Features
Semester versus term system in second cycle institutions
Different educational systems are usually developed and implemented by countries to ensure that trainees, both young and old, are properly developed with the adequate knowledge and skills they need to enable them provide socioeconomic development for the people in their countries.
In the United Kingdom (UK) for example, the system of education may be different from the United States (US) but at the end of the day it is the implementation of the knowledge and skills that are needed to develop the respective countries.
USING DIFFERENT IDEAS
The two countries or any other country may, therefore, have to use its own ideas to groom its young ones to come out as scholars who can meet the challenges of life and build their countries to become prosperous entities.
THE SEMESTER SYSTEM
The decision of the Ministry of Education to change its position on the implementation of the semester system to that of the term system was the result of disagreements between the Ministry on one hand and the Teacher Unions on the other.
To begin with, a semester system is where the academic year is divided into two main portions, that is, first and second semesters, while the term system usually uses three portions of time for the academic year.
SEMESTER AND TERM SYSTEMS
The semester system usually consists of about 16 weeks while the term system is also made up of about 12 weeks. In either case, each of the systems covers the academic calendar to ensure that adequate preparations are made for students or pupils.
These different systems are used in various parts of the world depending on the preference of the school authorities.
DISAGREEMENTS
The Ministry of Education in Ghana had wanted to introduce the semester system for schools operating under the Ghana Education Service but members of the teacher unions had some disagreements with the change over.
Many of them said the shift from the term system to the semester system was a major change in policy for which they should have been consulted. The Ministry on its part stated that some consultations were made.
OPPOSITION TO NEW SYSTEM
Probably the consultations did not go down well with the teacher unions, hence the decision to oppose it.
CONSULTATIONS
In such change overs, we wish to encourage the ministry to ensure that the teachers are adequately consulted for their views so that they will become part of the programme.
Adequate consultation is necessary because it allows for ventilation of views on the subject matter. In addition, all disagreements can be ironed out before the implementation of the programme.
Again, adequate consultation ensures that stakeholders feel to have become part of the new system thereby owning it. Once there is a sense of ownership, the stakeholders will be more willing to embrace its implementation to the letter.
There is no doubt that the Ministry of Education meant well for all stakeholders in the education sector. The disagreement over the semester system only shows that the stakeholders felt that they were not adequately consulted over the matter.
ABSENCE OF MALICE
Similarly, the teacher unions which opposed the semester system that was to be introduced could not have acted out of malice. Rather, all the stakeholders acted in good faith but in matters of this nature, we all need to ensure that there is a common understanding of the issues at stake to avert any possible confusion and disagreement.
PROBLEMS WITH NEW SYSTEMS
The introduction of new systems have always brought about such problems.
Many years ago, all institutions of learning, higher and lower, were running the term system until it became necessary for our tertiary institutions to adopt the semester system for some good reason.
Before the adoption by the tertiary institutions, there was a little confusion as to why the change to the semester system, but today, it has become an adopted norm for institutions of higher learning. What did the trick was the sensitisation and education of authorities at the tertiary level to understand, appreciate and accept the new system.
Similarly, teacher unions operating under the Ghana Education Service would want adequate exchange of views on the new system so that they can appreciate the justification for the change over.
WORKING TOGETHER
The Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and all institutions at the primary and second cycle levels must continue to work together with all stakeholders so that at the end of it all, the country will benefit from the implementation of systems that are meant to bring about quality education in the country.
Contact email/ahatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
BY DR. KOFI AMPONSAH BEDIAKO
In every society, there are people who do things their own way, regardless of what others think. Take the man who, by good fortune, acquired a beautiful Benz bus. Rather than becoming a bossy transport owner demanding daily accounts, he chose a different path. He hired a driver—but no driver’s mate. He became the mate himself. The bold inscription on the back of the bus reads: “MAN NO FOOL.”
He’s no fool, having long observed how drivers and mates conspire with daily accounts. He’s far above such tricks.
Domestic Pragmatism
Then there’s the married man enforcing his own version of the division of labor. One morning, he decreed he would handle all daily market shopping because he suspected his wife was “tearing chobo.” Earlier, he had claimed the kitchen ladle as his own, citing dissatisfaction with the portion sizes compared to his “chop-money” contributions.
From that day, he became the chief cook, while his wife became the steward. When the soup was ready, she would call him to allocate the meat. He called it “domestic pragmatism.”
The Dancing Kiosk
Consider a couple who ran a kiosk and, to protect their goods from theft, chose to sleep there each night. Last week, during heavy rains, they were asleep when the downpour started. Both began dreaming they were dancing at a jamboree—an uncanny simultaneous dream.
When they awoke, reality hit: their kiosk was afloat, doing a Michael Jackson-style dance in the floodwaters. They were lucky to survive. Others were not so fortunate.
That Tuesday, 24 residents of Accra lost their lives in the heaviest rains in 59 years. Property was destroyed, animals drowned, and the city experienced its worst traffic jams ever.
Floods and “Neck Insurance”
During the rains, waist-deep waters forced residents to become human transport, carrying others for a fee. I was spared, though I imagined my weight would have made “neck insurance” a must!
The aftermath left offices soaked, radios swimming on carpets, and workers struggling to salvage belongings. My office radio survived after drying, perhaps imbued with some holy-ghost luck—it seemed to walk on water.
A Call for Action
Mr. Nat Nunoo-Amarteifio, AMA boss, later appeared on the air to explain the floods, citing rising sea and lagoon levels. While informative, action is key. Years of warnings by veteran journalist Tom Dorkenoo—a man of prophetic environmental insight—have highlighted Accra’s vulnerability to floods. Two years ago, he outlined the risks, and the warnings proved accurate.
It is not enough for authorities to merely announce intentions to address drainage issues or unauthorized buildings. They must act decisively to prevent recurring disasters. Floods, property losses, and fatalities are preventable with proactive planning and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
The Lesson
The saga of the dancing kiosk reminds us of human resilience, absurdity, and tragedy. While humor can lighten the story, the underlying message is serious: Accra’s flood challenges require urgent, sustained action.
Let us hope future rainy seasons bring fewer dancing kiosks and more effective city planning.
By Merari Alomele
Spectator
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Starvation is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including food availability, economic stability, and government policies. Understanding the mathematics of starvation involves analyzing calorie requirements, food distribution, and nutritional needs to ensure individuals receive sufficient sustenance for survival and health.
Calculating Nutritional Needs
To understand the scale of starvation, it is crucial to determine the daily caloric requirements of individuals based on age, sex, weight, and activity levels. For example, populations like that of the Gaza Strip require a specific number of calories per person per day to prevent malnutrition and starvation.
Food Distribution and Availability
Equally important is assessing food distribution and availability. This includes calculating the total food needed to meet nutritional requirements and ensuring it reaches those in need. In Gaza, Israel controls food inflow and determines the number of calories Palestinians require. However, the actual amount of food allowed into the territory often falls far below minimum nutritional needs.
Consequences of Inadequate Food Supply
Inadequate food supply leads to severe consequences such as malnutrition, starvation, and death. For instance, between March and June, Israel allowed only 56,000 tonnes of food into Gaza—less than a quarter of the territory’s minimum needs during that period.
Global Perspective
Starvation is not unique to Gaza. Millions worldwide face food insecurity due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Understanding the mathematics of starvation enables policymakers and humanitarian organizations to devise strategies that target the root causes of hunger effectively.
Key Factors Contributing to Starvation
- Poverty: Lack of resources limits access to sufficient food.
- Conflict: Wars disrupt food production and distribution networks.
- Climate Change: Extreme weather reduces agricultural yields.
- Economic Instability: Market fluctuations hinder access to food.
Addressing Starvation
Combating starvation requires addressing its underlying causes:
- Food Aid: Provide sufficient, targeted food assistance to those in need.
- Economic Support: Promote economic stability to improve access to food.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts to restore production and distribution networks.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adopt sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security.
In conclusion, the mathematics of starvation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to food insecurity. By understanding nutritional needs, calculating food distribution, and tackling the root causes, societies can work towards a future where hunger is no longer a daily threat.
BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPON
Spectator
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
