News
Feasibility of the Ghana ‘TV learning’ initiative and the way forward
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
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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