Education Department

INAUGURATION OF COMPUTER LABORATORY AT KPONE B METHODIST BASIC SCHOOL.

On Tuesday, 14^th November 2023, the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly inaugurated an ultra-modern Computer Laboratory at the Kpone B Methodist Basic School. The Computer Lab which was in a dilapidated state was renovated by Cargill Ghana Limited.

During the inaugural ceremony, Mr Salifou Traore; Managing Director of Cargill Ghana Ltd in his speech, said that Cargill Ghana Ltd has two commitments, one is to nourish the world and the other is to contribute to the communities in which they are working. He noted that the essence of renovating the computer laboratory was to contribute to the development of the youth within the Municipality. He emphasised that the gesture was to improve the lives of the teeming youth who will represent the country in the near future.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly, (KKMA) Hon. Dr Samuel Oko Amankwah in his remarks said that he was very happy to be part of the inauguration of the ultra-modern Computer Laboratory. He said that the transformation of the old Computer Lab into its new state was in the right direction and appealed to the head teacher, teachers and pupils of the school to take very good care of the facility. Hon. Samuel Oko Amankwah appealed to management of Cargill Ghana Ltd to construct an AstroTurf for the school and the community at large.

The Municipal Director of Education, Mr Harry Evans Arthur for his part, expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Municipal Directorate. He noted that with the introduction of the New Standard Base Curriculum, the ultra-modern Computer Laboratory couldn’t have come at a better time. Mr Harry Evans Arthur stressed on maintenance culture. He pleaded with management of the school to put in place pragmatic measures that will ensure proper care of the place. He said that the renovation of the computer Lab to an ultra-modern one will help the children to excel in their studies and final exams.

According to the project manager in the person of Mr Elifa, eighteen (18) Dell computers were installed with keyboards, mouse and WiFi dungles. He further noted that, Cargill Ghana repaired damaged ceilings, upgraded wiring and provided a sixty-five-inch (65“) television for demonstration, two (2) Samsung 2.0 air conditioners and four (4) sliding windows.

Dignitaries present at the programme included, the Municipal Coordinating Director of KKMA, Mr Mohammed Ali Amadu, the Human Resource Director of Cargill Ghana Ltd, Mr Francis Yohonu, Mrs Millicent Caesar of the Municipal Education Directorate, Mr. Noi Ernest, PTA Chairman, members of staff of Cargill Ghana Ltd, officials from KKMA, teachers and pupils of Kpone B Methodist Basic School and the clergy.

KPONE-KATAMANSO DISTRIBUTES 283 DUAL DESKS TO 3 PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

On Tuesday, 31^th October 2023, the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. Mohammed Ali Amadu on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Samuel Okoe Amanquah distributed 283 dual desks to the Municipal Education Directorate for onward distribution to some selected schools within the Municipality.

Some of the beneficiary schools included Zenu 1&2 primary, Zenu 2&4 primary and Zenu 5&6 primary School.

The MCD said the donation was part of the Kpone- Katamanso Municipal Assembly’s effort to support Education and refine academic performance in the Municipality. He also noted that most schools within the Municipality lack many logistics for effective and efficient teaching and learning environment.

He expressed the hopes that the donation would help reduce the furniture deficit in the schools within the Municipality and make the pupils more comfortable and focused on their studies.

The MCD, urged the Municipal Director for Education as well as head teachers present to take good care of the desks donated. He said that the taking good care of the desks will yield better results for the schools and the Municipality as a whole.

The Municipal Education Director, Mr. Harry Evans Authur was full of praises for the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly for their kind gesture. He indicated that, the dual desks would reduce the furniture deficit and pressure in the classrooms. He also added that the lack of proper furniture has been a long-standing challenge in many public schools in the Municipality, often resulted in discomfort and distraction of students’ attention during classes. He advised the head teachers present to take good care of the furniture.

The head teachers present expressed their gratitude to the MCD and the Municipal Assembly for the dual desks. They promised to take good care of the furniture and put them to good use. They also stated that, with the new desks, students will now have more conducive and comfortable learning environment, which is expected to positively impact their concentration and academic performance.

The MCD, Mr Mohammed Ali Amadu handing over the desks to Municipal Education Director

Municipal Education Director Handing over desks to Head teachers of the beneficiary schools

Desks Distributed

DIGITAL BUSINESS TRAINING FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR – NYA KKMA

Introduction

The National Youth Policy seeks to provide opportunity to engage the youth and other stakeholders in meaningful partnership to develop appropriate interventions and services for youth employment. This is to curb the challenge of underemployment resulting from inadequate and inappropriate training for the job market, thereby enabling the youth acquire, share and transfer knowledge, expertise and experience through domestic and international networking.

In view of that, a three days’ workshop was organized for young entrepreneurs from the Kpone Katamanso, Ga East and Ningo Prampram district. Eight participants each from the three districts with their Municipal Directors present.

Activity

Participant arrived on Sunday 22^nd October, 2023 afternoon at the City Escape Hotel, Prampram where they were addressed and welcomed by Mr. Mathias Blay the Regional Director of the National Youth Authority. They were also welcomed by Mrs. Janice Anaman-Mensah the Municipal Youth Director for Kpone Katamanso, Mrs. Abigail Dom the Municipal Youth Director for Ga East and Mr. Ernest Boateng the Municipal Youth Director for Ningo Prampram.

Day 1

Day one commenced with a prayer from one of the participants, followed with a welcome address by Mr. Mathias Blay. Outlying the need to organize the workshop for young entrepreneurs to equip them in today’s digital economy.

Mr. Owusu Kwakye, facilitator from GIZ trade hub introduced the participants to AFCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area). He explained that the main motive of AFCFTA is reduction or removal of trade barriers in Africa mostly for SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises). Thus the possibility of free trade among Africa countries, AFCFTA was established in 2018 and operation stated in 2019.

Mr. Kwakye highlighted Manufacturing thus basically made-in- Ghana goods, Agriculture thus Agri-business, Services, Digital Economy (E-Commerce), Creative Sectors as AFCFTA opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Participants were lectured on Google My Business by Mr. Jacob Allotey the second facilitator on the day. Google My Business is basically creating a Google address with detailed information for the public to easily access ones business on the internet.

Participants were thrilled and excited on this development since this was one service they had to pay huge amount of money for, but acquired the knowledge free due to the training. Google My Business consists of Google Listing and other technical areas.

Practical sessions were held where each participant was able to map their business on the internet highlighting their operations, thus working days and time consisting of every details they deemed fit for its customers and the public.

Day ones activities came to an end at 16:00GMT with a closing prayer from Aziz Abdul a participant from the Kpone Katamanso Municipal.

Day 2

Activities of the day started with a prayer by Mr. S.K a participant from the Ga East assembly. Participants were blessed with the presence of the Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority in the person of Mr. Owusu Ansah. He commended participants for availing themselves for the training and advised them to be resilience regardless of any happenings in business. He said and I quote ‘’working for yourself bring financial liberty as compared to working for any institution.

The deputy CEO Mr. Owusu Ansah in the middle flanked by Mr. Mathias Blay the Regional Director of the NYA on the left, Mr. Ernest Boateng the Municipal Director for Ningo Prampram. Mrs. Abigail Dom the Municipal Director for Ga East on the right and Mrs. Janice Anaman Mensah the Municipal Youth Director of Kpone Katamanso on the extreme right.

Mr. Hammond the facilitator for day two introduced Social Commerce among many sub topics.

Social Commerce is basically the display of products, goods and services deliberately for customers to see, to buy. To realize social commerce, participants were advised to practice the following to make it effective.

Engage regularly and timely
Online Promotion and give away
Make use of Online Market places and listings
Use Online influencers and bloggers
Bulk SMS blasting
Offer payment options
Partner Delivery Services
Get an Optimized Economic Ecommerce Website
Cross Border Ecommerce

A practical session was again held for participants with tablets provided by the facilitators. Participants learnt how to create a Business Facebook Account. Everyone created one with the help of the facilitators where they advertised their business with information they wished for the public and customers to know.

Participants also learnt how to create an Instagram Business Account, where they were introduced to Meta Business Suite, a revealing advertising platform to reach a larger customer base.

They were again introduced to Whatsapp Business, where participants created their Whastapp Business. It was an interactive session where facilitators answered many questions to the satisfaction of all participants.

The day ended at 16:50GMT with closing remarks from Mr. Owusu Kwakye, the key consultant from GIZ.

Day 3

Day threes lecture was on a critical topic, Cyber Security for Digital Business.

Cyber Security is the practice of protecting network, systems and programs from digital attacks.

Participants reckon cyber-attacks as one of the hurdles faced in their daily business activities.

The reasons why SMEs are targeted are because of:

Lack of robust security measures
Inadequate security training
Lack of incident response preparation
Internet threat
Human error

Mr. Hammond the facilitator of the day outlined the following to help participant protect their cyber space.

Do not connect to Public Wi-Fi
Only connect to public Wi-Fi using VPN
Do not access personal information on public Wi-Fi
Do not download anything on public Wi-Fi
Backup data regularly

Participants were introduced to Password Monster, an application to help check how strong ones password is and also advised to change password periodically to avoid been hacked.

The day ended with closing remarks from all the facilitators since it was the last day. Mr. Blay ended the remarks by applauding the participants for their time and dedication. He stressed there will be a monitoring team to keep tracks on the participants to ensure that the training is been effected.

Challenges

The slow pace Wi-Fi at the hotel which compelled participants to use their own internet for the training.

Recommendation

Participants were grateful for the training but appealed for support financially to help them stay in business and also compete with other business.

Conclusion

The program was a success.

KPONE KATAMANSU MUNICIPAL EDUCATION DIRECTORATE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY AND TEACHER PRIZE AWARDS.

Kpone Katamansu Municipal Education Directorate, October 12, 2023.

The Kpone Katamansu Municipal Education Directorate, led by the Director of Education Harry Evans Arthur, alongside Hon. Samuel Okoe Amanquah, Municipal Chief Executive, and Hon. Joseph Akuertey Tetteh (MP for Kpone Katamansu Constituency), marked a decade of educational excellence with a grand celebration on October 12, 2023. The event, which coincided with the prestigious Teacher Prize Awards ceremony, was graced by esteemed guests including the Deputy Director-General of Education, Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, Former MP and now the regent of Katamansu Hon. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, and the Paramount Chief Nii Tetteh Otu II.

Leading up to the anniversary, the Directorate orchestrated a series of engaging activities, from health walks to Olympics, health screenings, cleanup exercises, and even a heartwarming visit to the Hope orphanage at Gulf City in Tema. The celebration culminated in a Teacher Prize Awards ceremony, honouring outstanding educators from various levels including Kindergarten, Primary, J.H.S, and S.H.S, as well as head teachers, office staff, specific schools, and former directors of education. The recognition spanned six consecutive years, from 2018 to 2023, acknowledging the enduring commitment of 18 dedicated officers per category. Special Recognition Awards were also bestowed upon those who went above and beyond their regular duties.

In his opening address, Hon. Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, the regent of Katamansu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the teachers for their invaluable services to the community and the nation. He emphasized the importance of recognizing teachers’ contributions and donated 10,000 Ghana cedis in support of the anniversary and Teacher Prize Awards.

Director Harry Evans Arthur reiterated the significance of the anniversary, emphasizing the unwavering support received from stakeholders throughout the years. Through determination, dedication, discipline, tenacity, commitment, teamwork and the willingness to die for cause, what might seem impossible, is achievable. The event was further graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including Regional Director of Education Mr. Stephen Abamfo, who addressed the audience, commending the Directorate’s commitment to educational excellence.

The Guest Speaker, Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh touched on the need for each teacher to be optimistic about every child in the classroom. He added that the words expressed by teachers to the learners would imbue confidence in them and they would rise further to do exploit. He advised that special focus should not be only given to bright learners but all learners whether bright or dull for no one can determine any child’s future.

The awards ceremony was not just about accolades; it was a celebration of the dedication displayed by these educators. The winners were rewarded generously with prizes ranging from gas burners to flat-screen televisions. Each awardee also received a plaque, leaving them visibly elated and appreciated. In all, ninety-two individuals and institutions were honoured.

The celebrations didn’t conclude with the awards ceremony. Post-anniversary activities included a delightful dinner on October 13, 2023, and a special thanksgiving service at Mount Sinai Methodist Church, Kpone, on October 15, 2023. The festivities will culminate in a three-day trip to historical sites in Elmina, Cape Coast, and Nzulezu, providing an opportunity for the participants to unwind and bond.

The Director of Education for Kpone Katamansu Municipal Education Directorate, since assuming office, has made significant strides in enhancing the educational landscape:

Revitalizing Welfare Schemes: Recognizing the unattractive nature of the existing welfare program, the Director rejuvenated the Municipal welfare system, engaging teachers and office staff in dialogue to increase welfare dues and improve benefits, making it more appealing.
Improving Academic Performance: Addressing the academic performance of learners, the Director aimed to boost the post-BECE success rate from 60% to 80%. To achieve this, he collaborated with the Assembly to organize Municipal Mock exams, resulting in a steady improvement toward the 80% target.
Fencing Schools and Land Documentation: Undertaking the “Let’s Fence Our Schools” campaign, the Director engaged with traditional authorities to fence schools. Additionally, he ensured proper documentation of school lands in collaboration with chiefs and leaders, enhancing school ownership and security.
Director’s Special Initiative Project: Aiming to ensure the well-being of teachers, the Director initiated a retirement package project, offering a special retirement package of not less than 5,000.00 Ghana cedis to retiring teachers and office staff, benefitting 7 teachers last year with each retiree taking home 8500.00 and 11 teachers and head teachers are expected to benefit from the package this year.
Effective Monitoring and Coaching: The Directorate’s core mandate of monitoring teaching and learning was bolstered through purposeful coaching and mentorship. Workshops and coaching services were organized, empowering teachers and facilitators, ensuring smooth teaching and learning processes.
Synergy with Companies and Organizations: Empowering head teachers, the Director encouraged collaboration with companies and organizations, resulting in various projects benefiting schools, including the refurbishment of Gbestile no 1 J.H.S., as well as Katamansu KKMA cluster of schools fostering a positive learning environment.
Thrift and Loan Scheme: To address the issue of high-interest loans from banks, the Director introduced a thrift and loan scheme for office staff, providing a financial relief to teachers and staff members in the municipality. The initiative’s success led to its implementation across all circuits in the municipality, easing financial burdens on teachers.
Maintenance Of Office Infrastructure: Even though the KKMED does not have a permanent house and presently operates in a rented house converted into an office, through the leadership of the Director of Education, Mr. Harry Evans Arthur, the facility has been painted and improved to enhance the operations of the directorate.

Under the Director’s guidance, these initiatives have not only improved the working conditions for teachers and staff but also enhanced the overall educational experience for students in the Kpone Katamansu Municipal Education Directorate.

The Kpone Katamansu Municipal Education Directorate’s 10th-anniversary celebration and Teacher Prize Awards not only honored exceptional educators but also showcased the community’s unwavering commitment to nurturing future leaders. Through this event, the Directorate has not only celebrated the past but has also set the stage for a future where education continues to be a beacon of hope and progress for all.

KPONE KATAMANSO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY-NCCE EDUCATION WITH IDENTIFIABLE GROUPS AND SCHOOLS.

The National Commission for Civic Education is a Governmental organization mandated by the 1992 Constitution to educate the citizens on their rights and obligation in accordance with the 1992 Constitution.

With this mandate at heart, the Commission with support from the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly went forth to sensitize various identifiable groups such as; Women fellowships of various churches in the municipality, fisher folks groups, market women groups, Ghana Association of Beauticians Association(GHABA),Artisanal Groups and pupils of several public and privatized schools in the municipality. The education started from 1/8/23 to 11/8/23.

The message carried to the people was on the theme “Constitutional Democracy: Building National Cohesion through Civic Education and Participation in Local Governance”.

The theme was chosen to highlight the country’s gains in the practise and consolidation of democracy for exactly three decades now. Thus, we as Ghanaians have witnessed peaceful change of government through periodic elections over the time. It is worth mentioning that the Fourth Republic has been the longest uninterrupted period of stable constitutional governance in the country’s history coupled with rule of law and respect for human rights are enviable achievements which need to be hailed by all Ghanaians.

The Commission used the opportunity to educate the people of Kpone Katamanso Municipality to respect the rights of each other, use the right means to channel their grievances for the purposes of sustaining our democracy.

Educating pupils at Kpone Presby A&B Schools

Educating nursing mothers at Kpone Polyclinic

St. Peters-kpone receives education

OCCUPATIONAL SKILL TRAINING FOR ADULT LEARNERS

As part of the program and mandates by the Complementary Education Agency, the Kpone Katamanso Municipal office organized a skills training for forty (40) learners selected from Kpone, Oyibi and Seduase Literacy classes on the 8^th July 2023.

The beneficiaries were taught how to prepare liquid soap and how to make beaded sandals.

The training was aimed at equipping the participants to earn extra income as traders. The free training was also organized to provide livelihood skills for women in order to empower them to support themselves and their families.

The Municipal Director of the Agency, Mr. Zac Abrahams, impressed upon the participants to put what they have learnt into practice. ‘You will have to start with the little capital today to produce and market your products but at the end you will reap greatly’, he added.

Some of the participants also asked for a star-tup capital from the Municipal Assembly to assist them in their trade. The Municipal Director assured them that he would link them to the appropriate institution like the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) for assistance.

In the end, the learners expressed their appreciation for the free training offered them and also prayed for more of such trainings.

Participants observing the process of liquid soap making

CIVIC EDUCATION CLUBS IN KPONE KATAMANSO MUNICIPAL VISITS GHANA BROADCASTING CORPORATION AND PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

The National Commission for Civic Education-Kpone Katamanso Municipal Office as part of its duties to educate citizens on their rights and obligations equally extends this act to schools in the municipality where civic education officers have clubs in various schools where the learners are introduced to aspects of the constitution being simplified to their understanding.

The aim was to raise good citizens. In order to mix the class engagements with a fun-filled experience, the N.C.C. E-Kpone Katamanso Office on the 29^th June, 2023 took the Sweet Roses of Sharon Civic Club and Oxford International Civics Clubs on an excursion to tour the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and the Parliament House respectively.

The objective of the excursion was to for the learners to appreciate the law making process, get a feel of press freedom and also to encourage them to study hard to secure jobs in high places as they engaged with the Member of Parliament for the Kpone Katamanso Municipality, on. Joseph Akuerteh Tetteh who came along with other notable members of the august house such as Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa(North Tongu) and Hon. Comfort Doyoe (Ada-East) among others. The honourable members charged the learners to study hard and raise the flag of Ghana high wherever they find themselves. The learners were glad to have had such an experience which has increased the patronage of the clubs in the schools in the municipality as they wait to visit other interesting yet educative places.

KPONE-KATAMANSO DISTRIBUTES 400 DUAL DESKS TO 7 PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

On Friday, 16^th June 2023, the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. Mohammed Ali Amadu on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Samuel Okoe Amanquah distributed 400 dual desks to the Municipal Education Directorate for onward distribution to some selected schools within the Municipality.

Some of the beneficiaries’ schools included Sebrepor KKMA Basic 1&2, Ebenezer Hill Basic 1 & 2, Gbetsile KKMA primary 1&2 and Glorious KKMA Basic School.

He expressed the hopes that the donation would help reduce the furniture deficit in the schools within the Municipality and make the pupils more comfortable and focused on their studies.

The MCD; Mr Mohammed Ali Amadu presenting the furniture to the Municipal Director of Education, Mr Harry Evans Authur

KPONE-KATAMANSO COMMISSIONS A SIX (6) UNIT CLASSROOM BLOCK AT HAANA

As part of the Assembly’s commitment to solve the problem of infrastructural inadequacy, the first phase of an ultra-modern six (6)-unit classroom block furnished with mono desk was commissioned on Monday 5^th June, 2023 at Haana. The project was funded by the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), Responsive factor grant (RFG) and executed by m/s Black Rock Ghana Limited.

Commissioning the project, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly (KKMA) Hon Samuel Okoe Amanquah bemoaned 28 schools were still running the shift system in the Municipality due to infrastructure deficit.

He noted that, the Municipal Assembly’s intention is to face out the shift system completely if the needed resources are mobilized to build additional classrooms blocks. He further assured the KKMA Educational Directorate of Government efforts to build more classroom blocks to accommodate the increasing students’ population in the Municipality.

He expressed his appreciation to the Kpone Traditional Council, head teacher and staff of the Haana KKMA Basic School, the community and other shareholders for their assistance in ensuring a successful completion of the first phase of the project. He advised the beneficiaries of the project to ensure that the edifice is maintained in order to serve its intended purpose.

The Hon. MCE also donated 100 pieces of school uniforms to pupils of the Haana KKMA Basic School.

The Deputy Director of Education, Madam Millicent Caesar, who represented the Municipal Director of Education, commended the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly for the construction of the classroom block. She indicated some challenges facing the school, such as insufficient infrastructure to accommodate the growing population of pupil, inadequate furniture, ICT laboratory and lack of staff common room.

She appealed to philanthropists, Government and individuals to come to their aid. She urged the government to continue with the school feeding program since most pupils who are less privileged have benefitted from it.

The program was graced by dignitaries such as the Municipal Co-ordinaing Director; Mr Mohammed Ali Amadu, the Presidind Member, Hon Joseph Gbeze, Mr Harry Evans Arthur; Municipal Director of Education, Hon Regina Amanquah, Assembly Member for Dingla electoral Area, Unit committee members, the clergy and the media.

REPORT IN PICTURES

Hon Amanquah flanked by the MCD; Mr Mohammed Ali Amadu and the Presiding Member, Hon Joseph Gbeze

Traditional authority, pupils and the general public at the program

Unveiling of plague by Hon Samuel Okoe Amanquah

Handing over of keys to the headmaster of Haana KKMA basic school; Mr Samuel Tetteh Thompson

KPONE KATAMANSU GES DIRECTOR ADVOCATES FOR SCHOOL SECURITY: KPONE COMMUNITY DAY SHS PROJECT SEEKS FUNDING FOR WALLED ENVIRONMENT – 12-4-23

In a bid to enhance the safety and learning environment for students, Mr. Harry Evans Arthur, the Municipal Director of Education for Kpone Katamansu, spearheaded a fundraising durbar in collaboration with the Kpone Local Council of Churches.

The primary objective of the event was to raise three hundred thousand Ghana cedis (GH¢300,000) in support of walling projects for schools within the municipality, with a particular focus on the Kpone Community Day Senior High School.

Addressing the gathering as the main guest speaker, Mr. Arthur emphasized the paramount importance of education and underscored the role of a secure environment in fostering effective teaching and learning.

He expressed gratitude to key stakeholders and the parent association of Kpone Community Day SHS for their unwavering support towards realizing his vision of securing all schools within the municipality.

Mr. Arthur highlighted that the initiative to wall schools not only aims at creating conducive teaching and learning spaces but also serves as a protective measure against potential threats such as robberies and unauthorized intruders.

He stressed that a secure school environment is essential for the holistic development of students.

Acknowledging the significance of communal efforts, Mr. Arthur thanked the organizers of the fundraising program and called upon the community at large to actively participate in contributing to the three hundred thousand Ghana cedis target.

He urged everyone to unite in achieving the common goal of ensuring the safety and security of Kpone Community Day Senior High School.

The fundraising initiative represents a collective stride towards realizing the holistic goal of walling schools within the Kpone Katamansu municipality, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding the future of the students and promoting a conducive educational atmosphere. The success of this endeavor will not only benefit the immediate school community but will set a precedent for enhancing educational facilities across the Greater Accra Region.