Ekumfi Youth Association Calls on Government, Education Stakeholders to Provide Essential Resources for Schools

Sofo Paa Kow (left) and Hon. Abraham Armah (right)

The Ekumfi Youth Association (EKUYA) in the Central Region of Ghana has appealed to the government, NGOs, and other stakeholders in education to prioritise the educational needs of schools in the Ekumfi District. The association believes that providing schools with resources such as computers and information technology tools will help equip students with essential digital skills required in today’s rapidly evolving world.

This call was made by the Vice President of EKUYA, Sofo Paa Kow, during the 64th Anniversary and 1st Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Twa-Etuakrom D/A Basic School on Friday May 30, 2025.

Speaking on the theme, "Empowering Learners for a Digital Ghana," Sofo Paa Kow described the occasion as an opportune platform to highlight the urgent need for investment in digital education.

The Headteacher of the school, Mr Emmanuel Korankye Ayensu, also stressed the importance of digitalisation in Ghana’s educational system. He noted that a nation’s growth is inextricably linked to the development of its human capital.

“Digitalisation is now the global trend, and it is crucial to integrate it effectively into our education system. A teacher cannot successfully instruct pupils in computing when the necessary tools for teaching and learning are unavailable,” he stated.

Mr Ayensu further highlighted the school's long-standing contribution to national development, noting that its alumni are thriving in various sectors such as banking, education, healthcare, engineering, artisanal trades, entrepreneurship, and other key areas of the economy.

As part of its commitment to educational development, the Ekumfi Youth Association is undertaking a project to donate learning materials to selected schools within the district.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

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