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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
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed sorrow over the death of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in a road accident in the Upper West Region.
The deceased are Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, both students at Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has received with profound sorrow the tragic news of the untimely demise of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, students of Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Upper West Region,” a statement issued by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES, said.
It said preliminary reports indicated that the students died in a road traffic accident on Sunday, May 3, while travelling to Wa ahead of the commencement of the examination.
“We are deeply saddened that these young lives, full of promise and potential, have been cut short under such distressing circumstances.
“Management and staff of GES, and the entire education community, extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the school, their classmates, and all who have been affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
The statement said Management of the GES would continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities to ascertain full details of the incident and consider measures to prevent similar occurrences. –GNA
