EXCHANGES between Ghana and Japan date back to the 1920s when Dr Hideyo Noguchi visited the then Gold Coast to research into yellow fever.
Although Dr Noguchi died in the process, his sacrifices laid the foundation for the long-standing relations between Ghana and Japan.
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research is one major monument that has emerged from the collaboration to assist the country to carry out research into many health conditions facing the people.
Besides this singular sacrifice by Dr Noguchi, the government and peoples of the two countries have collaborated in the areas of trade, agriculture, human resource development and technology transfer.
Japanese volunteers also visit Ghana regularly to offer assistance in some of the deprived areas in the country to help them to improve their well-being. The exchanges between the two countries also include student exchanges, where in most cases, Ghanaian students are offered scholarships to study in Japan.
We recall the Japanese loan support for the Mallam-Yamoransa road, which was cancelled when Ghana opted for the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative in 2001.
Fortunately, Japan committed the support into a grant and helped to construct that stretch of road. Subsequently, Japan cancelled Ghana’s debt of $1billion but cut credit lines to support Ghana’s economic development.
The cancellation of the debt notwithstanding, Ghana lost a lot by way of development aid that could have assisted in carrying out many development projects in the country.
It is, however, refreshing that as a result of the ongoing visit of President John Evans Atta Mills to Japan, the Japanese government has agreed to reopen its grant supply lines to Ghana.
The decision of the Japanese government to open a new chapter in its relations with Ghana in order to forge a new path of friendship, particularly in the areas of infrastructural expansion and job creation, could not have come at a more opportune time. These two areas of co-operation are really critical to the attainment of the ‘Better Ghana’ agenda of the Mills administration.
The country’s road network requires massive rehabilitation and the decision of Japan to reconstruct the Yamoransa Junction-Bekwai road and also build a bridge to connect the Assin Praso and Assin Adanse in the Central Region will open up the area to the rest of the country.
Again, the DAIY GRAPHIC commends the Japanese government for agreeing to help reconstruct the eastern corridor roads that will reduce travelling time from the north to the south.
We are encouraged by the partnership agreement between Ghana and Japan because it makes room for trade as it has generally been acknowledged that handouts from developed countries will not help countries such as Ghana.
Ghana’s chocolate is in high demand in Japan and it is the desire of the DAILY GRAPHIC that our President would use the visit to promote more trade in Ghanaian products in Japan.
The new partnership should not be built on the premise of permanent interest but should be based on a win-win situation for both countries.
We know that Ghana cannot match Japan in terms of trade and technology, but there is room for collaboration in all fields of endeavour.
The Daily Graphic calls on President Mills and Prime Minister Naoto Kan to use the new chapter to build bridges and partnerships that will benefit both countries.
We welcome the renewal of the partnership between Ghana and Japan and hope it provides a strong and firm road towards the mutual good.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
BONANZA FOR COCOA FARMERS (SEPT 29, 2010)
COCOA farmers have expressed joy at the decision by the government to increase the producer price of cocoa for the 2010/2011, crop season.
The 33.3 per cent upward adjustment, which takes effect from Friday, October 1, 2010, will help to check the smuggling of cocoa to neighbouring countries.
The government has decided to raise the producer price of cocoa from Gh¢2,400 per tonne or GH¢150 per 64 kilogrammes of cocoa to GH¢3,200 per tonne or GH¢200 per bag, which farmers have described as a healthy development.
It is common knowledge that because of the better prices of the produce in neighbouring countries, certain unpatriotic persons have been smuggling cocoa across the borders.
There has also been some misunderstanding among farmers as to whether or not the government was paying more than 70 per cent of the international price (Free on Board or FoB) to the cocoa producers but with the announcement by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffour, that the new producer price represented 75.15 per cent of FoB, this debate should be laid to rest.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is particularly encouraged by the government’s continued support for the cocoa sector in order to maximise returns and maintain the sector as the major foreign exchange earner for the country.
When the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) raised funds from international banks to the tune of $1.5 billion to enable it to purchase cocoa for this year’s crop season, the signal was that as a country, we are still determined to increase yields from cocoa.
The regular review of the producer price of cocoa should motivate our farmers to keep good faith with the government by working hard to hit the one billion tonnes by the targeted date.
Now that the government has addressed the critical issue of producer price of cocoa to stem the smuggling of the produce, it behoves the COCOBOD to speed up the processes of introducing a pension and housing scheme for the cocoa farmers.
There will be no future for cocoa farmers who are unable to put aside savings for a rainy day and the plight of such cocoa farmers does not serve as enough motivation for the youth to venture into cocoa production.
We have been told that a group of experts has been put in place to deal with a pension scheme for cocoa farmers, but the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the action has been a bit too slow and work on the scheme needs to be speeded up.
In spite of the oil find, cocoa will continue to be the mainstay of the economy for years to come and it is for this reason that all stakeholders should join hands to maintain the cocoa industry as the number one foreign exchange earner for the country.
We are always reminded to avoid the oil curse or the ‘Dutch disease’ now that we are on the verge of joining the oil producers because others who abandoned agriculture and industries to chase oil money are paying dearly for that decision.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the people of Ghana can avoid that path if they learn from the experiences of others so that we continue to invest in all the sectors of the economy to supplement incomes from oil production.
It is our hope that the farmers will reciprocate the government’s gesture of reviewing the price of cocoa upwards by producing more and exposing those who smuggle our cocoa across the borders.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes the payment of good prices should also encourage the farmers to adopt good crop husbandry practices in order to increase yields.
Inputs such as fertilisers and other chemicals have been subsidised and the mass spraying of cocoa farms should serve as additional incentive for increased production of cocoa.
Cocoa is our lifeblood, and it is hoped the farmers will work hard to maintain it as such for many years to come.
The 33.3 per cent upward adjustment, which takes effect from Friday, October 1, 2010, will help to check the smuggling of cocoa to neighbouring countries.
The government has decided to raise the producer price of cocoa from Gh¢2,400 per tonne or GH¢150 per 64 kilogrammes of cocoa to GH¢3,200 per tonne or GH¢200 per bag, which farmers have described as a healthy development.
It is common knowledge that because of the better prices of the produce in neighbouring countries, certain unpatriotic persons have been smuggling cocoa across the borders.
There has also been some misunderstanding among farmers as to whether or not the government was paying more than 70 per cent of the international price (Free on Board or FoB) to the cocoa producers but with the announcement by the Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffour, that the new producer price represented 75.15 per cent of FoB, this debate should be laid to rest.
The DAILY GRAPHIC is particularly encouraged by the government’s continued support for the cocoa sector in order to maximise returns and maintain the sector as the major foreign exchange earner for the country.
When the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) raised funds from international banks to the tune of $1.5 billion to enable it to purchase cocoa for this year’s crop season, the signal was that as a country, we are still determined to increase yields from cocoa.
The regular review of the producer price of cocoa should motivate our farmers to keep good faith with the government by working hard to hit the one billion tonnes by the targeted date.
Now that the government has addressed the critical issue of producer price of cocoa to stem the smuggling of the produce, it behoves the COCOBOD to speed up the processes of introducing a pension and housing scheme for the cocoa farmers.
There will be no future for cocoa farmers who are unable to put aside savings for a rainy day and the plight of such cocoa farmers does not serve as enough motivation for the youth to venture into cocoa production.
We have been told that a group of experts has been put in place to deal with a pension scheme for cocoa farmers, but the DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the action has been a bit too slow and work on the scheme needs to be speeded up.
In spite of the oil find, cocoa will continue to be the mainstay of the economy for years to come and it is for this reason that all stakeholders should join hands to maintain the cocoa industry as the number one foreign exchange earner for the country.
We are always reminded to avoid the oil curse or the ‘Dutch disease’ now that we are on the verge of joining the oil producers because others who abandoned agriculture and industries to chase oil money are paying dearly for that decision.
The DAILY GRAPHIC thinks the people of Ghana can avoid that path if they learn from the experiences of others so that we continue to invest in all the sectors of the economy to supplement incomes from oil production.
It is our hope that the farmers will reciprocate the government’s gesture of reviewing the price of cocoa upwards by producing more and exposing those who smuggle our cocoa across the borders.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes the payment of good prices should also encourage the farmers to adopt good crop husbandry practices in order to increase yields.
Inputs such as fertilisers and other chemicals have been subsidised and the mass spraying of cocoa farms should serve as additional incentive for increased production of cocoa.
Cocoa is our lifeblood, and it is hoped the farmers will work hard to maintain it as such for many years to come.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
HO SHOWCASES UNITY IN DIVERSITY (SEPT 28, 2010)
Ghana’s rich cultural festivals are not only occasions for merry-making and stock-taking but also potential tools for social integration, national cohesion and development.
These days local festivals in every part of the country are no longer celebrated by the local people alone because they have become attractions to others who follow their friends, workmates, schoolmates, church members and other associates to participate in the celebrations.
That is why our festivals have become bridges that will bring people of diverse ethnic backgrounds together, cement and consolidate existing bonds and establish new alliances.
They also provide the opportunity for the people to overcome certain stereotypes, prejudices and wrong perceptions about others and exploit to the fullest the advantages inherent in a multi-cultural environment like ours.
The Volta Regional capital, Ho, at the weekend was the venue where Ghana’s rich culture was put on display and also showcased what we stand to benefit from as a nation if we use our festivals to reach out to others. This was on the occasion of a grand durbar by the chiefs and people of Asogli State to climax their annual yam festival, which always marks the harvest of new yam.
What was impressive about the durbar and worthy of replicating in our national life was the presence of royal delegations from the Asante and the Ga State, who joined their Asogli brothers and sisters in a colourful celebration.
Historically, there existed long-cherished bonds between various ethnic groups before colonial times. Unfortunately these bonds are being lost in the name of modernisation but they need to be rekindled. That was why the solidarity and friendship exhibited at the Ho durbar should be encouraged and promoted among the people for their mutual benefit.
There were also delegations from China, Togo and Zimbabwe, which gave the occasion an international character.
Another thing that was obvious and stressed was the need for chiefs to be development-oriented. Gone are the days when chiefs stayed in the background and only came out on festive occasions bedecked with gold ornaments.
These days, chiefs do not lead their Asafo groups waging wars against other people. There are still battles to fight though, but these are against poverty, ignorance, disease, illiteracy and squalor and this is where the leadership roles come into focus.
We need a new breed of traditional rulers who will be at the forefront of social transformation in their communities and the nation as a whole. Leaving matters in the hands of the central government or politicians alone would not help the nation.
It is in that vein that the Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, who was the special guest of honour at Ho, commended the efforts of Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, for his instrumentality in the setting up of the Sunon-Asogli Power Plant, which has added 300 megawatts of power to the national grid.
Togbe Afede has also succeeded in initiating the Gold Coast Project, which is a multi-billion project for Accra. These are commendable efforts and it is only fair that they are recognised in the hope that they will serve as examples for others to emulate.
It is our hope that the Ho spirit will live on and as expressed by the Vice President,”set the tone for national unity based on mutual trust and inter-tribal tolerance within a democratic environment”.
These days local festivals in every part of the country are no longer celebrated by the local people alone because they have become attractions to others who follow their friends, workmates, schoolmates, church members and other associates to participate in the celebrations.
That is why our festivals have become bridges that will bring people of diverse ethnic backgrounds together, cement and consolidate existing bonds and establish new alliances.
They also provide the opportunity for the people to overcome certain stereotypes, prejudices and wrong perceptions about others and exploit to the fullest the advantages inherent in a multi-cultural environment like ours.
The Volta Regional capital, Ho, at the weekend was the venue where Ghana’s rich culture was put on display and also showcased what we stand to benefit from as a nation if we use our festivals to reach out to others. This was on the occasion of a grand durbar by the chiefs and people of Asogli State to climax their annual yam festival, which always marks the harvest of new yam.
What was impressive about the durbar and worthy of replicating in our national life was the presence of royal delegations from the Asante and the Ga State, who joined their Asogli brothers and sisters in a colourful celebration.
Historically, there existed long-cherished bonds between various ethnic groups before colonial times. Unfortunately these bonds are being lost in the name of modernisation but they need to be rekindled. That was why the solidarity and friendship exhibited at the Ho durbar should be encouraged and promoted among the people for their mutual benefit.
There were also delegations from China, Togo and Zimbabwe, which gave the occasion an international character.
Another thing that was obvious and stressed was the need for chiefs to be development-oriented. Gone are the days when chiefs stayed in the background and only came out on festive occasions bedecked with gold ornaments.
These days, chiefs do not lead their Asafo groups waging wars against other people. There are still battles to fight though, but these are against poverty, ignorance, disease, illiteracy and squalor and this is where the leadership roles come into focus.
We need a new breed of traditional rulers who will be at the forefront of social transformation in their communities and the nation as a whole. Leaving matters in the hands of the central government or politicians alone would not help the nation.
It is in that vein that the Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, who was the special guest of honour at Ho, commended the efforts of Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, for his instrumentality in the setting up of the Sunon-Asogli Power Plant, which has added 300 megawatts of power to the national grid.
Togbe Afede has also succeeded in initiating the Gold Coast Project, which is a multi-billion project for Accra. These are commendable efforts and it is only fair that they are recognised in the hope that they will serve as examples for others to emulate.
It is our hope that the Ho spirit will live on and as expressed by the Vice President,”set the tone for national unity based on mutual trust and inter-tribal tolerance within a democratic environment”.
Monday, September 27, 2010
LET'S ALL SUPPORT CENSUS (SEPT 27, 2010)
THE Bible recounts in Luke 2: 1-5 that a time came in those days when Caesar Augustus decreed that all the world should be counted. According to the passage, the decree by Caesar Augustus was a continuation of an exercise that first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
In line with the decree, everyone was expected to travel to his home town, and so Joseph had to travel from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, to Bethlehem, together with his wife, Mary, who was then pregnant.
More than 2,000 years after that exercise first took place, population census has been a regular global activity and today, it has even become more relevant in ensuring proper development planning.
It is in this vein that countries all over the world undertake censuses every 10 years as recommended by the United Nations (UN) to know the exact number of people living in those countries and to collect relevant demographic data that would enable their respective governments to plan for their development.
Ghana has undertaken a number of censuses over the years, the last one being in 2000, which estimated the country’s population at 20 million. Since that census, the population dynamics of the country have changed considerably and the current enumeration exercise, which began last midnight, is yet another effort to update the country’s demographic data to enhance national development.
Specifically, the data collected in the enumeration exercise, together with macro-data from other sources such as the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS), the Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire Survey (CWIQ) and the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) will provide the needed data to enhance national development planning in all the economic sectors.
The data will also help the Electoral Commission to revise electoral areas and constituencies, as well as help the government track the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
It is for this important reason that the Daily Graphic wishes to encourage everybody to contribute to the success of the census by giving accurate information to census enumerators who will visit their homes.
One focus of this year’s census is the collection of data on people with disability to enable the government to formulate policies that will promote their welfare. In that regard, we wish to encourage people who have children or relatives with disability to make them available for counting.
It is a practice among some societies to keep their relatives with disability away from public view, but such beliefs and practices must be discarded in this exercise in order to ensure a successful census that would enhance national development.
Following this exercise, many schools, roads, hospitals and other social infrastructure will be constructed, and so it is important for everyone to take active part in the census to make it successful.
This is a national exercise that requires the support of all and so it should not be left in the hands of only officials of the Ghana Statistical Service and the National Census Secretariat.
The Daily Graphic believes that we all have a role to play in this exercise and we must not fail the nation.
In line with the decree, everyone was expected to travel to his home town, and so Joseph had to travel from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, to Bethlehem, together with his wife, Mary, who was then pregnant.
More than 2,000 years after that exercise first took place, population census has been a regular global activity and today, it has even become more relevant in ensuring proper development planning.
It is in this vein that countries all over the world undertake censuses every 10 years as recommended by the United Nations (UN) to know the exact number of people living in those countries and to collect relevant demographic data that would enable their respective governments to plan for their development.
Ghana has undertaken a number of censuses over the years, the last one being in 2000, which estimated the country’s population at 20 million. Since that census, the population dynamics of the country have changed considerably and the current enumeration exercise, which began last midnight, is yet another effort to update the country’s demographic data to enhance national development.
Specifically, the data collected in the enumeration exercise, together with macro-data from other sources such as the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS), the Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire Survey (CWIQ) and the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) will provide the needed data to enhance national development planning in all the economic sectors.
The data will also help the Electoral Commission to revise electoral areas and constituencies, as well as help the government track the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
It is for this important reason that the Daily Graphic wishes to encourage everybody to contribute to the success of the census by giving accurate information to census enumerators who will visit their homes.
One focus of this year’s census is the collection of data on people with disability to enable the government to formulate policies that will promote their welfare. In that regard, we wish to encourage people who have children or relatives with disability to make them available for counting.
It is a practice among some societies to keep their relatives with disability away from public view, but such beliefs and practices must be discarded in this exercise in order to ensure a successful census that would enhance national development.
Following this exercise, many schools, roads, hospitals and other social infrastructure will be constructed, and so it is important for everyone to take active part in the census to make it successful.
This is a national exercise that requires the support of all and so it should not be left in the hands of only officials of the Ghana Statistical Service and the National Census Secretariat.
The Daily Graphic believes that we all have a role to play in this exercise and we must not fail the nation.
THAT ALL MUST BE COUNTED (SEPT 25, 2010)
ALL is set for the 2010 Population and Housing Census, which is scheduled to take off at midnight of September 26, 2010, throughout the country.
Preparations so far made by the National Census Secretariat (NCS), coupled with the firm assurance given by the Government Statistician, Dr Grace Bediako, that the secretariat was determined to ensure that nobody living in the country is left out during the exercise, are a pointer to the fact that the country will witness a very smooth exercise.
The theme for this national exercise: “You count, so be counted”, says it all regarding the very essence of the exercise and this requires that everybody plays his or her role to make it a success.
In all, about 50,000 census enumerators have been assigned their respective enumeration areas, comprising 150 households each and currently, they are engaged in the listing of houses and structures.
The conduct of the decennial enumeration exercise is in accordance with United Nations recommendations and the Statistical Law, 1985 (PNDC Law 135), which empowers the Government Statistician to conduct any statistical enquiry in the country.
Data collected in the enumeration exercise, together with other data from other sources, will constitute an enormous information to enhance national development planning of all the economic sectors.
Furthermore, the data will help the Electoral Commission, for instance, to revise electoral areas and constituencies, as well as help the government to track the progress of development programmes such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
A novelty in the country’s census history is that, this year’s exercise puts special emphasis on the collection of data on people with diasability. The essence is to help address some of the socio-economic challenges this group of people face, such as education, employment and access to other social services.
It is in this regard that DAILY GRAPHIC appreciates the appeal by the Government Statistician that the general public disregard religious and cultural dispositions that make some people to hide their relatives who are physically-challenged from public view, and instead, make such persons available for enumeration.
The data collected from the exercise will not only be beneficial to the government but many other agencies and institutions in the country such that even the business community and traders, just to mention a few, will need it in their planning efforts.
It is our hope that some of the problems encountered during the last census in 2000 are not repeated, where, for instance, there were reports that some people were left out in this important exercise.
The NCS has made some efforts by making telephone numbers available to the public to call should anybody be left out or to report any malpractice by any of the enumerators.
We believe that there should be some toll-free lines to ease the strain and pressure to call the NCS. But we must sound a caution that these toll-free lines, if provided, are not abused by the public.
This is a national exercise, which is being paid for from the taxpayer’s contribution and it is for this reason that everybody must give it their maximum support so that at end of the exercise on October 10, 2010, we can collectively beat our chest to boast of its success.
Barely 24 hours from now, an explosion of fireworks and bonfires, as well as blowing of sirens and ringing of church bells, will usher residents of Ghana into such an important national exercise.
The spontaneous funfair is expected to rock every corner of the country on the midnight of Sunday, September 26, 2010, at which time a hypothetical snapshot will be taken of Ghana to determine the country’s current population.
We implore everybody living in Ghana during the period to be a part of this historic event.
Preparations so far made by the National Census Secretariat (NCS), coupled with the firm assurance given by the Government Statistician, Dr Grace Bediako, that the secretariat was determined to ensure that nobody living in the country is left out during the exercise, are a pointer to the fact that the country will witness a very smooth exercise.
The theme for this national exercise: “You count, so be counted”, says it all regarding the very essence of the exercise and this requires that everybody plays his or her role to make it a success.
In all, about 50,000 census enumerators have been assigned their respective enumeration areas, comprising 150 households each and currently, they are engaged in the listing of houses and structures.
The conduct of the decennial enumeration exercise is in accordance with United Nations recommendations and the Statistical Law, 1985 (PNDC Law 135), which empowers the Government Statistician to conduct any statistical enquiry in the country.
Data collected in the enumeration exercise, together with other data from other sources, will constitute an enormous information to enhance national development planning of all the economic sectors.
Furthermore, the data will help the Electoral Commission, for instance, to revise electoral areas and constituencies, as well as help the government to track the progress of development programmes such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
A novelty in the country’s census history is that, this year’s exercise puts special emphasis on the collection of data on people with diasability. The essence is to help address some of the socio-economic challenges this group of people face, such as education, employment and access to other social services.
It is in this regard that DAILY GRAPHIC appreciates the appeal by the Government Statistician that the general public disregard religious and cultural dispositions that make some people to hide their relatives who are physically-challenged from public view, and instead, make such persons available for enumeration.
The data collected from the exercise will not only be beneficial to the government but many other agencies and institutions in the country such that even the business community and traders, just to mention a few, will need it in their planning efforts.
It is our hope that some of the problems encountered during the last census in 2000 are not repeated, where, for instance, there were reports that some people were left out in this important exercise.
The NCS has made some efforts by making telephone numbers available to the public to call should anybody be left out or to report any malpractice by any of the enumerators.
We believe that there should be some toll-free lines to ease the strain and pressure to call the NCS. But we must sound a caution that these toll-free lines, if provided, are not abused by the public.
This is a national exercise, which is being paid for from the taxpayer’s contribution and it is for this reason that everybody must give it their maximum support so that at end of the exercise on October 10, 2010, we can collectively beat our chest to boast of its success.
Barely 24 hours from now, an explosion of fireworks and bonfires, as well as blowing of sirens and ringing of church bells, will usher residents of Ghana into such an important national exercise.
The spontaneous funfair is expected to rock every corner of the country on the midnight of Sunday, September 26, 2010, at which time a hypothetical snapshot will be taken of Ghana to determine the country’s current population.
We implore everybody living in Ghana during the period to be a part of this historic event.
Friday, September 24, 2010
WORRYING SIGNALS FRO CHASS (SEPT 24, 2010)
GIVEN the information era we live in today, secondary or high school education is imperative. This is because products of the nine-year basic education the country operates now can hardly measure up to the challenges in this era of information technology.
The first point of solution, therefore, is secondary or high school education, which provides some appreciable level of skills training and knowledge to broaden the outlook of people to face life in a more meaningful manner.
That is why it is worrying when hiccups in the high school system are allowed to become major challenges that call for huge resources for their solution.
Just two days ago, the President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) pointed out a number of challenges facing Senior High Schools in the country (See front page of Daily Graphic of Thursday, September 23, 2010). The challenges include lack of residential accommodation that would prevent some schools from admitting boarding students.
Some schools also do not have libraries and science laboratories, yet it is common knowledge that science must be practical and it is the laboratories that can help in that sense.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is asking heads of Senior High Schools to improvise in order to admit all the qualified students offered admission to their schools.
But the CHASS President, Mr Samuel Ofori-Adjei, says “the stark reality on the ground is that in some schools, there is nothing available to improvise from”.
Mr Ofori-Adjei’s position gives the impression of a very bad situation, but the DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to appeal to CHASS to allow the issue of improvisation to give CHASS members an opportunity to see what they can do in the circumstances to improve high school education.
In the same vein, the Ministry of Education and, for that matter, the government should be swift in organising some resources, financial, material and human, and go to the aid of the high schools, all of which now appear to be needy.
Considering the fact that education plays the most important role in the progress and development of the country, the DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to state that this is the time to look at issues concerning education in a strictly non-partisan manner.
For when our education system fails to produce the right quality of people to run the affairs of this nation, we would have to use our limited resources to hire the services of more foreign consultants and other professionals than the current numbers to run the affairs of state on our behalf. That would be highly devastating and the ramifications are obvious.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, calls on all stakeholders — the government and minority, heads of schools, parents, non-governmental organisations, chiefs, public-spirited individuals and organisations — to move swiftly and in a non-partisan manner to help solve the challenges facing education.
Those who can donate money, building materials and the like should do so, and promptly for the government alone, it is now clear, cannot shoulder the education burden.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that “to improvise” can mean more than just making do with what is available; it can also mean exploring avenues for help and we think this is what the Ministry of Education wants to imply.
And that is why all stakeholders should support the “improvisation call”.
The first point of solution, therefore, is secondary or high school education, which provides some appreciable level of skills training and knowledge to broaden the outlook of people to face life in a more meaningful manner.
That is why it is worrying when hiccups in the high school system are allowed to become major challenges that call for huge resources for their solution.
Just two days ago, the President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) pointed out a number of challenges facing Senior High Schools in the country (See front page of Daily Graphic of Thursday, September 23, 2010). The challenges include lack of residential accommodation that would prevent some schools from admitting boarding students.
Some schools also do not have libraries and science laboratories, yet it is common knowledge that science must be practical and it is the laboratories that can help in that sense.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is asking heads of Senior High Schools to improvise in order to admit all the qualified students offered admission to their schools.
But the CHASS President, Mr Samuel Ofori-Adjei, says “the stark reality on the ground is that in some schools, there is nothing available to improvise from”.
Mr Ofori-Adjei’s position gives the impression of a very bad situation, but the DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to appeal to CHASS to allow the issue of improvisation to give CHASS members an opportunity to see what they can do in the circumstances to improve high school education.
In the same vein, the Ministry of Education and, for that matter, the government should be swift in organising some resources, financial, material and human, and go to the aid of the high schools, all of which now appear to be needy.
Considering the fact that education plays the most important role in the progress and development of the country, the DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to state that this is the time to look at issues concerning education in a strictly non-partisan manner.
For when our education system fails to produce the right quality of people to run the affairs of this nation, we would have to use our limited resources to hire the services of more foreign consultants and other professionals than the current numbers to run the affairs of state on our behalf. That would be highly devastating and the ramifications are obvious.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, calls on all stakeholders — the government and minority, heads of schools, parents, non-governmental organisations, chiefs, public-spirited individuals and organisations — to move swiftly and in a non-partisan manner to help solve the challenges facing education.
Those who can donate money, building materials and the like should do so, and promptly for the government alone, it is now clear, cannot shoulder the education burden.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that “to improvise” can mean more than just making do with what is available; it can also mean exploring avenues for help and we think this is what the Ministry of Education wants to imply.
And that is why all stakeholders should support the “improvisation call”.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
CHINA, GHANA'S TRUE ALLY (SEPT 23, 2010)
GHANA and China have had long-standing relations since the former attained nationhood in 1957. Trade and other ties between the two countries have flourished over the years although China obviously dominates Ghana in the collaboration.
Not too long ago, the Chinese government extended support to Ghana to construct the National Theatre in Accra, which has been very beneficial to the people.
The Chinese are again involved in the construction of the Bui Dam to increase the country’s power generation required for national development efforts.
Since most donors, especially those belonging to the Paris Club, introduced tied aid, many of the developing countries have turned to China for assistance and a way out of the strict conditionalities.
Presently, our President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, is on an official visit to China and bilateral talks between him and his Chinese counterpart are yielding fruitful results.
The President clinched a landmark deal with the Chinese government in which China will provide $3 billion financial aid to facilitate the development of Ghana’s infrastructural base.
China is also advancing a $260-million preferential buyers credit to finance the expansion of the Kpong Water Plant, while a grant of 100 million Yuan will also be provided to undertake water projects in some parts of the country.
In addition, the Export and Import Bank of China has also approved a $10.4 billion financial package for Ghana to transform its rail and road transport sectors.
The DAILY GRAPHIC will encourage President Mills and his Chinese counterpart, President Hu Jintao, to step up the exchanges between the two countries to the benefit of their peoples.
With the advancement chalked up by China over the last few years ,where even the so-called advanced economies turn to for a bail-out during this period of global economic downturn, it will be naive for anybody to downplay the giant strides China has made in all spheres of economic development.
The sophisticated level of development showcased at the 2008 Beijing Olympics should have by now compelled the doubting Thomases to revisit their assessment of China among the comity of nations.
The good news is that Ghana’s leadership and government have recognised China as a true partner in global trade and relations, hence the visit of our President to cement those ties.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that in the spirit of South-South co-operation, the leaders of Ghana and China will use the visit by President Mills to deepen the collaboration between the two countries for the mutual good.
Trade between the two countries can expand further if the two negotiate beneficial terms instead of the normal practice where raw materials from developing countries are purchased at give-away prices but finished goods are dumped on countries such as Ghana.
Any random sampling of opinion in Ghana will show that Ghanaians welcome the partnership between Ghana and China but there are some areas of concern that our two leaders should iron out.
It is common knowledge that some Chinese are involved in illegal mining activities, otherwise known as galamsey, while others are engaged in businesses reserved for Ghanaians.
Furthermore, captains of industry and commerce complain about the dumping of cheap and sub-standard products from the Far East, including China, and these concerns require prompt action.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges the two leaders and their delegations to use the visit to deepen ties between the two countries and also find ways to address negative trade practices arising out of the growing business exchange between the two countries.
Not too long ago, the Chinese government extended support to Ghana to construct the National Theatre in Accra, which has been very beneficial to the people.
The Chinese are again involved in the construction of the Bui Dam to increase the country’s power generation required for national development efforts.
Since most donors, especially those belonging to the Paris Club, introduced tied aid, many of the developing countries have turned to China for assistance and a way out of the strict conditionalities.
Presently, our President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, is on an official visit to China and bilateral talks between him and his Chinese counterpart are yielding fruitful results.
The President clinched a landmark deal with the Chinese government in which China will provide $3 billion financial aid to facilitate the development of Ghana’s infrastructural base.
China is also advancing a $260-million preferential buyers credit to finance the expansion of the Kpong Water Plant, while a grant of 100 million Yuan will also be provided to undertake water projects in some parts of the country.
In addition, the Export and Import Bank of China has also approved a $10.4 billion financial package for Ghana to transform its rail and road transport sectors.
The DAILY GRAPHIC will encourage President Mills and his Chinese counterpart, President Hu Jintao, to step up the exchanges between the two countries to the benefit of their peoples.
With the advancement chalked up by China over the last few years ,where even the so-called advanced economies turn to for a bail-out during this period of global economic downturn, it will be naive for anybody to downplay the giant strides China has made in all spheres of economic development.
The sophisticated level of development showcased at the 2008 Beijing Olympics should have by now compelled the doubting Thomases to revisit their assessment of China among the comity of nations.
The good news is that Ghana’s leadership and government have recognised China as a true partner in global trade and relations, hence the visit of our President to cement those ties.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that in the spirit of South-South co-operation, the leaders of Ghana and China will use the visit by President Mills to deepen the collaboration between the two countries for the mutual good.
Trade between the two countries can expand further if the two negotiate beneficial terms instead of the normal practice where raw materials from developing countries are purchased at give-away prices but finished goods are dumped on countries such as Ghana.
Any random sampling of opinion in Ghana will show that Ghanaians welcome the partnership between Ghana and China but there are some areas of concern that our two leaders should iron out.
It is common knowledge that some Chinese are involved in illegal mining activities, otherwise known as galamsey, while others are engaged in businesses reserved for Ghanaians.
Furthermore, captains of industry and commerce complain about the dumping of cheap and sub-standard products from the Far East, including China, and these concerns require prompt action.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges the two leaders and their delegations to use the visit to deepen ties between the two countries and also find ways to address negative trade practices arising out of the growing business exchange between the two countries.
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