An Optometrist, Dr Adjoa Pokua Osae Awulai has called on parents to take keen interest in regularly presenting their wards for eye screening.

That, he said, would help with early detection of defects or abnormalities with the eye and seek lasting solution for them. 

Dr Osae Awulai made the call at the 13th graduation ceremony of the 3 Garrison Early Childhood Development Centre, Liberation Barracks in Sunyani where a total of 106 pupils made up 50 boys and 56 girls graduated. 

According to her, problems with the eye have usually been ignored by some parents that preferred to self-medicate and in the process, making the condition worse.

But she stated that the eye was an important organ that must be treated or handled with extreme care.

According to Dr Awulai, the first eye examination must actually start from birth to six months, adding that “this must be done at least twice in a year.” 

This, according to her, was a significant step in improving the wellbeing and academic performance of the children as they grow.

She explained that kids with eye defects develop low self-esteem, lack confidence and perform poorly in school due to their condition. 

Dr Awulai said despite her regular school visits to sensitise and create awareness on eye health and safety, most people are just reluctant and find excuses not to seek medical care. 

“Some people have become so superstitious; they hold on to their religious beliefs rather than seeking medical care,” she said and urged parents to be regular and intentional about problems with their wards eyes. 

She commended the management and staff of the 3 Garrison Early Childhood Development Centre for the care, sacrifice, love, and compassion for the training of the school children. 

The Headmistress of 3Garrison Early Childhood Development Centre Mrs Helen Korkor Bamfo appealed to parents and teachers to show and demonstrate love, care, patience, and empathy in nurturing the young children.

This she said is a responsibility that must guide every efforts being made to train the future leaders of our dear country. 

Mrs Bamfo said training kids with creative skills encompasses providing the essential support and nourishment conducive for developing their cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual and problem solving skills. 

Lt. Michael Tetteh, who represented the Commanding Officer of 3BN Lt Col. Michael Naar, appealed to fathers to make their presence count, indicating that “it is critical in raising children.” 

Lt. Tetteh praised the teachers for their professionalism and selfless dedication to duty. 

The school pupils entertained their parents and guests with choreographed dances and poetry recitals at the ceremony.

From Daniel Dzirasah, Sunyani 

The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), in partnership with the Wassa Amenfi West Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has engaged pupils of some basic schools to promote transparency, integrity and accountability. 

The programme, held on the theme: ‘Building evidence for increased accountability in Ghana through a multi-stakeholder accountability initiative,’ targeted students of the All Saints Academy and Mount Calvary Basic School. 

The interactive session gave students the platform to share their understanding of corruption and suggest ways to combat it. 

The pupils defined corruption as the abuse of entrusted power or public office for personal gain through dishonest means such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, favouritism, and fraud. 

They identified various forms of corruption to include examination malpractice, extortion, abuse of office, and the misappropriation of public funds.  

They noted that corruption occurred in schools, workplaces, public institutions, and society at large. 

The students said greed, poverty, unemployment, weak enforcement of laws, lack of integrity, inadequate civic education, and the desire for quick wealth, were some of the key drivers of corruption. 

“When people are not held accountable for their actions, corruption tends to increase,” one student said. 

To address the menace, the pupils proposed practical solutions including inculcating honesty and integrity from an early age, strengthening civic and anti-corruption education in schools, enforcing anti-corruption laws without fear or favour, and providing protection for whistle-blowers. 

Mr Cornelius Ahiekpor, the Wassa Amenfi West Municipal Director of NCCE and facilitator for the programme, commended the students for their insightful contributions. 

He urged them to uphold the values of honesty and patriotism in their daily lives, stressing that the fight against corruption required the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organisations, schools, parents, traditional leaders, the media, and the youth. –GNA