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Action Aid Ghana organises training for Headteachers, PTA, others in Sissala East
Action Aid Ghana (AAG), a non-governmental organization has organized a 2-day training for Headteachers of Basic Schools, leaders of the Parent-Teacher Association, circuit supervisors, and officers at the education directorate in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region to equip them with knowledge on alternative correctional measures to pupils’ misconduct at the Basic School level.
The training which covered 110 participants was aimed at equipping them with knowledge on “Positive Discipline” and making them allies for the campaign against corporal punishment in schools and at home.
Addressing participants at the training, the Acting Regional Programmes Manager of the AAG, Madam Abiba Nibaradun said corporal punishment continued to affect students’ learning and stressed that it was about time teachers adopted the positive discipline approach to correcting students’ misbehaviour as the concept promoted thinking and problem-solving skills and mutual respect among children.
She added that positive discipline enhanced Child Rights and Pedagogical Principles and among other things, guided children to be of their best behaviour, built self-confidence and respected their rights to healthy development and protection from violence.
“The fact that we grew up witnessing regular use of corporal punishment at school and in some homes does not make it an acceptable correctional tool; the measure rather contributes to aggression in children and affects their creativity and as custodians of children’s hopes and aspirations, we must create an environment that will help children thrive. If a child misbehaves, your first challenge is to ensure you understand the reason for that behaviour and evaluate whether the behaviour deserves a disciplinary response”, she said.
In her conclusion, she indicated that corporal punishment left children with emotional scars like fear, trauma, and timidity and encouraged teachers to comply with the directive by the Ghana Education Service (GES) on the abolishment of corporal punishment.
Mr. Osman Luriwie Kanton, the Executive Director for Action for Sustainable Development (ASUDEV), an NGO partner of ActionAid in the region said corporal punishment was not a way of correcting students but rather a risk factor for increased school dropout cases.
He encouraged teachers to create a friendly environment for children so that they would develop an interest in going to school to learn instead of creating fear in them and giving the impression that corporal punishment was part of education.
He advised teachers to use other correctional means to correct children and make them understand why they are corrected rather than abuse them in the name of ‘Discipline’.
The Deputy Director In Charge of Administration at the Municipal Directorate of the GES, Mr. Godfred Baveru Kanton added that although corporal punishment was banned, it was still an issue of concern in some schools in the area and called for an end to it since its disadvantages far outweighed its positives.
The Head Teacher of the Wallembelle Junior High School, Mr Ahmed Issahaku who spoke on behalf of the participants commended Action Aid Ghana for the initiative and called on other organizations to emulate same.
Similar training was also conducted in Jirapa and Lambussie districts for some 82 and 60 participants respectively.
FROM RAFIA ABDUL RAZAK, TUMU
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the strong ties and shared values that continue to define relations between Ghana and South Korea.
During the discussions, President Mahama highlighted the historic connection between the two nations, noting their common commitment to democracy, human rights, and a shared historical experience.
He emphasised the opportunities for deeper cooperation, stating that Ghana’s rich natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological expertise and innovation, present a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
The President also underscored Ghana’s strategic role within the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for production and exports into a market of over 1.4 billion people.
President Lee Jae Myung, in his remarks, described Ghana as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, and agriculture.
He also reflected on the longstanding cultural and economic connection symbolised by the popular “Ghana” chocolate brand made from Ghanaian cocoa, which has been enjoyed in Korea for over five decades.
Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural engagement, and economic collaboration, with President Lee noting that President Mahama’s visit provides a timely opportunity to deepen practical cooperation that will directly benefit the citizens of both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
