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VP Bawumia commissions ICT lab for School For The Blind
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has reiterated the need for the nation to pay special attention to the educational needs of persons with disabilities, noting that apart from being a national responsibility, it would also help Ghana fulfil her international obligations.
Thus, the government would continue to explore the best ways of providing such care, including the provision of a conducive learning environment, teaching and learning aids and personnel for special needs instruction.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia made the commitment when he concurrently commissioned an innovative ICT Lab for the Akropong School for the Blind and the Wa Methodist School for the Blind on Friday, 2nd August, 2024.
At a brief ceremony in Akropong, Dr Bawumia also handed over 104 special laptops to the 104 special needs teachers, while the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, presented 600 White Canes to the two special needs schools in his constituency, the Akropong School for the Blind and Mampong School the Deaf.
Dr Bawumia, who is also the NPP flagbearer, who is known for his care and passion for the disabled, emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the needs of the disabled and disadvantaged receive the highest personal and governmental attention.
“As a country, we want to put issues of children with special needs on the development agenda and take steps to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Four which is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” he said.
According to him, “The ICT Lab we are here to hand over is more than just a room filled with computers. It is a gateway to a world of possibilities, a platform for creativity and a beacon of hope for students with visual impairments to also navigate the digital landscape with confidence and ease.”
“Today, the actions we are taking here move us closer to our goal of ensuring inclusive education and access to all children regardless of ability” he emphasized.
Sharing his personal experience, he said, “My personal mission is to ensure that Special Education Needs are prioritized as a way to ease the burden on parents and guardians and improve access to school.”
“I have proposed and will champion the recruitment and training of at least 1,000 more special education teachers, training teachers in language and speech therapy as well as occupational and behavioral therapy,” he disclosed.
Lauding the humanitarian spirit of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Mr Sammi Awuku appealed to the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and other organizations to support Special Needs Schools, noting that such children have unique abilities and can contribute meaningfully to national development.
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.
