News
Local Govt Ministry begins assessment of COVID-19 impact on govt policies, programmes
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has commenced the assessment and monitoring of the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on government policies and programmes, particularly the various agricultural and health initiatives and interventions in the districts.
Its objective is to determine the readiness of the leadership of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) country-wide in marshalling their forces to contain the virus in their areas and devise effective strategies to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.
Mr Augustine Collins Ntim, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development who announced this during the first leg of his assessment and monitoring tour of some MMDAs in the Ashanti, Ahafo and Northern regions last week, acknowledged the possible negative impact of COVID-19 on major government initiatives and interventions.
“The effects of COVID-19,” he noted, “are obvious” but pointed out that “as leaders and a nation, we must not allow the virus to derail our developmental efforts especially the various initiatives and interventions carefully crafted by the government to improve the lot of the people”.
“COVID-19 or no COVID-19, life must go on. So must Local governance, in particular, also go on to provide the people with the necessary direction towards the application of the safety protocols and other measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the pandemic,” Mr Ntim stated.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the government’s current priority attention was on how to effectively protect the citizens against the virus, mindful of the fact that “the people, constituting the nation’s most important asset and resource, are also the ultimate beneficiaries of its development policies and programmes”.
Highlighting President Akufo-Addo’s vision of a rapid total national development, he explained that the various agricultural interventions hyping the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ), Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD), Rearing for Food and Jobs (RFJ) and Modernisation of Agriculture in Ghana (MAG) as major programmes were specially engineered by Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Food and Agriculture to boost agricultural production.
They were carefully designed to take expression at the district level where the bulk of the country’s population live with the goal of economically empowering them, promoting the export of agricultural produce and providing the raw material base of the One District, One Factory programme.
The Ministry, under the able leadership of Hajia Alima Mahama, he said, recognized the critical role of local government in the successful implementation of the programmes and was therefore poised to ensure that the MMDAs live up to the task.
Criticising the tendency of some MMDAs to expend their resources on the execution of mainly physical development projects, the Deputy Minister asked them “not to use all their funds on the provision of toilets and classrooms.”
“The MMDAs need to invest in other areas that will help to economically empower the people and make them financially-inclusive so as to enable them to pay levies and taxes with ease,” he advised.
The Deputy Minister indicated that while most of the MMDAs are doing very well in providing leadership in the area of rural economic development, others are not and advised that the nonchalant attitude of some MMDAs must give way to sound reasoning and judgment.
“The Akufo-Addo administration is not the business as usual type. It’s a serious government engaged in serious business and therefore won’t countenance any feet-dragging”, Mr Ntim cautioned.
Source: Ghanaian Times
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
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
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
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
