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Ghana Reads Initiative, Adwinsa Publications collaborate to mark Intern’l Literacy Day
Mr Kwaku Oppong Amponsah adressing the congregation
The Ghana Reads Initiative in collaboration with Adwinsa Publications marked this year’s International Literacy Day with focus on supporting persons with special needs.
The event held at E-Ananse, a library in Accra, brought together teachers, students, writers and other stakeholders in education to share ideas to promote literacy and inclusivity within Ghana’s education system.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Mr Wale Okediran said it was important to support children with disabilities to be able to make progress in education.
“Our unwavering commitment lies in providing children with disabilities with education and quality life free from discrimination within their communities,” he stated.
He said, it was crucial to provide essential support systems to ensure these children were not intimidated.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adwinsa Publications, Mr Kwaku Oppong Amponsah, expressed concern about the unfortunate maltreatment sometimes endured by children with special needs at the hands of their teachers.
Mr Amponsah called for an end to such discrimination, highlighting that those children constituted an integral part of the educational ecosystem.
There was a special presentation by Mrs Belinda Bukari, from the Special Education Division, of the Ghana Education Service (GES), focusing on the identification, referral and appropriate placement of children with special needs within the education set-up.
Mrs Bukari urged teachers to avoid discriminatory practices but rather, should actively involve children with special needs in their educational processes.
She urged educators to adopt the ‘ABC’ method; Appearance, Behaviour, Complaints as means to identify potential issues and promptly guide students towards the necessary support structures.
She stated that students with special educational needs must not be marginalised by educational policies, emphasising the need to formulate inclusive strategies within the educational framework.
Mr Kwesi Koomson expressed his appreciation to the Ghana Reads Initiative and Adwinsa Publications for their role in ensuring the programme’s success.
He said, with the synergy between the two bodies, there was prospect for positive transformation assisting children with special needs in the country.
By George Obeng Osei
News
Gomoa West: NPP, NDC supporters clash over commissioning of DRIP equipment
Supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Monday morning clashed over the commissioning of machinery for the District Road Infrastructure Project in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region.
According to Citi News sources, the conflict began when NDC supporters questioned the decision to display images of Bismark Basie Nkum, the NPP’s Gomoa West parliamentary candidate on the DRIP machinery.
This disagreement quickly escalated, almost leading to a physical altercation between the two groups.
Baisie Nkum, who doubles as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa West, further claimed that the Member of Parliament for the area, Richard Gyan Mensah, brandished a pistol and issued threats against the NPP’s local leadership.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the DCE accusing MP Richard Gyan Mensah of pulling out a gun and threatening NPP supporters during the heated incident.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
News
Why should you resist calls for forensic audit? – Alan quizzes EC
Founder of Moment for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) to address concerns identified by political parties ahead of the December elections.
According to him, the commission has the mandate to conduct free and fair elections and must ensure that all stakeholders trust the system. If concerns are raised about the process, he said the EC should work to clear any doubts in the minds of the people.
His comments were in response to whether the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) request for a forensic audit of the register.
Mr. Kyerematen stated that the NDC, being a major stakeholder, has pointed out certain discrepancies. Therefore, the EC has the responsibility to prove that it is committed to running a free and fair election.
Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on September 16, he said “For the sake of ensuring the integrity of the elections, to respond to the specific cases that have been identified about irregularities in the voters’ register.
“It only goes to enhance the credibility of the commission. Yes. It [ forensic audit] has to be. I am not sure why there should be a resistance to that. Because, yes the Electoral Commission has indicated that they have responded to those comments.
“But we have to put all reasonable doubt. There is a need to have a credible voters register. So if there is an indication that there is still doubt associated with the electoral register, then let us allow an extensive comprehensive audit, which can be done without any difficulty,” he said.
The presidential aspirants said this would help improve perception about the credibility of the EC.
Mr Kyerematen said although the EC has an incredible track record in Africa, there is a need to ensure that their reputation remains intact.
Additionally, he said the election management body has the responsibility to prove that the electoral register is clean and has no basis for complaints.
“It is only through an audit that this could happen.” he said.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
