News
Ancilla Primary & JHS holds graduation ceremony
Brass band of Ancilla School
Ancilla Primary and Junior High School (JHS), a reputable educational institution has held its annual graduation ceremony at Haatso in Accra.
Those who graduated were pupils in Kindergarten Two, Class Six and JHS Three.
The ceremony was under the theme “The Ghanaian Child: Security, Safety, and Sanitation.”
In his address the Guest of Honour, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Vance Baba Gariba, Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) urged the students to strive for excellence in all their endeavours.
“Embrace every opportunity to learn, to lead, and to make a positive impact in the world around you. The knowledge and skills you acquire here will serve as the foundation for your future achievements,” he said.
He reminded them that “Our school’s mission has always been to foster a nurturing environment where students can explore their passions and reach their full potential.”
“You have set an exemplary standard for your peers, and I encourage you to continue striving for excellence in all your endeavours,” he advised.
According to him “Education is not merely about accolades and awards but also about the Security, Safety, and Sanitation; they are the foundation upon which we build our communities and the future.”
He also acknowledged the collective efforts of teachers and other staff, parents and guardians for their invaluable support, guidance and encouragement to the students.
DCOP Gariba congratulated the students for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance which have led them to that moment of recognition.
The Chairperson, Dr (Mrs) Shirley Banini, Lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) urged the students to continue to strive for excellence in their future endeavours through determination, perseverance, and passion for learning.
She expressed appreciation to the teachers and other staff, for their unwavering commitment to nurturing and educating the students.
“Your dedication and hard work often go unnoticed, but they are the cornerstone of our school’s success. Your ability to inspire and challenge our students is truly commendable, and we are all grateful for your effort,” she noted.
The Headmistress of Ancilla Primary and JHS, Sister Sussana Amoh said “Ancilla Primary and Junior High School is a reputable educational institution that has been serving the community for many years.
“Founded with the mission of providing quality education to students, the school has a rich history of academic excellence and a commitment to nurturing young minds,” she noted.
Sis Amoh also noted that the school’s curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning skills, preparing students for success in the modern world.
As part of the ceremony there were performances by the cultural, dance drama, musical and also a display by the school’s cadet and Brass band.
Scrolls and certificates were presented to students who graduated from KG2, Basic 6 and JHS 3.
The values of the school are simplicity, commitment, respect, justice, loyalty, unity and humility.
By Georgina Quaittoo
Local mattress manufacturers have raised serious concerns over the influx of substandard mattresses, warning that these products pose significant health risks to consumers and threaten the sustainability of Ghana’s mattress industry.
At a press briefing held in Kumasi on Tuesday, manufacturers accused unregistered foreign entities, particularly Chinese firms, of flooding the market with cheap mattresses made from polystyrene.
Mr Yaw Ampem Darko, a spokesperson for the local manufacturers, warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses, especially those made with polystyrene, could result in chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, poor posture, and diminished sleep quality.
These health implications, they stressed, were not always immediately evident but accumulate over time, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
This material, typically used for packaging, is considered unsuitable and unsafe for bedding.
According to industry leaders, these sub-standard products have been circulating for at least five years, gaining traction among unsuspecting consumers due to their unusually low prices.
“These mattresses are being sold at suspiciously low prices, luring unsuspecting consumers who are unaware of the health dangers.”
“We are not just protecting our businesses; we are protecting Ghanaian lives. The government must act swiftly to stem this tide before more citizens fall victim to these dangerous products,” Mr Yaw Ampem Darko stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has acknowledged the issue and, in response, announced a nationwide enforcement campaign aimed at clamping down on the production, distribution, and sale of substandard mattresses.
The campaign, which was scheduled to take effect from September 30, 2025, was empowered by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), which authorises the Authority to seize and seal non-compliant products and impose sanctions on offenders.
In a statement signed by the Director General of the GSA, Professor George Agyei, the authority cited Sections 29 and 43 of the Act, reiterating that all mattresses sold in Ghana must meet established national standards or face confiscation.
The statement further emphasised that mattresses failing to meet these standards not only compromise sleep quality but also contribute to long-term health complications, including spinal and neck pain.
Despite the GSA’s commitment, manufacturers have expressed frustration over delays in implementation and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
They urged the GSA to work in close collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and national law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute violators of Ghana’s quality standards.
Manufacturers are also appealing to consumers to remain vigilant and prioritise their health by verifying that any mattress they purchase bears the GSA certification mark.
Moreover, they caution the public against purchasing suspiciously cheap mattresses that lack proper labelling or identifiable branding, as these were often indicators of substandard or counterfeit products.
As the official enforcement deadline had expired with no show, the local producers insisted that much more than business interests were at stake.
They argued that without swift and sustained action, the health and safety of Ghanaian consumers would continue to be compromised.
“Public awareness, strict enforcement, and collaboration among regulatory bodies are essential if we are to protect the integrity of the local industry and the wellbeing of the Ghanaian people,” Mr Darko indicated.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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The Founder of the Raissa Child Protection Initiative, Ms Raissa Sambou, has urged authorities to impose severe punishment on individuals, including teachers and guardians, who sexually abuse young girls.
Speaking in an interview to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), Ms Sambou condemned the increasing cases of sexual exploitation involving minors, describing such acts as “heartless, criminal, and a total betrayal of trust.”
She noted that those entrusted with the care and education of children must not be the same people who violate them, stressing that “anyone found guilty of abusing a girl child must face the full rigours of the law without leniency.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually to promote the rights of girls, empower them to reach their full potential, and draw attention to the challenges they face worldwide.
Ms Sambou lamented that poverty continues to push many young girls into vulnerable situations, exposing them to exploitation.
She expressed concern that some headmasters, teachers, and community members who should protect girls rather take advantage of them.
“This must stop immediately. The safety of every girl must never be compromised,” she said, urging the public to report all forms of abuse to the appropriate authorities and called for swift action by law enforcement agencies against perpetrators.
Addressing girls directly, Ms Sambou encouraged them to take their education seriously and to believe in their potential.
“It is possible to be young and responsible. Your future is bright, protect it, believe in it, and never let anyone dim your light,” she advised.
She further urged girls to choose their friends wisely, stay disciplined, and speak up if anyone makes sexual advances toward them.
Ms Sambou concluded with a rallying call for collective action, saying “speak up, protect them, and empower them. Together, we can end the sexual exploitation of girls.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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