Development Educationist, Salifu Ojei has taken on Professor Ababio Oteng Martin over his comments to the the effect that Legon Students can no longer solve basic algebra question due to the implementation of Free SHS Policy.
According to Salifu Ojei, the professor’s interpretation of students academic achievement has rather exposed his ignorance of the school assessment regime in Ghana and lack of concept test reliability.
He noted that GES, the implementation urgency of the free SHS is not a mandated urgency to assess the students. Thereby, expressing shock over views held by the professor
Is the professor the problem or free SHS policy?
I have read with much dismay, an opinion by professor Ababio Oteng Martin(urban environmental studies) to the effect that ‘legon students can no longer solve basic algebra questions due to the implementation of free SHS policy” I have tried in all humility, to understand the logic of the good old professor but to no avail. So what are the issues? First of all, the policy of free SHS is implemented by the Ghana Education Service to ensure that ALL children of school age have ACCESS to Quality free Shs education. The policy has achieved, with out doubt its objective of expanding access (both economic and physical access) to all children. On the access score, he admitted that indeed the policy has achieved much. The second objective of free SHS hinges on quality. The indicators for quality education are wide in scope. In education science, the quality aspect of education is general refers to education outcomes. These out comes may be judged in terms of discipline nature of students and School academic achievement. The thrust of the argument advance by the professor is to narrow the conservation on quality of education to academic achievement of students. Ordinary, this should be one of the parameters for judging any education policy. However, his interpretation of students academic achievement has rather exposed him as either being ignorant of the school assessment regime in Ghana or lacks appreciation of the concept of Test Reliability. Prof should know that the implementing agency of free SHS, Ghana Education Service is not the assessment agency. WAEC has the mandate to assess all learner’s at the pre-tertiary level of education in Ghana. So, if Prof had told us that he conducted a research to test the Reliability of WAEC results using free SHS Students as case study and his findings suggest that the results are not reliable. Perhaps, we could engage in that discussion to ensure that there is consistency in students achievement. Unfortunately, the professor has abandoned the basic tenets of academia which is guided by science and data to make sweeping generalisation. In the absence of these, his thoughts on free SHS should taken with a pinch of salt. Salifu Ojei (Development educationists
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has presented a GH¢10 million dividend to the Government of Ghana, marking the Authority’s return to contributing directly to the Consolidated Fund.
The cheque was presented by the NLA Board and Management to the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, with Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam leading t8he Authority’s delegation.
The payment represents the NLA’s first dividend contribution to the state since 2017, according to reports on the presentation.
Dr. Ato Forson welcomed the development but stressed that the contribution should not be treated as a symbolic gesture. He called for sustained efforts by the NLA to improve its revenue generation and deliver greater financial value to the state.
The Finance Minister further disclosed that the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the NLA and the Attorney-General, is reviewing existing revenue-sharing agreements involving the Authority. According to him, the review is intended to address arrangements that may have limited the revenue accruing to government.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, NLA Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam said the dividend reflects the Authority’s renewed focus on efficiency, transparency and revenue generation.
He said the NLA would continue working to strengthen its operations and contribute meaningfully to national development through its statutory mandate.
The GH¢10 million payment is therefore being positioned as part of broader efforts to improve the NLA’s financial performance and strengthen its contribution to Ghana’s public finances.
The NLA has also urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers who may seek to exploit the Authority’s name for fraudulent activities.
GABBSO Hospital Zone Treats Dakpema Pupils and Staff to Free Haircuts
Details
Published: September 26, 2026
Published at: 05:11
Ghananewsnet.com
Pupils and staff of the Dakpema Primary and Junior High School were met with a pleasant surprise on Friday, September 25, 2026, as the Hospital Zone of the Ghana Association of Barbers and Barbering Salon Owners (GABBSO) rolled out a free haircut outreach at their school compound.
The community focused initiative brought smiles to the faces of over 100 students, providing them with fresh grooming free of charge.
According to leadership, the exercise forms part of the association’s broader corporate social responsibility to give back to society and support parents within the local community.
Speaking during the outreach, the Regional Secretary of GABBSO, Mr. Abu Abdulai, who also serves as the Northern Regional Secretary for Association of Small Scale Industries(ASSI) took the opportunity to champion industry unity.
He urged fellow barbers operating within the region who have yet to join the association to register, emphasizing the numerous welfare and professional benefits members stand to gain.
Mr. Abdulai also made a direct appeal to the Member of Parliament (MP) who double as Ghana Education Minister, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, calling for partnership and financial or logistical support.
He noted that with backing from the lawmaker, GABBSO can successfully scale up the initiative to reach many more schools across the constituency.
NDC Tamale Central Chairman F.K. Kanawu Supports Grassroots Mobilisation with Motorbike Donation
Details.
Published: September 24, 2026
Published at: 07:48am
By Saibu Terry
NDC Tamale Central Constituency Chairman and re-election aspirant, Farouk F.K. Kanawu, has donated a brand-new motorbike to Mr. Olu of Changli to support grassroots party organisation and mobilisation.
The donation forms part of efforts by Chairman Kanawu to provide logistical support for party activities in Changli and surrounding branches within the Tamale Central Constituency.
The motorbike is expected to facilitate movement and coordination for grassroots activities, including mobilisation, communication and engagement with party members across the area. Presenting the motorbike, Chairman Kanawu said the support was intended to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures and enhance the effectiveness of local organisers.
Mr. Olu, who received the motorbike, expressed appreciation to Chairman Kanawu for the gesture and pledged to use it for its intended purpose.
The donation comes as Chairman Kanawu seeks another term as NDC Tamale Central Constituency Chairman, with his campaign emphasising grassroots organisation, logistical support and unity within the constituency.
Supporters of the chairman have cited the donation as part of what they describe as his commitment to resourcing the party at the grassroots level.
His campaign team continues to rally supporters under the slogan “Team F.K. – The Solid Team for Victory,” alongside the message “Eyɛ Zu, Eyɛ Za – Retain & Maintain.”