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Feasibility of the Ghana ‘TV learning’ initiative and the way forward
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The novel coronavirus has exposed the inequalities in numerous aspects of what makes society whole, and among the numerous affected sectors education has not been spared.
In a bid to minimise the spread of the virus, the Government of Ghana imposed a ban on all social gatherings, leading to the closure of educational institutions. But learning, as the cliché goes, “never stops”.
In an effort to help students keep up with the syllabi and remain active while social distancing and other health protocols were being practised, stakeholders in education came up with some innovative measures.
The Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation partnered with the MultiChoice Ghana Ltd to make GES approved educational content available for Ghanaian students, mainly those in Basic, Junior High and Senior High Schools.
The collaboration and subsequent roll out of the programme became effective on April 14, 2020.
Although the Minister of Education along with the other agencies involved in taking that decision had students at heart, it appears the disadvantages of the e-learning arrangements outweigh the advantages.
Inasmuch as Ghana is catching up with Western countries in terms of technology, it still remains a country with a large number of people living in poverty.
A good number of the populace, especially in rural areas, still do not have the luxury of a television set and uninterrupted power supply. Digital television channels are not available in some areas due to poor connection.
Though the e-learning measure was meant to fill some gaps, this mode of learning, to some extent, prevents students from having a personal interaction with their teachers.
Students lose the benefits of asking questions, seeking clarification when confused and getting immediate feedback.
Weaker students who do not perform so well in class could suffer the most as they do not receive the extra attention they deserve after classroom lessons.
There is also the problem of laziness as most students tend to feel relaxed in the comfort of their homes and are most likely to choose sleeping, watching a movie or playing games rather than paying attention to a lesson instructor on television.
Some students at basic and tertiary levels indicate they do not have enough data to keep up and access online tutorials. Others also lose the motivation to learn when separated from peers.
Though efforts are being made for schools to re-open in the shortest possible time, there is still the fear that the entire syllabus could be completed with majority of students having very little understanding of various topics in their respective programmes of study.
While the Ghana e-learning TV initiative could prove to be beneficial to students at home, the challenges associated with its practicality cannot be understated.
From all indications, we still have a long way to go in mitigating gaps birthed by the e-learning system in our part of the world.
As far as improving e-learning in the near future is concerned, stakeholders must as well increase the tools and equipment which could help achieve the objective of this learning system.
When the pandemic is over, there would be an urgent need to review our educational system to help strengthen the areas where there are some shortfalls.
While students are encouraged not to give up on the e-learning system, collaboration and a deliberate effort by the state will be required so that the desired outcome of the e-learning initiative is completely attained.
Priscilla Boakye,
Student, Ghana Institute of Journalism
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
