News
God believes in standards – Dr Amponsah-Bediako
As a Creator, God believes in standards and that explains why all His creations are standards-based, the Director of Corporate Communications at the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Dr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, has said.
He explained that “a look at the planetary system shows that the earth does two things at the same time, namely, rotating and revolving around a defined path.”
“In spite of this, the earth never clashes with other planets in the universe, an indication that God is a great and perfect scientist,” he said.
Dr Amponsah-Bediako was speaking in an interview with The Spectator in connection with last month’s celebration of World Standards Day.
The Director of Corporate Communications pointed out that the earth was a finite vessel of life in the space of the solar system, and that, life on earth depended on energy that came from the sun.
He said, over the years, human and large-scale industrial activities referred to as modern civilisation, had added to the natural greenhouse gases of the earth, and negatively impacting on our climate and all forms of life.
He added that rapid population growth and urbanisation demanded responsible use of limited resources.
Dr Amponsah-Bediako stated that, to reduce human impact on our planet, “we need tried and tested solutions to technical challenges, which help share expertise and technical know-how broadly within developed and developing countries all over the world”.
He said, seen in this way, standards were needed to cover all aspects of energy savings as well as water and air quality.
The theme for this year’s celebration of World Standards Day was, “Protecting the Planet with Standards.”
Dr Amponsah-Bediako said if the earth was not protected as required, lives on it would be adversely affected.
“This is why we are calling on every person in this world to keep to measures that will help protect the earth,” he stressed.
He said, environmental standards should “preserve nature and the environment, help to prevent damage and also repair past damage caused by adverse human activities.”
Dr Amponsah-Bediako said, the strict adherence to environmental standards helped to reduce “the environmental impact of industrial production and process; facilitate the re-use of limited resources and improve energy efficiency.”
He emphasised that, as a nation, we needed to keep to and respect environmental standards in line with God’s will, since standards were administrative regulations implemented for the treatment and maintenance of the environment.
He further said, when we obeyed environmental standards the earth would be protected for the good of all men and women, irrespective of where they found themselves in the world.
World Standards Day is celebrated on October 14, each year to publicise the importance of standards and to honour all those experts throughout the world who have helped to develop and promote standards.
By Emmanuel Amponsah
News
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to
UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG threaten strike over delayed book and research allowance
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) have jointly issued a demand for the immediate payment of their Book and Research Allowance.
They have further indicated that failure by the government to honour this obligation will compel them to embark on a nationwide strike effective Thursday, June 13, 2025.
In a statement issued today, under the headline ‘Exchange Rate and Payment for the Book and Research (BRA) Allowance’ indicates that“The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association5 of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana(CETAG) wish to express our deep concern and discontent over the undue delay in releasing the exchange rate for the book and research allowance and payment.”
According to them, this delay has caused significant uncertainty and frustration among our members, who depend on this critical support for their research and academic work.
They noted that at a joint meeting held on June 8, 2025, the undersigned unions unanimously resolved that the government must, as a matter of urgency, release the exchange rate and commence the payment process for the book and research allowance to our members.
“Despite the late release of the rates.we have resolved that we will not accept an extension of payments beyond September 2025. We
stress that this allowance is a statutory entitlement under our Conditions of Service and an essential resource for advancing research, teaching, and knowledge sharing,” they added.
The joint statement further added that“We hereby notify all stakeholders that if the government fails to commence the payment process by the 13th of June 2025, this will be considered a strike notice by UTAG, TUTAG, and CETAG across all campuses to the government.”
“We urge the government to act swiftly to avert any disruption to the academic calendar and to ensure that the welfare of teachers and the broader academic community is prioritised,” the statement concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
