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Former Dean, 68, in same law class with daughter Wonders, the sages say shall never end.
Some people say life is all about nursing and adding value to it to build and gain an incorporated image in society.
It is also said that age is just a number and must not serve as a barrier to people who seek to pursue their long-cherished dreams by going into new areas to acquire knowledge.
With this in mind, a former Dean of Business, Education and Law at the University for Development Studies, Wa Campus, Professor Daniel Bagah, 68, a foundation layer of UDS and former Upper West Region’s Council of State member has enrolled to venture into the legal field to study law at SDD-UBIDS this academic year.
The surprising thing about Professor Bagah going to read law is not about his age, but that he is sitting at the backline of his third daughter in the same class for lectures to the admiration of the young ones in lecture halls and some of the lecturers he handled at the university.
When Professor Emmanuel K. Derbile, Vice Chancellor of the SDD-UBIDS announced the name of Professor Bagah among the ‘freshers’ for the 2024-2025 academic year to pursue LLB, there was an uproar among the students and some lecturers alike about the news.
Talking to Professor Bagah in an interview, he said the legal field had been his long-cherished dream, which was about to elude me but time has come for him to venture into new areas to acquire new knowledge.
“I believe in getting to new areas of knowledge and throughout my studies, my first, second and third degrees, I have not been able to do law, which is a new area for me. My age is nothing to me, it is my intention to challenge the young lecturers and students to emulate me and go into the legal field to know of their human rights and the rights of other people.
“For the few days that I have been lectured, I have realised that I had trampled on so many people’s rights ignorantly, even during communication with others l wrong them,” he said.
Professor Bagah, therefore, advocated basic law to be taught at all tertiary schools in Ghana to open the mindsets of the students to know about their rights and the rights of others, as well as defend the country patriotically.
He appealed to the people of northern Ghana to take advantage of the Law School to improve their lives since the school is the first law school in the north.
Miss Portia Bagah, 24, said her degree was in Estate Management and her dad had been an inspiration in her life, encouraging her to pursue the law programme.
She said the presence of her father in class serves as motivation and challenge to her and not a setback like others might be thinking. –GNA
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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