Retired Educationist Urges Better Pay, Housing, and Support for Teachers

Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom (Rtd), Fmr Director, Ekumfi District Education Directorate

The Former District Director of Education for Ekumfi, Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom (Rtd), has called for improved remuneration, investment in teacher housing, enhanced professional development, and a renewed commitment from the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and government to the welfare of their members.

He made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 7th Quadrennial (54th) Municipal Delegates’ Conference of GNAT in the Mfantseman Municipality, held under the theme “Ghana Education Service @ 50: Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward.”

Mr. Oscar Odoom acknowledged some progress made by the Ghana Education Service (GES) over the past five decades, including increased access to education and curriculum reforms. However, he said these achievements are being undermined by persistent challenges.

Section of Delegates at the Conference

“Teacher motivation is at its lowest,” he stressed, citing low salaries, lack of decent accommodation, poor working conditions, and overcrowded classrooms. He expressed concern over the growing perception among teachers that GNAT is no longer responsive to their needs.

He warned that if members were given the option, many might choose to opt out of the union—a situation he believes should trigger urgent reforms and a renewed focus by GNAT on its core mission.

Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, MCE - Mfantseman Municipal Assembly

Taking his turn at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly, Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, popularly known as Mfantseman KK, also appealed to the government to turn its attention to the plight of teachers.

“Teachers’ reward is in heaven—that has been the narrative—but we need it here on earth too,” he emphasized, urging for improved conditions of service to match the crucial role educators play in national development.

Guests in a group photograph with Municipal Executives

Mr. Odoom concluded by calling on all stakeholders to take bold and deliberate steps to restore dignity and morale among teachers, which he said is key to sustaining the progress of education in Ghana.

By Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

CCAG Launches Coastal Cleanup Drive in Torkor to Combat Plastic Pollution

On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the quiet beach community of Torkor in Ghana’s Volta Region came alive as Climate Change Advisors Ghana (CCAG), under its “Zero Plastic Waste Initiative,” led a major coastal cleanup activity to rid the area of plastic waste.

The cleanup exercise, which drew more than 30 volunteers from the local community, was spearheaded by Mr. Peter Doh, Co-founder and Senior Policy Analyst at CCAG, with support from the Assemblyman of the area. Equipped with wellington boots, gloves, and essential cleaning tools donated by Mr. Doh, the volunteers collected over 15 bags of plastic waste scattered along the shoreline.

The exercise aimed not only to restore the beauty of the coastline but also to raise awareness of the dangers of improper plastic waste disposal. Following the cleanup, Mr. Doh and the Assemblyman engaged residents in a live radio sensitization session through a local information center. Their message emphasized the devastating effects of plastic pollution on human health, marine life, and climate resilience, while calling for behavioral change and community-led action.

“This cleanup is more than just an event—it’s part of a movement,” Mr. Doh stated. “We want to instill a lasting sense of responsibility in the youth and residents about protecting our environment.”

The Torkor coastal cleanup marks a key milestone in the broader CCAG campaign, which includes distributing recycling bins to educational institutions and communities, as well as advocating for improved plastic waste management policies. It also supports Ghana’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action).

The success of the Torkor event demonstrates the power of grassroots mobilization and sets the stage for future CCAG interventions in coastal and inland communities nationwide.

By: CCAG Communications Bureau

MP for Ekumfi Throws Party for Constituents

 

 

In a gleeful moment of gratitude and celebration, the Member of Parliament for Ekumfi Constituency, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, graciously organised a victory party and fun games for constituents to mark his success in the 2024 Parliamentary Elections.

The event, held on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at Ekumfi Essuehyia, was both timely and well attended with over 1,500 attendees. 

Hon. Dr. Ekow Kwainoe 

Hon. Dr. Ekow Kwainoe expressed his heartfelt thanks to traditional leaders, party executives from branch to constituency levels, groups such as the Teachers' Forum and Fanofom Fun Club, party members, and individuals whose tireless efforts contributed to his decisive victory. He pledged to strategically position all groups to help fulfil their purpose and support development in Ekumfi.

He called for unity among members and urged continued support for his tenure. Dr. Kwainoe also commended the DCE applicants for demonstrating true leadership following the President's nomination and the subsequent confirmation of Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah by Assembly Members. 

Touching on National issues, Dr. Kwainoe outlined key policies of the John Dramani Mahama led administration set to benefit the people of Ekumfi. 

Hon. Dr. Prince Arhin 

Also present was Hon. Dr. Ebenezer Prince Kojo Arhin, MP for Mfantseman Constituency, who pledged support for Dr. Kwainoe. He promised to partner with him to organise an annual free health screening for party executives and members, while also assuring students of scholarship opportunities for further education and professional advancement. 

Taking his turn, Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah, DCE for the Ekumfi District Assembly, assured attendees of equitable access to government interventions, regardless of political affiliation. He emphasized his commitment to inclusive development. 

Chairman OB

The Constituency Chairman, Alhajj Joseph Antobam, led a moment of silence in honour of fallen heroes of the party, acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice.

Aerial view of event

The festive occasion featured games such as eating competition, ludo, draughts, and tug-of-war, accompanied by assorted food, drinks and dancing. Certificates of appreciation were presented to executives at all levels in recognition of their dedicated service during the 2024 elections. 

Presentation of Certificates 

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie