told Radio Ghana that the problem of teacher accommodation, a community library, and other basic infrastructure, pose a major challenge to the school and appealed to the assembly as well as other stakeholders to come to their aid. At a ceremony, Mr. Moro accompanied by the District Director of Education, Paul Apanga also cut the sod to commission a 2-Unit Practical workshop for students of Kusanaba Vocational and Technical Training Institute. The two blocks which is estimated at the cost of 74,624, Ghana Cedis and funded by DWAP would serve as classroom accommodation for students offering courses such as carpentry and Joinery as well as building and construction. The school which now has a student population of 250 comprising 180 boys and 80 girls is faced with numerous challenges. Some roofs of the classrooms have been ripped off as most parts of the building have developed cracks thereby, putting the lives of the students in jeopardy. It is also entangled with the problem of inadequate practical equipments and infrastructure. Addressing participants, the DCE reiterated the need for the students to put up their best by taking much time on their studies to enhance their skills acquisition. The Principal of the school, Apiiga Edmund Abanga on behalf of the student body thanked the DCE and the assembly for the kind gesture and promise to make judicious use of the facility to enhance academic performance. At Agatusi near Sapelga, the DCE with assistance from DWAP also presented a 1 No CHP Compound to the chief and elders of the area at the cost of 51,884 Ghana Cedis. Mr. Moro appealed to the people of the community to put the facility into good use since it will go a long way to address most of their health needs.
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Narration: The construction of a Six Unit Classroom block, an office accommodation and a KVIP, have been commissioned for the people of Gbere, in the Zebilla West District of the Upper East Region. The Atariko Primary school which is to serve the people of Gbere and its neighboring environs is being financed by the District Wide Assistant Project (DWAP) of the Canadian International Development Agency with support from the district assembly at the cost of 51,610 Ghana Cedis. The Bawku West District Chief Executive, Anaba Adam Moro who handed over the school block to the people, said the project forms part of government’s efforts in improving access to education to enhance teaching and learning in the region and the country as a whole. Isaac Asare has filed this report for Radio Ghana.
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For the past years, some school going children resident at Gbere and its catchment areas in the Bawku West District, have been learning under sheds and trees making teaching and learning difficult for teachers and the children as well. However, the provision of the classroom block with toilets and urinal has come as a wake up call to enhance the level of education in the area. Commissioning the building, the Bawku West DCE, Mr. Moro entreated teachers and parents to encourage their children to use the facilities for its intended purposes and also inculcate into the children good sanitary habits to benefit the whole community, stressing that the proper maintenance of the facility would help increase its life span. He hinted that another 3-Unit classroom Block has also been finally completed under the District Assemblies Common Fund to augment the complement of the DWAP Project at the cost of 49,000 Ghana Cedis. The headmaster of the school, Michael Atubiga later in an interview, told Radio Ghana that the problem of teacher accommodation, a community library, and other basic infrastructure, pose a major challenge to the school and appealed to the assembly as well as other stakeholders to come to their aid. At a ceremony, Mr. Moro accompanied by the District Director of Education, Paul Apanga also cut the sod to commission a 2-Unit Practical workshop for students of Kusanaba Vocational and Technical Training Institute. The two blocks which is estimated at the cost of 74,624, Ghana Cedis and funded by DWAP would serve as classroom accommodation for students offering courses such as carpentry and Joinery as well as building and construction. The school which now has a student population of 250 comprising 180 boys and 80 girls is faced with numerous challenges. Some roofs of the classrooms have been ripped off as most parts of the building have developed cracks thereby, putting the lives of the students in jeopardy. It is also entangled with the problem of inadequate practical equipments and infrastructure. Addressing participants, the DCE reiterated the need for the students to put up their best by taking much time on their studies to enhance their skills acquisition. The Principal of the school, Apiiga Edmund Abanga on behalf of the student body thanked the DCE and the assembly for the kind gesture and promise to make judicious use of the facility to enhance academic performance. At Agatusi near Sapelga, the DCE with assistance from DWAP also presented a 1 No CHP Compound to the chief and elders of the area at the cost of 51,884 Ghana Cedis. Mr. Moro appealed to the people of the community to put the facility into good use since it will go a long way to address most of their health needs.
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Inauguration of a Military Barrack at Bawku
04-02-10 Bazua: Inauguration of a Military Barrack at Bawku
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Ann: The Minister for Defence, Lieutenant General Retired Joseph Henry Smith, has officially inaugurated the first phase of a Military Barracks at Bazua, a suburb of the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East region. The establishment of the facility forms part of measures put in place by the Upper East Regional Security Council as well as the
Roll Tape Bawku Municipal Security to promote peace, law and order in the
Take Tape troubled Bawku Township and its neighboring environs.
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ANCR V/O In attendance were a section of the public, government officials, security agencies, representative from the Bawku Traditional area, chiefs and elders of Bazua among other dignitaries. The facility which is a joint effort of the government and the Bawku Municipal Assembly constitutes a administration block, an office in command block, Senior None Commissioned Officers block, a magazine block, an ablution unit, number one and three platoon blocks, as well as a mechanical and transport yard. The sector minister, Lt Gen Joseph Smith who unveiled the plaque to officially inaugurate the facility, commended the military and other security personnel in the area for their immense contribution towards the maintenance of peace and order in the area. Lt Gen Smith disclosed that the facility which is the first of its kind in the Upper East Region, will serve as the base for sending pace keepers to not only Bawku but also to some parts of the region which have security flashpoints. He therefore made a passionate appeal to the two factions involved in the conflict to smoke the peace pipe.
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ANCR V/O The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo in an address cautioned that the establishment of the facility is no guarantee that lasting peace will prevail in Bawku, stressing that, lasting peace can only be endured from the hearts and minds of the two factions involved in the conflict. Mr Woyongo outlined some interventional policies instituted by the government geared at poverty alleviation, adding that these good intentions and programmes of the government cannot take place if there is conflict.
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ANCR V/O The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Musa Abdulai, on his part, said the construction of the barrack which started ten years ago has become necessary due to the long standing conflict that have bedeviled the Bawku municipality. Mr Abdulai however recommended the use of dialogue by the two factions as the only alternative to solving the incessant conflict in the area.
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ANCR V/O The Defence Minister, accompanied by, Mr. Woyongo, earlier on paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka, and the leader of the Mamprusis, Alhaji Akalifa at their respective palace to pay homage and also announce his presence in the region. He appealed to both leaders to exercise restraints since government is taking up the necessary steps to ensure that peace prevails in the area. He also inspected a guard of honour by personnel from the military deployed to the area.
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Ann: The Minister for Defence, Lieutenant General Retired Joseph Henry Smith, has officially inaugurated the first phase of a Military Barracks at Bazua, a suburb of the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East region. The establishment of the facility forms part of measures put in place by the Upper East Regional Security Council as well as the
Roll Tape Bawku Municipal Security to promote peace, law and order in the
Take Tape troubled Bawku Township and its neighboring environs.
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ANCR V/O In attendance were a section of the public, government officials, security agencies, representative from the Bawku Traditional area, chiefs and elders of Bazua among other dignitaries. The facility which is a joint effort of the government and the Bawku Municipal Assembly constitutes a administration block, an office in command block, Senior None Commissioned Officers block, a magazine block, an ablution unit, number one and three platoon blocks, as well as a mechanical and transport yard. The sector minister, Lt Gen Joseph Smith who unveiled the plaque to officially inaugurate the facility, commended the military and other security personnel in the area for their immense contribution towards the maintenance of peace and order in the area. Lt Gen Smith disclosed that the facility which is the first of its kind in the Upper East Region, will serve as the base for sending pace keepers to not only Bawku but also to some parts of the region which have security flashpoints. He therefore made a passionate appeal to the two factions involved in the conflict to smoke the peace pipe.
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ANCR V/O The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo in an address cautioned that the establishment of the facility is no guarantee that lasting peace will prevail in Bawku, stressing that, lasting peace can only be endured from the hearts and minds of the two factions involved in the conflict. Mr Woyongo outlined some interventional policies instituted by the government geared at poverty alleviation, adding that these good intentions and programmes of the government cannot take place if there is conflict.
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ANCR V/O The Bawku Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Musa Abdulai, on his part, said the construction of the barrack which started ten years ago has become necessary due to the long standing conflict that have bedeviled the Bawku municipality. Mr Abdulai however recommended the use of dialogue by the two factions as the only alternative to solving the incessant conflict in the area.
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ANCR V/O The Defence Minister, accompanied by, Mr. Woyongo, earlier on paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka, and the leader of the Mamprusis, Alhaji Akalifa at their respective palace to pay homage and also announce his presence in the region. He appealed to both leaders to exercise restraints since government is taking up the necessary steps to ensure that peace prevails in the area. He also inspected a guard of honour by personnel from the military deployed to the area.
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