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Lack of basic amenities cause of high attrition rate in Afram Plains
Poor access to water, healthcare and education in four remote island communities in the Eastern region has resulted in high attrition of key workers in such areas.
This has led to adverse results recorded in education, health and birth registration in the Afram Plains North and South districts.
This came to light when Ghana’s Representativefor the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),Osama MakkawiKhogali,concluded a week-long visit to the four remote island communities in the two districts.
The visit was to appreciate the pressing challenges impacting children in these communities, including significant barriers to birth registration, access to education, health, and adolescent and child protection issues.
This is the first time a head of a development organisation in Ghana has undertaken such extensive and direct engagement with hard-to-reach communities in the Afram Plains North and South districts.
MrKhogali travelled by ferry, canoe, and motor bicycle engaging directly with residents in Bumpata, Ekyiamenfrom, two communities in KwahuAfram Plains South, and the remote fishing village of Kpatalidza and Senafukope in KwahuAfram Plains North from June 22- 28,2025.
He stated that UNICEF’s presence in these remote communities reaffirm its core principle to protect and promote the rights of every child irrespective of where they live, however, isolated.
According to MrKhogali, understanding the unique barriers children face in accessing quality education and essential health services to addressing concerns around adolescent pregnancy and birth registration was crucial for tailoring UNICEF’s support effectively.
During his visit, MrKhogali held dialogues with the Regional Coordinating Councils and District Chief Executives, community members and their leaders, teachers, health workers, and religious leaders.
The discussions were centred on challenges hindering birth registration, barriers to accessing quality education, availability of essential health commodities, and adolescent pregnancy.
Findings from the visit and engagement revealed that inadequate water supply, health facilities and difficult access to education in the area caused children to trek long distances to access these facilities.
Furthermore, the UNICEF rep on the visit noted that weak implementation of birth registration protocols and the charges associated with children over 12 months were major drawbacks to achieving universal birth registration.
Strategic engagements were held with the Regional and District Health Directorates to assess the availability of basic health supplies.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed sorrow over the death of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in a road accident in the Upper West Region.
The deceased are Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, both students at Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has received with profound sorrow the tragic news of the untimely demise of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, students of Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Upper West Region,” a statement issued by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES, said.
It said preliminary reports indicated that the students died in a road traffic accident on Sunday, May 3, while travelling to Wa ahead of the commencement of the examination.
“We are deeply saddened that these young lives, full of promise and potential, have been cut short under such distressing circumstances.
“Management and staff of GES, and the entire education community, extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the school, their classmates, and all who have been affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
The statement said Management of the GES would continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities to ascertain full details of the incident and consider measures to prevent similar occurrences. –GNA
