News
UMaT retains W/R Indece Day inter-district quiz competition
The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) Basic School, Tarkwa, in the Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region, has retained its championship title at the fifth annual Western Region Independence Day Inter-District JHS Quiz Competition held recently at Tarkwa.
UMaT Basic School obtained 82 points to beat Christ Leading International School from Ellembele, and Peace International School from Jomoro Municipality to the second and third positions with 77 and 76 points respectively.
The S.I.P.L School from the Wassa East District placed fourth with 69 points, whiles St Anthony Roman Catholic School from Effia Kwesimintsim placed fifth with 60 points and St Augustinus Preparatory School from Nzema East placed sixth with 58 points.
The eleven schools, which represented Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the competition were chosen based on their performance at the 2019 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The contestants were quizzed on issues pertaining to the history of Ghana (pre and post colonial, pre and post independence), chieftaincy and tradition, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Arts and Culture, Science and environment, sports and general knowledge.
Nana HRH Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, the Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, and chairman of the programme, commended the students for their excellent performance, and urged them to remain focused in their studies.
He asked teachers to adhere to the ethics of the profession and refrain from unacceptable activities that jeopardised their work.
The Executive Chairman for the planning and organising committee, Nana Obrempong Hima Dekyi XIV, the Paramount Chief of Upper Dixcove Traditional Area, thanked the numerous sponsors for their invaluable assistance and their determination to ensure that education was accorded the importance it deserved in the region.
He said the competition was designed to improve the abilities of the contestants, inculcate in them team work and added that this year’s performance was better than the previous year’s.
Mr Gilbert Asmah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tarkwa Nsuaem on behalf of the Western Regional Minister, said the promotion of historical values of Ghana would provide the appropriate platform for the development and growth of the country.
He urged the MMDAs and District Education Directors to enforce measures to raise the level of education in their areas.
Mr Addo Dankwa Akuffo, the Western Regional Director of Education who congratulated the participants for their sterling performance, also commended the sponsors for their invaluable assistance.
Mr Robert Siaw, the Regional Manager for Community Relations, Goldfield Ghana Limited, headline sponsors of the quiz competition, said education held the key to development and that was why Goldfield had agreed to sponsor the programme.
Ms Sally Acheampong, the CSR Coordinator of Takoradi International Company (TAQA-TICO), commended the traditional leaders of the region for championing education which was in line with TICO’s vision.
The winners of the competition received prizes some of which included a trophy, HP laptop, multipurpose printer, medals, textbooks, plaques and certificates. They also received Mathematics, Science, English and Information Communication Technology textbooks.
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
