News
Children exposed to arts, culture early develops strong intellectual, communication skills – Acting E/R CNC Director
Toddlers from various kindergarten schools in the Eastern Region on Tuesday thrilled patrons with impressive cultural performances at this year’s Kindergarten festival organised by the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Koforidua.
The children from the participating schools recited poetry, staged drama performances and performed a variety of traditional dances, including Kete, Kpatse, Borborbor and Apatampa, under the theme: ‘Little Stars: Celebrating Our Culture for Future Impact.’
Participating schools included Love Community Kindergarten, Koforidua Grammar School, Solomon School, Charles Wesley Academy, Unique Kiddie Care, Alpha Hills School, Assemblies of God Kindergarten, Brentford Academy, Liberty Academy, Berlin Academy, Bolders Journey School and New Dawn School.
The Acting Eastern Regional Director of the CNC, Dr Salamatu Alhassan, said research had shown that children exposed to arts and culture from an early age developed strong intellectual and communication skills.
“These toddlers participating in this festival have the potential to be ahead of their peers because training in arts and culture broadens their minds and enhances their intelligence.
Dr Alhassan said, considering the numerous benefits of arts and cultural education, it was important to nurture children from an early age to become future ambassadors of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and contributors to the country’s creative economy.
She said the CNC was mandated to promote Ghana’s arts and culture and assured that such festivals would continue to be organised regularly to provide more children with opportunities to develop their talents.
Dr Alhassan encouraged parents and teachers to support children to participate in cultural festivals and related activities to help build their confidence, creativity and appreciation of Ghanaian culture.
The Eastern Regional Director of the Department of Children, Mr Emmanuel Nana Osei, said exposing young children to Ghanaian culture through such festivals was essential because it helped them develop a strong sense of identity.
He said as future leaders, children needed to understand their cultural roots to develop a sense of belonging and appreciate the need to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mr Osei also urged parents to encourage their children to participate in poetry, drama and traditional dance activities to nurture their talents and preserve Ghana’s cultural heritage.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
GES directs Ashanti Regional, Obuasi Municipal Education Directors to step aside over Obuasi SHTS scandal
The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr. William Amankrah Appiah, and the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Kwamena Owusu-Nketiah, to step aside with immediate effect.
The directive forms part of ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School (SHTS), Mr. Zakaria Abdulai.
According to GES, the decision is intended to ensure that the investigations proceed without potential interference, nor the perception of it.
The two directors are to hand over their offices and all state property in their possession to the Deputy Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mr. Thomas Kwame Boateng.
Management added that the headmaster, Mr. Zakaria Abdulai, also remains interdicted and therefore urged the public to ignore any news circulating that he has been cleared.
Management is calling for calm, support and cooperation as thorough investigations into the matter continue.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has joined the family of the late Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday, the Ghanaian community in the UK, and other dignitaries for a memorial service in Southwark, UK.
In a post, Mr. Ablakwa described the service as deeply moving and unforgettable, held in honour of the late professor’s memory.
According to him, in keeping with the government’s pledge, he joined the family, Ghana’s High Commissioner to London, British MPs, Ministers, the Mayor of London, Cambridge scholars, Prof. Arday’s students and loved ones to pay respects and honour his inspiring legacy.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that Prof. Arday’s accomplishments as the youngest Black professor appointed at the University of Cambridge and his widely appreciated charitable contributions will continue to inspire generations.
“The Government and People of Ghana will continue to stand by our compatriots everywhere they are in the world. As we do so, we profess our commitment to justice, equality and the creation of a new world,” he said.
He prayed for fortitude for the family in what he described as an extraordinarily difficult time.
“We shall always remember Prof. Arday for his response when asked what he will wish to do to change the world: ‘I would take a thread and a needle, and I’d interweave love into our society’,” Mr. Ablakwa added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
