The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas T. Musah says the introduction of the one-year degree top-up programme for teachers with diploma certificates by the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is a blessing in disguise. According to him, he is grateful for the swift response adding the sector Minister indeed has teachers at heart. He said “We want to say a very big thank you to the Honourable Minister for Education. He has done a great job in pushing this one-year top-up programme. Upon receipt of our letter on the issue, he acted swiftly, and here we are now. GNAT, therefore, says thank you, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh for your prompt action”. The GNAT General Secretary tasked the diploma teachers to enrol in the programme. He reiterated that they should bear in mind that by 2022, their posteriors in College will graduate with a degree and will be placed on the grade of Principal Superintendent. The Institute of Education, the University of Cape Coast on October 5 officially released the admission notice. The admission notice indicated that the 3-Semester Bachelor of Education (Post-Diploma in Basic Education) Programmes in the sandwich mode is starting in the first semester of 2020/2021 Academic Year. He said "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a blended mode of instruction will be adopted (thus online and face-to-face approach). Eligible students would be required to have a smartphone or tablet or any device that would allow them to connect to the internet. Applicants will be enrolled automatically onto their choice of programme on completion of an online form. No fee is required before the filling of application forms online. Only those who have passed the Diploma in Basic Education Examinations will be required to fill the form. Applicants will be required to fill the online form indicating the programme of their choice and the Study Centre, in line with their elective subject areas" Background On 23rd March 2020, the General Secretary of GNAT in a letter addressed to the Minister for Education appealed to the Minister on the need to introduce a one-year top-up programme for a diploma in Basic Education teachers to earn a Bachelor of Education degree. Below are excerpts of the letter addressed to the Minister for Education. According to the Policy Reform on Teacher Education in Ghana-August 2017, the current three-year Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) curriculum, which is used for the initial training of teachers in the Colleges of Education, has not adequately responded to the need to improve children’s learning outcomes in the Basic School System. The policy identified several other challenges faced by our school system because of the kind of training offered to pre-tertiary teachers in Ghana. A fundamental rethinking and radical redesign of pre-service teacher training programmes are therefore required to achieve improvement in the quality of new teachers and the learning outcomes. To resolve the problem, the Government of Ghana in 2017 initiated education reforms to transform teaching and learning and improve educational outcomes. The end goals of these reforms are “to deliver quality education service at all levels that will equip learners in educational institutions with the skills, competencies and awareness that would make them functional citizens who can contribute to the attainment of the national development goals”. Given the above, the review of the curriculum and the setting of teacher standards in Teacher Training Institutions were completed and the document on Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL) was approved by Cabinet. In 2018, the Ministry continued with the Teacher Training Reforms leading to the upgrade of all public Colleges of Education into campuses of existing public Universities to make them degree awarding institutions (stated in the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana for the 2018 Financial Year). This resulted in the development and subsequent design of a new four-year Bachelor of Education Curriculum for the training of teachers for the basic school system through a national stakeholder engagement process with Universities, Colleges of Education, Teacher Regulatory Institutions, national curriculum experts, NGOs, and CSOs. Unfortunately, the Diploma in Basic Education Certificate holders from the Colleges of Education has been left out of the reforms. This has created a gap in aligning the envisaged pre-service teacher education curriculum with the ongoing reform of the Pre-Tertiary Education Curriculum to improve the quality of teaching and learning and improve learning outcomes. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President of Stanford Seed Transformation Network Ghana, Linda Yaa Ampah says her outfit will be holding the third edition of its annual flagship Business and Leadership Conference on 22nd October 2020 to empower businesses to embrace changes and seek solutions that will ensure business sustainability and success despite the COVID-19 challenges. This year's conference is under the theme "Embracing forced change within diverse cultures" with a focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its implications for businesses. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/hayford-s-death-was-an-assassination-rather-than-robbery-turned-murder-kennedy-agyapong It is emerging that due to adherence to the covid-19 protocols, the conference will be held virtually on Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom. ThinkNews Online has gathered that Renowned and experienced business leaders such as Dr. Tony Oteng-Gyasi CEO, Tropical Cable, and Conductor Ltd, Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo CEO, Mikaddo Holdings, Ms. Esther A. N. Cobbah CEO, Stratcomm Africa, and Mr. David Ofosu-Dorte Senior Partner, AB & David will share their experiences on how they have leveraged cultural challenges and differences to scale their businesses over the years. Madam Linda Yaa Ampah expressed her excitement about the upcoming conference which has been enabled by new technologies despite COVID-19. She was confident that through the conference, participants will take home new mindsets, approaches, and pragmatic solutions to transform businesses. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/match-report-classless-black-stars-hammered-3-0-by-mali-c-k-akonnor-handed-reality-check She said "The theme for the conference is very critical since there are concerns about the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its impact on Ghanaian businesses. We are therefore seeking to use this conference to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, information, experience, and skills among stakeholders in the business to brace ourselves for the challenges ahead in this COVID-19 era" “The AfCFTA secretariat is targeting January 2021 for the commencement of the implementation of the Pan African free trade agreement following its postponement due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. It is imperative that Ghanaian businesses ready themselves for the benefits that AfCFTA brings during COVID-19 and post COVID-19, a pandemic which is a major challenge for many businesses”, she added. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/match-report-classless-black-stars-hammered-3-0-by-mali-c-k-akonnor-handed-reality-check Background The Seed Transformation Network Ghana The Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies (Stanford Seed) is a Stanford Graduate School of Business-led initiative that is working to end the cycle of global poverty. It partners with entrepreneurs in emerging markets to build thriving enterprises that transform lives. See copy of the release below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has revealed that the death of Mfantseman MP, Ekow Hayford was an assassination and not a robbery- turned-murder. According to him, prior to Mr Quansah’s death, a call was made to him and two others to caution them of the danger that awaits them before the general election. Kennedy Agyapong said "Three hours after the said call, the late MP was faced with exactly what he was cautioned against" Mr Agyapong also added that from the scene and the number of cars and people involved, nothing showed the MP was killed by armed robbers. The New Patriotic Party stalwart, who confessed the information should have been a secret, said he spilled the beans to explain why Ghanaians should not carry the robbery narrative. According to him, preliminarily investigations conducted by his team indicated that the MP was killed by contract killers and not armed robbers as speculated and called on the people of Mfantseman to remain silent because it pushes the investigation off balance. He further assured the family of the late MP that his killers will be arrested at all costs. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana bounced back from their disappointing defeat to Mali to thump Asian champions Qatar 5-1 in a friendly encounter in Turkey. Captain Andre Ayew bagged a brace to add to Tarique Fosu, Samuel Owusu, and Caleb Ekuban’s goals. Ali Almoez grabbed the consolation for Asian giants. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/match-report-classless-black-stars-hammered-3-0-by-mali-c-k-akonnor-handed-reality-check The Asians came close to breaking the deadlock after a swift interplay which ended with forward Ali Almoez hitting the post after just three minutes. The Black Stars were robust in the middle, with Partey winning the ball which he rolled to Jordan Ayew, with the Crystal Palace attacker outpacing his marker before laying to Tarique Fosu who connected to give Ghana the opener. Jordan Ayew came close again after some good interchange of passes with Gideon Mensah before curling wide. The Black Stars kept pressing with Samuel Owusu forcing a save from the Qatari goalie before Fosu laid the ball for Ayew who once again fired wide. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-ghanaians-react-to-leaked-black-stars-2020-21-away-kits-on-social-media-pics-screenshots With a minute left in the first half, Qatar defender Boualem Khouki sent in a long ball which found Ali Almoez, who expertly lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Razak Abalora before firing into an empty net. Ghana returned from the break very determined and came close to getting the lead after Thomas Partey’s effort was saved by the Qatari goalie. Few minutes after the hour mark, captain Andre Ayew restored Ghana’s lead with a brilliant effort. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/offinso-accident-kevin-prince-boateng-ready-to-offer-support-to-families-of-deceased Two minutes later Samuel Owusu added the third after controlling a beautiful pass from Thomas Partey before slotting home. Ayew added his second of the game after an exchange of passes with his brother. Second-half substitute Caleb Ekuban completed the mauling with a fine finish as the West Africans secured a big win in their final friendly ahead of next month's AFCON qualifiers. Credit: GhanaSoccerNet

A woman crashed a wedding ceremony and shocked guests as she claimed to be carrying the groom’s child. Footage of the incident has gone viral on social media though it’s not clear when it was recorded. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-kotoka-to-reopen-on-tuesday-president-akufo-addo-confirms The pregnant woman turned up at the outdoor wedding while the officiating Minister was reading the vows to the couple at the dome-shaped patio. Sharing her story, she said they didn’t divorce, and there was no issue between them, so she doesn’t know why he should be getting married to another lady, while she already has children for him. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/endsars-we-are-with-you-our-nigerian-family-king-promise-screenshot While the bride watched the scene in tears, the aggrieved woman was heard beckoning on her other kids to come into the wedding hall. Watch the video below: Story by: News Desk Report

The Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr. Benjamin Bannor Bio has been attacked by robbers at gunpoint. The incident occurred on the Anwiankwanta-Obuasi highway about 10:30 pm Saturday, a close source revealed to Dailymailgh.com The EC official was returning from the Western Region to Kumasi when he and four other occupants of a Nissan patrol vehicle were attacked by the armed men. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/december-2020-polls-president-akufo-addo-submits-nomination-forms-to-ec The robbers reportedly made away with their valuables including cell phones and an unspecified amount of money, the source told Dailymailgh.com, adding that the matter has been reported to the police for further investigation. Reports also suggest that another man who was driving on the same stretch was also robbed at gunpoint. His mobile phone and an unspecified amount of money were taken by the robbers. The police confirmed the case but refused to go on record. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/sports-contact-sports-remains-banned-president-akufo-addo The attack follows the recent killing of the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Ekow Hayford on the Abeadze Dominase-Abeadze Duadzi-Mankessim road by suspected robbers. He was returning from a campaign trip when the incident occurred. Insecurity alarming Former Ghanaian leader John Mahama is urging the Akufo-Addo government to deal with the growing spate of violent crimes and dastardly robberies in the country. The NDC flagbearer said there is rising insecurity in the country and it must be quickly tackled by the government. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-president-akufo-addo-condemns-john-mahama-s-comment-tagging-akyems-as-sakawa-boys Mr. Mahama made the call on the back of the killing of the lawmaker. The NDC flagbearer in a Facebook post to commiserate with his family also urged the security agencies to speedily investigate and bring the perpetrators to book. “I have received the shocking news of the death of Hon. Ekow Quansah Hayford, MP for Mfantseman in a reported armed robbery attack. My condolence to his family. This is the most despicable act, and we all look forward to the security agencies investigating and arresting those involved and bringing them speedily to justice. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-kotoka-to-reopen-on-tuesday-president-akufo-addo-confirms “There is a growing climate of insecurity in Ghana. Dastardly armed robberies and violent crime have become a common occurrence. I urge the government and the security agencies to do more to protect the Ghanaian people.” He further said, “It’s probably also time to look at the provision of armed police guards for our MPs.” Credit: Saltfmonline

Controversial Media Personality, Valentina Afia Agyeiwaa known in showbiz as Afia Schwar has publicly endorsed 4 More 4 Nana. In a video she posted on her Instagram page, she was heard praising the NPP government whiles jabbing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/endsars-we-are-with-you-our-nigerian-family-king-promise-screenshot She however urged Ghanaians to vote for the NPP in the upcoming election. She added that retaining Akufo-Addo, will help him continue his projects, roads, provide stable electricity among others. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-mzbel-renders-apology-to-kofi-amoabeng-pastor-badu-kobi However, some scores of Ghanaians are asking; Is this her new strategy to have a bite of the nation’s cake or she’s really in for great work by the sitting government? Watch the video below: Story by: Mandy Adwoa Woods

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has partnered the Patriotic Health Team and 'Girls Girls for Ursula Group' to organize a breast cancer screening exercise for the market women in the constituency. The move follows the marking of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in countries across the world including Ghana. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/no-amount-of-threats-heaped-on-ec-will-change-the-outcome-of-december-polls-ursula-owusu-ekuful According to her, the exercise will not only help increase the need to check one's breast but also support its awareness creation. The MP said "Early diagnosis, treatment as well as palliative care for women facing this disease is a step in the right direction" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-npp-s-sammy-awuku-escapes-death-picture It is emerging that there are about 1.7 million new cases and 522 000 deaths from breast cancer each year, according to a report by Globocan in 2012. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and men worldwide. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/breaking-news-mfantseman-npp-mp-shot-dead See pictures below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman has assured the citizenry that the party will pass the Affirmative Action Bill into law if voted into office in December. According to her, the passage of the bill will be done to increase women's participation in key decision-making. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-ghana-will-be-transformed-into-an-advanced-nation-if-elected-president-mahama-hints The NDC running mate asserted that the time had come for the nation to remove barriers hindering the progress of women in the country. The NDC's running mate pledge was contained in a statement issued to commemorate this year's International Day of the Girl Child. She also added that the NDC government will also institute a bill to address sexual harassment in schools and elsewhere. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-i-will-turn-nafti-into-a-multimedia-university-mahama "We will pass into law the Affirmative Action Bill. We will execute our plan to provide free sanitary pads to girls in basic schools, invest in infrastructure and teacher training to improve quality and access at that level of education" "We will propose a bill to address sexual harassment in schools and elsewhere; we will operationalize support and protection programs for victims of domestic violence; and we will eliminate medical exam fees for survivors of sexual assault". ThinkNews Online has gathered Ghana's Affirmative Action Bill when passed into law, will require the government to ensure equitable gender representation at all levels of governance and decision-making in Ghana, as well as address other social and economic imbalances. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-ghana-will-be-transformed-into-an-advanced-nation-if-elected-president-mahama-hints When passed, it is expected to affect women's representation in the public service, ministerial positions, independent constitutional bodies, boards of state institutions, the security services, and political parties. The final draft of the Bill received cabinet approval in 2016, but was not tabled in parliament and, therefore, did not reach the consideration stage before the end of the 6th parliament of the fourth Republic. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-npp-s-sammy-awuku-escapes-death-picture Story by Rodney Tsenuokpor

Veteran Ghanaian Musician Belinda Ekua Amoah known in showbiz as Mzbel has rendered an apology to the Co-Founder of collapsed UT Bank, Prince Kofi Amoabeng, and founder of Glorious Wave Chapel International, Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi over her recent feud which went viral on social media. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/endsars-we-are-with-you-our-nigerian-family-king-promise-screenshot Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, she said "I want to apologize to Kofi Amoabeng and his family. His name has been rubbed in the mud for some time. I am sorry. I also want to apologize to Pastor Badu Kobi" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/politics-ghana-will-be-transformed-into-an-advanced-nation-if-elected-president-mahama-hints Explaining her reason(s) for apologizing, the Veteran Musician mentioned that she feels disappointed over how the names of the two gentlemen pop up anytime she gets into a scuffle adding she will ensure such incidents do not repeat itself. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Veteran Ghanaian Musician and Entrepreneur, Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah popularly known in showbiz as Mzbel has confirmed that she does not give second chances in friendship. Speaking on an Accra-based television station, the musician said " I have forwarded all my issues to the 'Naaye We'. I have realized that anytime Afia Schwar gets the chance to come online, she speaks against me. I have asked the gods to deal with this issue for me" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-i-don-t-have-a-problem-with-my-baby-mama-osebor She also added that due to betrayal and mistrust, she has limited the number of friends she makes to avoid issues. Mzbel revealed that although she used to be friends with controversial media personality, Afia Schwar, certain unfortunate incidents have ruined the bond they used to share. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-i-don-t-have-a-problem-with-my-baby-mama-osebor Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian Musician and Entrepreneur, Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah popularly known in showbiz as Mzbel has confirmed she and Actress Tracy Boakye are not lesbian partners as speculated by some media portals. Speaking on an Accra-based television station, she said "You have not seen my p***y before and we are not lesbian partners" READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/entertainment-i-don-t-have-a-problem-with-my-baby-mama-osebor She added she does not thread on 'beefs' to trend in the country adding, she only responds just to clear the air. Mzbel however debunked claims about her friendship with people going sour adding there are a few who still remain her friends despite the challenges she has gone through. READ ALSO: https://www.thinknewsonline.com/post/security-under-threat-as-436-imported-pistols-ammunitions-gets-impounded-at-tema-port The musician also revealed that she was introduced to the music industry without any proper orientation stressing she had to take time to adjust to the system. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith