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A/R – ICLASS partners GES for KEEP 2025 Continuous professional training for teachers

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The International Community for Learning and Social Spectrums (ICLASS) a global education and continuous professional development consult has forged a strategic collaboration with the Ashanti Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to empower educators with contemporary skills and insights crucial for the evolving educational landscape.

This essential, time relevant and tailored training, the first of which will benefit a cohort of 500 teachers and education administrators drawn from Public basic and Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, kicks off from 5th September, 2025; with each of the 42 municipalities and districts across the Ashanti Region, expected to subsequently benefit from same.

The maiden workshop christened the KEY EDUCATION ENHANCEMENT PROJECT 2025 (KEEP 2025) comes off under the theme “Building resilient Safeguards: rebranding the Ghanaian teacher through their multiple intelligences.”

Participants will engage with cutting-edge content, including: Safeguarding as a Core Function with a focus on Strategies for building safer, supportive, and thriving school communities.

Teachers and school administrators will take a masterclass in Artificial Intelligence in Education; Exploring the interface between AI and the modern teaching profession.

A key component tailored for students with diverse strengths will take educators through the benefits and modules for building Inclusive Learning Environments and developing approaches for fostering inclusivity through Multiple Intelligences.

Through the resource pool of ICLASS and the generous sponsorship of Hollard Life Insurance and First National Bank (FNB) teachers will be afforded this opportunity together with feeding, facilitation content and course materials for free optimistic that beneficiaries will transmit the content to respective learning communities in their schools.

Outcomes and Expectations of KEEP 2025

The outcomes expected of KEEP 2025 aligns directly with THE core objectives of ICLASS and the KEY Africa Project to:

·        Enhance Instructional Strategies: Improve teaching methodologies and classroom management techniques by focusing on evidence-based practices that cater to diverse student needs.
·        Provide a stimulating learning environment that inspires design thinking; creativity and innovation around the teaching profession.
·        Awaken teachers to digital technologies and contemporary trends shaping the global education landscape

In line with the ICLASS’ culture of infusing a monitoring and evaluation component into all our training programs; the team will after every training session implement a KEEP 2025 Impact Awards and sponsorship engagement.

With clear project timelines and specific Key Performance Indicators, each school will be required to take photographs and videos detailing how they are implementing the workshop’s learnings and concepts, in their schools and classrooms.

A four-week window will be allowed for this exercise, within which teams of sponsors and evaluators will interact with teachers, monitor progress and inspire the teams to win the ultimate Award for the best conference school batches.

The team firmly believes that the invaluable learnings gleaned from this conference will serve as a catalyst for significant transformation within our schools, fully aligning with the objectives of the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education.

The ICLASS KEY Africa Project

The training content and facilitation of KEEP 2025 is handled by The KEY Africa Project a flagship wing of the International Community for Learning and Social Spectrums (ICLASS.)

Inspired by the profound acronym of “Keep Educating Yourself,” the KEY AFRICA PROJECT serves as a dynamic platform, uniting educational stakeholders for impactful, time-relevant Continuous Professional Development and Training Sessions.

Under the leadership of educationist and parenting coach Dr. Marian Benewa Babah Alargi, the KEY Africa Project of ICLASS is driven by an unwavering commitment to ensuring that every teacher, entrusted with the formative years of our young learners, deeply comprehends the profound gravity of their calling and the immense implications of their stewardship in shaping the future of learners, families, societies, nations, and the world.

By: ICLASS Media Team

Oti Region Records Over 10,000 Typhoid Cases in First Half of 2025

By
Ivy Hollys
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Typhoid fever symptoms

The Oti Region has recorded more than 10,000 cases of typhoid fever in the first six months of 2025, raising serious public health concerns. The alarming figures have prompted the Regional Coordinating Council to establish a sanitation task force to combat the outbreak.

The task force, backed by environmental health officers, will focus on improved waste management, provision of clean water, and strict enforcement of sanitation bylaws. Authorities say the measures are urgently needed to curb the spread of the disease, which continues to strain health facilities in the region.

Regional Environmental Health Officer, Cynthia Sekyere, attributed the surge in typhoid cases to poor sanitation practices and unsafe water sources.

She explained that there were about 4,417 and 5,816 confirmed cases in the first and second quarters of 2025, respectively. 

“We were expecting that at least there should be reductions, but there was an increase of 31% of all typhoid cases at the various hospitals in the second quarter. It’s affecting people in Oti region,” she lamented.

Health officials warn that the increasing trend must be tackled immediately to prevent further escalation. The sanitation task force is expected to collaborate with local assemblies, water providers, and community leaders to implement preventive measures.

The Regional Coordinating Council says it will continue to monitor the situation closely while working with national health authorities to protect communities from further outbreaks.

What You Need to Know About the Double-Track System

By
Ivy Hollys
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double-track system

The double-track system introduced in 2018 has been defended by education experts, who argue it did not negatively affect students. Speaking on the policy on Joy News Desk earlier today, Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh explained that the system was a response to the sharp rise in student enrollment following the introduction of the Free Senior High School programme.

Rise in Enrolment After Free SHS

After President Nana Akufo-Addo implemented Free SHS in 2017, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registrations jumped significantly. Between 2017 and 2018, there was an 11.5 percent increase, compared to the usual 1.5 to 2 percent annual rise recorded over the previous decade.

This meant that more students qualified for senior high school and senior technical school, creating pressure on available infrastructure. At the time, Ghana had only 684 senior high and technical schools. Data showed that while 272,000 seniors were set to graduate in 2018, there would still be an excess of about 181,992 students who had to be absorbed.

Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh stressed that the alternative of keeping students at home was not an option. He explained that an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 billion cedis was required to build new infrastructure, but there was neither time nor resources to complete such a project before the 2018/2019 academic year.

How the Double Track System Works

The double track system, he noted, was designed as an innovative solution to absorb the excess students. It allowed existing school infrastructure to be used more efficiently by running two cohorts interchangeably within a year.

He explained: “Double track is mainly using of existing infrastructure, using it effectively to allow more students to go to school.”

For example, in a school of 3,000 students, made up of 1,000 each in Forms 1, 2, and 3, the plan was to increase Form 1 intake to 1,500. Since all of them could not fit at once, the students were divided into two cohorts who attended school on a rotational basis.

To make this possible, the academic calendar was restructured into semesters, allowing for three academic terms in a year instead of two. This created room for two Form 1 groups while ensuring that Forms 2 and 3 continued their studies uninterrupted.

Contact Hours Increased, Not Reduced

Responding to criticisms, Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh stated that the double-track system did not reduce teaching or learning time. On the contrary, students actually benefited from more contact hours.

“When we had the three-term system, contact time for students was 1,080 hours per academic year. The evidence available is that because of the adjustments we made to the length of time and contact time, contact time in double track in an academic year moved from 1,080 to 1,134. Which means in a three-year cycle, we added 162 hours to contact time,” he explained.

Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh acknowledged that every human intervention has challenges, but maintained that the double-track system was a necessary innovation which prevented thousands of children from being denied education and proved that planning and innovation can bridge infrastructure gaps.

According to him, the system ensured that every child had access to senior high school, in line with the government’s commitment under Free SHS.

Bagre Dam Spillage: Farmers Report Early Floods, NADMO Disputes Claim

By
Ivy Hollys
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bagre dam

Farmers in northern Ghana say the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso has begun spilling, forcing them to harvest crops early. They warn that rising waters from the Volta Lake are already flooding nearby farms and could submerge entire fields within days.

The spillage was originally scheduled for August 27, but farmers insist Sonabel, managers of the dam, began releasing water early. In Pwalugu, Upper East Region, maize is being harvested prematurely as residents scramble to save what they can.

Six years after the launch of the Pwalugu multi-purpose dam project, construction has stalled, leaving farmers frustrated. Many argue that the abandoned project is the only permanent solution to the annual flooding caused by the Bagre Dam. Assemblyman for Pwalugu, Moses Adongo, said the release should always be done earlier to reduce its impact on communities.

NADMO Disputes Farmers’ Claims

While farmers maintain that the spillage has begun, officials at NADMO insist Ghana has not yet been affected. Richmond Amoh Yartey, Director of Inspectorate at NADMO, explained that the agency has been in communication with Sonabel and the Water Resources Commission for weeks.

“There’s been regular communication between Sonabel and the Water Resources Commission so we were fully aware that the dam levels in the Bagre were rising, and then it would get to a point that they may have to spill. So we started working in the four regions that are usually affected by the floods. Safe havens have been identified, evacuation routes have all been identified in the four regions for people to move when need be,” he explained.

He added that as of now, there is no confirmation of water from the Bagre Dam entering Ghana, though it is expected within 24 hours. He argued that recent rainfall in parts of the Savannah Region, however, has already raised water levels higher than usual.

Preparedness Measures

NADMO says it is fully prepared to handle any disaster should the spillage eventually affect communities. Yartey disclosed that the agency has made arrangements to support up to 5,000 people who may be displaced.

“NADMO with other collaborated agencies, police, fire, armed forces, ambulance, we are all on the ground and ready to deal with any eventuality that will arise out of it,” he assured.

As uncertainty grows, farmers are renewing calls for government to complete the stalled Pwalugu multi-purpose dam project. They argue it remains the only sustainable solution to the destruction caused by the yearly spillage of the Bagre Dam.

Until then, residents in northern Ghana continue to live with the fear of losing their crops and livelihoods whenever the waters are released.

I nearly resigned as MP over Binduri conflict – MP

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The rising number of murder cases and general insecurity in the Binduri Constituency in the Upper East Region almost compelled my resignation as a Member of Parliament, according to Issifu Mahmoud.

As a first-time MP, he expressed feeling overwhelmed by the reports of deaths and chaos throughout the area.

Speaking on the Orange Sunrise, he noted that, “I was contemplating resignation because I told myself that I could not lead under such circumstances for my peace of mind.”

Mr. Mahmoud said he found strength in the realization that, even if he resigned, no one else would handle the situation better than he could.

Binduri and parts of the Upper East Region have faced land and chieftaincy disputes for decades, resulting in numerous deaths, displacements, and ongoing suffering for many.

Despite government interventions over the years, these protracted conflicts continue unabated.

However, the Binduri legislator noted that calm has returned to his constituency due to the support of the government’s security measures.

Initially devastated by reports of massacres in his area and struggling with serious depression, the MP mentioned that, he feels much better now, thanks to the support of various stakeholders, including some of his fellow parliamentarians.

We need to fight galamsey cautiously, otherwise, we’ll be overwhelmed- Binduri MP

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Member of Parliament for the Binduri Constituency, Issifu Mahmoud, has urged the government to approach the fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, with caution to effectively address the issue.

“Even though I’m happy with the aggressive manner the government has approached the fight against illegal mining, if the government does not restrategize and if care is not taken, we may lose the fight and go back to where we started from,” he said..

The Lawmaker commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for their efforts in reclaiming certain forest reserves and restricting the importation of excavators as significant steps in combating this menace.

However, he expressed concerns that if the current approach is not carefully managed, it could yield results similar to those experienced under the previous administration.

The MP noted that some individuals assigned to combat illegal mining may have compromised interests, which undermines the effectiveness of the fight.

“What I am unhappy with in this government and the previous one is that some security officers, who are supposed to combat illegal mining, instead pursue their own personal interests,” he told host Alfa Ali on the Orange Sunrise.

Illegal mining has led to the destruction of vast areas of farmland and forest reserves as miners search for gold.

Despite the government’s claims of having reclaimed around nine forest reserves previously affected by galamsey activities, some civil society groups have challenged this assertion.

Some CSOs criticised the government for being reluctant to declare a state of emergency in targeted areas to significantly curtail the activities of illegal miners.

Mr. Mahmoud believes that a collective effort is necessary to achieve the desired outcomes in the fight against galamsey.

I worked for my victory- Binduri MP

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Member of Parliament for the Binduri Constituency, Issifu Mahmoud, has attributed his victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections to his hard work and dedication.

Mahmoud secured the seat by defeating the NPP’s Abdulai Abanga.

He received 21,943 votes, while the incumbent garnered only 7,811 votes.

He believes that his tireless efforts and strong presence in the constituency played a key role in overcoming the only NPP seat in the Upper East Region.

Mahmoud dismissed the idea that the winds of change aided his victory, and that it was through the strategic decisions made by him and his team.

As a former police officer, Mahmoud entered Parliament as a first-time legislator.

Speaking on the Orange Sunrise with Alfa Ali, he said his motivation for running in the election stemmed from a desire to address the numerous challenges facing the constituency.

As a newcomer to Parliament, he has found the job demanding due to the significant responsibilities involved.

“People contact me, not just my constituents, but even others, because I am a member of Parliament. Even within the precincts of Parliament, people approach me and say we did the work,” he stated.

Despite the challenges he has encountered so far, the lawmaker is committed to standing firm and addressing the issues within his constituency.

He pointed out that, he helped several individuals secure employment and has improved educational opportunities by securing about 30 scholarships for constituents, among other initiatives.

Mahmoud is also optimistic that the government’s initiatives to enhance road infrastructure in deprived areas, including the Binduri Constituency, will yield positive results.

GH¢335k meant for fuel not accounted for at Sekyere Kumawu Assembly- A-G flags

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Auditor-General has recommended that the District Coordinating Director and the Finance Officer of the Sekyere Kumawu District Assembly restitute GH¢335,000 to the Assembly’s account.

These officers are reported to have spent the funds without proper documentation.

According to Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), a Principal Spending Officer must maintain adequate records of government property.

They are accountable for government property only if records indicate that the resources were consumed in the course of public business.

Contrary to this provision, the management of the Sekyere Kumawu District Assembly purchased fuel amounting to GH¢335,000 for activities related to the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) but failed to document these expenditures in vehicle logbooks or provide an itinerary of the work done to justify the fuel purchases.

The management was also unable to provide any explanation for this oversight.

As a result, the Auditor-General could not confirm that the fuel purchased was used for the Assembly’s interests and has recommended that both the Coordinating Director and the Finance Officer refund the amount.


“We therefore recommended that the Coordinating Director and the Finance Officer involved should refund the total amount of GH¢335,000.00 into the Assembly account,” the A-G’s report intimated.

A/R: Four assemblies paid GH¢231k to contractors for unexecuted projects – A-G’s Report

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Four District and Municipal Assemblies in the Ashanti Region have spent GH¢231,412.97 on contractors for non-existent projects, according to the 2024 Auditor-General’s (A-G) report.

The Assemblies involved include Atwima Nwabiagya, Mampong, Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipalities, and the Sekyere Central District.

At the Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Assembly, management awarded a contract to construct 24 unit stalls with ancillary facilities at Toase to Messrs. Cross ‘N’ Crown Engineering for a sum of GH¢999,576.02.

The contract was awarded on August 9, 2023, with an expected completion date of August 3, 2024.

However, in violation of Regulation 80 of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378), an amount of GH¢142,018.00 was paid to M/S Cross ‘N’ Crown Engineering for certificate No. 4, despite no work being done.

The payment was intended to cover issues such as the installation of window frames, locks, burglar-proof mesh, and various types of glass louver blades, among others.

In related matters, three Assemblies paid a total of GH¢89,394.97 to six contractors for unexecuted portions of five projects.

– In Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipal Assembly, GH¢23,350.00 was paid to 3M Construction Ltd for the construction of a 12-seater water closet toilet with a mechanized borehole at Anyinasu; however, no provision was made for a 5000-litre poly tank, wall tiles, or a toilet roll handle.  

– At the Mampong Municipal Assembly, Messes Intermove Company Ltd were awarded a contract for a septic tank and borehole mechanization, but after receiving GH¢13,455.00, essential parts like pipe works and the installation of a 4500-litre water tank were not completed.

Another contract for water mechanization and tank erection at Mprim was awarded to Messes. RIF-Connac Ltd, but the water tank elevation was not completed despite a payment of GH¢30,836.50.

– For the Sekyere Central District, payments were made for the completion of two projects, yet some works remain unexecuted.

For instance, the construction of a three-unit classroom block with an office, store, and six-seater KVIP toilet at Adutwan by Klean Metro Company Limited did not include the provision of concrete aprons, a poly tank, or connection to the national grid, despite a payment of GH¢14,929.12.

Similarly, at Birem, construction of another three-unit classroom block with similar facilities by Alhaji Ahamed Enterprise lacked provisions for a poly tank and connection to the national grid, despite receiving GH¢6,824.35.

According to the Auditor-General, payments made for work that was not completed represent a loss of funds to the Assemblies.

The A-G therefore recommended that, the management of the Assemblies involved ensure that contractors return to the sites to complete the unexecuted works at no additional cost. Otherwise, the amounts paid should be recovered from the contractors.

If this does not happen, the Coordinating Directors, Works Engineers, and Finance Officers responsible should be jointly held liable for refunding the payments made.

Over GHS 58k remains unaccounted for as A-G fails to issue disallowance at Old Tafo Assembly

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Two officers at the Old Tafo Municipal Assembly, including the Municipal Coordinating Director and the Finance Officer, are still walking freely after the Auditor-General failed to issue a disallowance and surcharge certificate against them.

The 2024 Auditor-General’s report revealed that at least GH¢58,126.21 has not been properly accounted for at the Old Tafo Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region.

According to the findings, the payment vouchers lacked the necessary supporting documents such as receipts, invoices, statements of claims, and other relevant documentation for verification.

These infractions took place between April and September 2024.

The report details four payment vouchers that were processed without documentation, including:

  • A payment of GH¢29,126.21 for furniture supplied to the Police Command by Geoservice EPC Ltd.
  • A payment of GH¢1,500.00 for uploading data on infrastructure projects into the government performance tracker, made to the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD).
  • A payment of GH¢2,500.00 for expenses incurred in data collection and uploading information regarding Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (GKMA) household and institutional toilet facilities into the government performance tracker, also to the MCD.
  • A contribution of GH¢25,000.00 towards monitoring and supervision of teaching and learning in schools, again to the MCD.

These actions constitute a clear violation of Regulation 78 of the Public Financial Management Regulations (PFMR), 2019 (L.I. 2378), which stipulates that the Principal Spending Officer of a covered entity is personally responsible for ensuring the validity, accuracy, and legality of each payment, as well as confirming that supporting documents for services received and certificates of work done exist.

In light of this serious infringement, the Auditor-General has recommended that the amount of GH¢58,126.21 be retrieved from the Coordinating Director and the Finance Officer of the Assembly and deposited into the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) account.

“We could not confirm the authenticity of the payments and therefore recommended that the amount of GH¢58,126.21 should be recovered from the Coordinating Director and the Finance Officer of the Assembly into the DACF account,” the A-G’s report stated.

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