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Dr. Abena Nyarkoa launches Nkunim Educational Project in Ghana
Ghanaian UK-based lecturer, Dr.Abena Nyarkoa has launched Nkunim Project, to foster education equality amongst students in Ghana.
The Nkunim initiative is aimed at promoting inclusive, equitable teaching in mainstream education and bridging the educational gaps for students from marginalised and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaking at the launch which took place at the British Council last Friday, Dr.Abena Nyarkoa said, everyone wants to join the winning team, adding that in most schools attention is always paid to those who are needy but brilliant children.
She queried “Who will cater for the vulnerable, adamant, those who are not brilliant? They mostly end up repeating the class or are suspended from school.”
According to her, “This is what I did at my PhD level when I came to Ghana to collect data. What I realised was when a child is physically disabled, when I child is deaf or blind, they take them to either School for the Deaf or Blind, what happens when the child is mild autistic, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,(ADHD) what if the child was born with Dyslexia (a learning difficulty).
Dr.Nyarkoa added that these children are mostly integrated into mainstream learning without anyone providing for them.
She said there is a difference between disability and disorder, adding that everyone is different and must be catered for when it comes to learning.
Dr.Nyarkoa further urged parents and stakeholders in the academic spaces to pay attention to the non-academic needs of children, adding that it is the reason the Nkunim Project was birthed.
This, she said, was a direct result of the findings after she undertook her project in Ghana.
According to her, at the heart of the Nkunim Educational Project is, “education is a fundamental right, not a privilege.”
Dr.Abena Nyarkoa noted that they are on a mission to tackle the growing disparities in educational opportunities, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 & 5.
“Our goal is to create an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality learning environment in mainstream education, ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to the tools they need to succeed,” she added.
Speaking at the event, Oheneyere Gifty Anti recounted how her similar support to some individuals over the years has helped shape their lives and career.
She advised Dr.Nyarkoa to seek some psychological support for these individuals she would be supporting.
“There would be attacks, and the terrain is rough, but with determination and resilience you would overcome, because what you are doing is needed, and would go a long way to help others,” she said.
Nkunim is a visionary non-profit initiative dedicated to reshaping the landscape of education in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa.
They seek to work closely with the government of Ghana and other governments in the region to provide quality and equal access to mainstream education to help unbridled the potential of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The NKUNIM project is a movement that is committed to education quality, thus it is for anyone and everyone who wants to see more levels of quality and fairness in public education.
Their name, ‘Nkunim,’ symbolizes triumph and victory, reflecting our commitment to overcoming educational inequalities and unlocking the boundless potential of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
