News
‘Private school education in Ghana likely to face problems’
The Acting National President of the Ghana Association of Private Schools (GAPS), Mr Domastus Tuurosong , said private school education in the country was likely to face serious problems if urgent steps were not taken to support their administrative operations.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator, he said it would be extremely difficult for private schools to operate at half capacity class- sizes to help curtail further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He explained that such a situation demanded that more teachers were employed to assist, but was quick to ask,” How will the school authorities generate enough money to pay the salaries of the additional staff?”
He lamented that unlike corporations which had commenced operations when some lockdown restrictions were relaxed, schools remained closed until recently when the final-year students were required to resume classes pending their examinations, a situation where school fees would not be paid.
” We are confronted with the problem of how to generate funds to pay the salaries of teachers who are preparing the final-year students ,” he said.
Mr Tuurosong said though the schools were provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), these items which were used frequently could not last, and the schools had to supplement.
He also lamented that private schools could not afford the construction of fence walls around their premises to prevent unauthorised persons from intruding their premises to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Mr Tuurosong has appealed to the government to make it possible for private schools to benefit from the stimulus package for small and medium scale enterprises in the country.
He said unlike other businesses which generated income for their sustenance, it was unfortunate that schools did not, hence the precarious situation in which they operated.
By Raymond Kyekye
Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central Kwame Asare Obeng, widely known as A Plus, is calling on young people to take hypertension seriously by checking their blood pressure regularly and taking prescribed medication to prevent sudden deaths and stroke.
In a message shared to the public, the MP noted that cases of young people dying from high blood pressure are rising, even though the condition is preventable.
He mentioned that many refuse to go for checkups, and those who later discover they have hypertension still stop or avoid taking their medication.
He expressed worry that some men refuse treatment because they believe blood pressure drugs affect their sexual performance, a belief he described as misleading.
A Plus stressed that staying alive and healthy should be the priority, adding that complications from uncontrolled hypertension could lead to stroke and long term disability.
He encouraged the youth, especially men, to get their blood pressure tested and take treatment seriously to protect their health and future.
A Plus urged the public to spread the message so more people will take action on their health.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has met first term Members of Parliament to strengthen cooperation between his office and newly elected legislators.
The engagement was organised to help build better working relations and improve communication within the House.
Bagbin stressed the value of open interaction and mentioned that similar sessions will later involve continuing MPs, the media and the public through televised programmes.
He reiterated the 9th Parliament’s goal of promoting openness and inclusion, describing integrity, honesty, civility and participation as key values for national progress.
He encouraged the creation of a mentorship system to allow experienced members to guide new ones.
Bagbin reflected on the growth of Ghana’s legislature over the years, noting a shift from strong partisan conduct to a more mature multiparty atmosphere.
He urged MPs to maintain their party identity while working together for development.
Present at the meeting were the Clerk to Parliament Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Deputy Majority Whip Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe and the Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei.
By: Jacob Aggrey
