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Let every child be in school
The Chief Executive Officer of the Lancaster University Ghana, Dr Emmanuel Arthur, has asked parents to prioritise the education of their children to grow and become responsible adults in future.
According to him, “a child without education is like a bird without wings,” hence the need to educate the children to provide the wings for them to fly.
Dr Arthur gave the advice at the 11th graduation ceremony of the Hilltop International British School (HIBS) in Kumasi where approximately 60 students from the primary level through upper secondary level graduated.
The event brought together families from around the world and featured cultural displays and choreographed performances.
Dr Arthur, who was the guest of honour for the occasion, stated that investment in children’s education was one of the surest way of creating a path to a decent future for them.
“It is not an easy task but parents must continue to invest in their children’s education. It is very important,” he emphasised.
Mrs Cecelia Agyei Amoako, the school’s proprietress, shared the institution’s educational journey, explaining its establishment in 1997 and initially operated under the Ghana Education Service (GES) system.
However, 13 years ago, the British Council approached the school and implemented the Cambridge system of education which differs significantly from the GES curriculum.
Students take Checkpoint exams to assess their readiness for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which is equivalent to the former O-Level qualification.
Upon completion, students have the option to pursue overseas programmess for university entry or continue to Years 12 and 13, where they complete the equivalent of A-Level examinations for university admission.
“Local universities are proud to accept our students because they know the students are well-prepared for any programmes,” she stated.
The school has become a leading educational institution in Ghana, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and cultures while providing high-quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Mr Patrick Kwasi Essiam, Head of School, echoed these sentiments, encouraging parents to prioritise their children’s education.
He emphasised the school’s commitment to inclusive education, stating that, “no child should be left behind, every child can learn, and every child matters.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
