NSS settles 58,000 personnel however, 8,000 unpaid for fraud

The National Service Secretariat (NSS) has finally redeemed its image by paying September, 2017 allowances owed National Service Personnel (NSP) posted to various Public Sectors to help the workforce over there.

There have been lots of agitations from NSP over the delay in payment of the September, 2017 allowances but in a statement released on Saturday 28^th October, signed by the acting Executive Director, Hon. Mustapha Ussif confirmed the payment of 58,000 personnel in the Public Sector.

According to the statement, payment had been made into the individuals’ e-zwich accounts thus, all NSP were entreated to visit designated e-zwich service points to load their cards to access their allowances.

The statement explained further that the delay was as a result of the process of authentication and validation of all NSP across the country adding, the exercise was necessary as it had exposed a number of irregularities.

“In the Ashanti region for instance, 22 people were arrested and put under investigation, nine of whom are currently facing charges. In Tamale, 57 people have been arrested and are currently under police investigation.” The statement revealed.

It hinted that all NSP who had not biometrically registered were not captured for payment of the September, 2017 allowances. It therefore, advised all such personnel to visit the designated centres in Accra, Kumasi or Tamale without any further delay to complete their biometric registration for their names to be validated for the payment of allowances due them.

“Management wishes to assure all National Service Personnel that auditing of payment vouchers for October, 2017 personnel allowances have been concluded, and the, payment would be done immediately the biometric validation is also concluded.” The statement pointed out.

However, about 8,000 NSP have their allowances on hold and under investigation for suspicious of impersonation and disqualification from doing national service.

Management appealed to the general public to assist the Scheme by providing information to the security agencies on people who were impersonating for national service.    

CMS celebrates 10 years of academic excellence

The Department of Communication and Media Studies (CMS) under the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Communication of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) Friday launched its 10^th Anniversary celebration at JN Aryeetey Auditorium at the South Campus.

The Department came into existence ten years ago via the visionary ideas of three gallant professors namely Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo and K. Ansu-Kyeremeh of UEW.

It trains media practitioners to become responsible, ethical, articulate and innovative media persons to inculcate high level of professionalism in their activities. In 2007, the Department admitted 17 students to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Business Communication, Communication Skills and Media Studies for a start.  

Since its inception, it has trained 163 students to earn Master of Arts or Master of Philosophy degrees in CMS among which include GTV’s Abdul Hayi Moomen, Chief Executive Officer of Nyce Media, Dr. James Kofi Annan and Coordinator of Radio Windy Bay, Jones Appiah Kubi.

Also, a total of 37 different scholars have thought courses, supervised graduate thesis and offered counselling to the students. Again, a total of 103 thesis and dissertations have been produced on varied issues in CMS.

The 10^th Anniversary dubbed “A decade of providing Communication and Media education and training: challenges and prospects” unveiled the anniversary logo designed by a level 200 Mathematics Education student called Patrick Diaba, the anniversary cloth designed by a UEW communication student named Josephine, books of abstract, brochures and anniversary souvenirs.

The designer of the logo, Patrick Diaba said his design was inspired by God therefore, God was an artist. He explained the colours of his design stating that blue signifies power to communicate; red represents sharing, loving and understanding, UEW crest stands for zero and the olive palm signifying victory.

Designer of the cloth, Josephine also said that her design was inspired by the UEW logo. She explained that the Adikra symbol m’atse m’asie instructs communicators to know how to cover people’s secret at all times. 

Director of Quality Assurance, UEW, Professor Yaw Ameyaw in a speech read on behalf of the Acting Vice-chancellor of UEW, Rev. Father Professor Anthony Afful-Broni commended all lecturers of the Department for their affirmative endeavour towards their profession. He entreated them to continue being patient and aspire to develop talent to kindle the interest and assist in moulding the character of their students.

Minister of information, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid emphasised that the study of communication was paramount in the acquisition of knowledge; adding, “language distinguishes every society. Therefore, the communicator is responsible for the identification of one’s self.”

He opined that communication was not science where one just speaks to explore knowledge but was of what to hear and the ability to do so was not easy. He petitioned all alumni to count themselves privileged to have chosen the ultimate career in life; adding that, “as media people let us help reshape the duties and identification of a qualified journalist.”

Guest speaker for the anniversary, Mrs. Vicky Wireko-Andoh challenged the Department as well as the university to package crash programmes targeted at leaders in the public and private sector including politicians and corporate leaders to help build their skills and capabilities. “We have had some of them coming on radio or television unprepared and sometimes compromise not just their integrity but that of their organisations as well.” She said.

She added that the Department would not only be making extra income but it would also be contributing to shaping the communication skills of leaders for the country. She pointed out that it was time for Communication and Media education set ups to champion the brand Ghana agenda and depict the country as the best in many spheres such as tourism, education, health and beautification.      

A member of the Pioneer Faculty, Kwesi Aggrey said that the effective functioning of a public institution like the Department of CMS could perhaps be likened to the Biblical nurturing of the Lord’s Vineyard; adding, men and women were called into it at different periods in life and each cohort was given an assigned role to perform, which altogether shaped the vine to blossom.  

The event was emceed by Abdul Hayi Moomen, a broadcast journalist and alumnus of CMS. It also accommodated the presence of some alumni and current students.   

Ag. Vice-Chancellor eulogises CMS lecturers and students

Rev. Fr. Prof. Afful Broni, Acting Vice Chancellor, UEW

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Rev. Father Professor Anthony Afful Broni has applauded lecturers and students of the Department of Communication and Media Studies (CMS) for their good efforts to better the fortunes of the Department as it marks its 10^th Anniversary celebration.    

He commended the lecturers, the staff and the students for being able to achieve their academic journey since the inception of the Department. He also congratulated all stakeholders for their effort in nurturing the Department from its formative years to its present state. 

Rev. Father Professor Afful Broni stated this in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Quality Assurance, UEW, Professor Yaw Ameyaw during the CMS 10^th Anniversary celebration ceremony at JN Aryeetey Auditorium at South Campus on Friday.

“As an administrator in a tertiary institution, I am fully aware of some of the various challenges you are confronted with on a daily basis in your attempt to train the students into responsible Communication and Media environment.

“I would also like to give special commendations to all the lecturers of this Department. Being a lecturer myself, I know that a lecturer must at all times be patient, must inspire, must develop talent, kindle interest and help in moulding the character of the students he/she teaches. My fellow dear lecturers, I salute you all for the wonderful job you are doing for UEW in particular and mother Ghana as a whole.” He noted.

He shared his optimism with the Department for being able to inculcate five important strategies in students as a post-graduate department over the last ten years.

According to him, the first was to demonstrate a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of Communication and Media including policy, content and technology change over time. The second important strategy was to articulate and apply an understanding of Communications and Administration, and Business.

The third he said was to demonstrate a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study and with the key texts and cultural products pertaining to Communication and Media. The forth strategy which he believed the Department had done justice to it was to apply advanced reading, communication and analytical skills, both written and verbal and eventually, to demonstrate a thorough understanding of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project.

Rev. Father Professor Afful Broni said there was little doubt today about the fact that the nation’s quest to develop and remain truly independent basically depended on well-structured Communication and Media. 

He emphasized that CMS fine tunes students’ creativity, their level of insight, and their analytical skills to issues and situations. He stressed that CMS generally acquaints students with unique ideas and stimulates their curiosity. “This provides students with opportunities for personal enrichment and better future careers.” He stated.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor pointed out that lecturers' responsibility of teaching and serving as source of studies cannot be short changed, and any compromise on the lecturer’s part could derail any quality to be achieved.

Rev. Fr. Professor Afful Broni avowed that the students, must of necessity learn, do class assignments, research, do home-work, write examinations, must attend lectures and participate in class activities fully, keep notes of lectures for references purpose, embrace and fully participate in well-defined extra-curricular activities, show courtesy and obey Departmental regulations aimed at propelling them to become responsible citizens in the future. He stressed that the student, therefore, ought to be studious and disciplined.

He entreated the Department to exhibit a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of Communications and Media including policy, content and technology change over time and demonstrate a thorough understanding of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small independent research project.

Rev. Father Professor Afful Broni admonished the Department to apply advanced reading, communication analytical skills, both written and verbal.  He tasked the Department to guarantee a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study and with the key texts and cultural products pertaining to Communication and Media.   

New UEW Registrar starts work on 1st November

Rev. Fr. Prof. Afful Broni, Acting Vice Chancellor, UEW

The newly appointed Registrar for University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Surv. Paul Osei Barima Esq is to assume office on Wednesday 1^st November, 2017 the acting Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Rev. Fr. Professor Anthony Afful-Broni has Said.  

At a meeting held on Tuesday 17^th October, 2017, the Governing Council of UEW adopted the report of the Search Committee on the Appointment of Registrar.   

The Acting Vice-Chancellor said this on Wednesday 18^th October, 2017 during the Matriculation ceremony of the 2017/2018 batch of fresh students at Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre at the North Campus in Winneba. 

He said the ceremony was one of the most essential in the life of every first year student because it marks a formal entry into the University Community. He added that the ceremony was also a testimony that all the fresh men and women had indeed, qualified to pursue their studies in various programmes at the University.  

“For the 2017/2018 academic year, a total of 11,369 applications were received for various undergraduate programmes at the Winneba Campus. 8,911 applicants were admitted, comprising 5,815 males representing 65% and 3,096 females representing 35%. At the close of registration, a total of 5,758 of the admitted applicants comprising 3,828 males representing 66.5% and 1,930 females representing 33.5% had paid up and registered for the various undergraduate programmes.

“A total of 571 applications were received for Post-graduate programmes at the Winneba Campus, comprising 401 males representing 70% and 120 females representing 30%.  378 of these applicants, comprising 258 males representing 68% and 120 females representing 32% were admitted. At the close of registration, 326 of the admitted applicants, comprising 219 males representing 67% and 107 representing 33% had paid up and registered.” He affirmed.

Professor Afful Broni encouraged the fresh men and women to finish what they have started by taking every little opportunity to engage in serious study.

“You should expect to encounter some challenging, and perhaps stressful occasions. There may also be peer-induced pressure and distractions such as pressure to date, alcoholism, drug abuse, unexplainable and excessive noise-making, stealing and other deviant behaviours that can negatively affect your studies.

“Please resist these temptations; be your own person; endeavour to say NO to negative peer influence and learn to manage stress effectively. Endeavour to see your Academic Counselors; visit the Counseling Centre for help when necessary." He advised.

He emphasized that gaining any kind of knowledge was the ability to read well. He added, “In the course of your stay in UEW, you will come across many things to read such as posters, books, newspapers, and the student handbook. Please read them and more importantly study the rules and regulations that govern your stay in the University.”

Professor Afful Broni encouraged the fresh men and women to do well in their academic pursuits by developing healthy attitudes towards learning adding that, they should maximize their positive learning abilities and minimize negative thoughts about learning.

By: Godlove KB Tetteh and Araba Bondzewa Entsiwah 

Free medical screening boosts Radio Windy Bay listenership - King Batuka

King Batuka right behind the fair young girl and Hon. Impraim, right of King Batuka in a group picture with staff of Radio Windy Bay and members of Diabetes Care for West Africa 

Radio Windy Bay (RWB) 98.3 FM coordinator, Jones Appiah Kubi popularly known as King Batuka hinted that the free medical screening exercise in collaboration with Diabetes Care for West Africa was giving positive impact to the station hence, increasing its listenership.

The free medical screening is a monthly exercise that seeks to diagnose hypertension or diabetic patients and make recommendations for them to prevent the disease. It has been the third of its kind with Pankye being the first community to benefit, Sar Kagyam Ano the next to benefit and the final suburb Lancaster of Mburabamu Electoral Area.

In an exclusive interview with the coordinator of RWB, Jones Appiah Kubi he said, “I am so much impressed with the third edition of the medical screening because attendance was great as compared to the first two. We have done lots of work to reach our listeners this time and I must say it has been so nice.”

“We hope this exercise gives positive impact to RWB and I believe it is increasing our listenership. Unfortunately, no survey has been carried out to confirm this assertion but I strongly believe the exercise has boosted our listenership.” He said.    

Hon. Impraim, Assembly Member of Mburabamu

Assembly member of Mburabamu Electoral Area, Honourable John Kennedy Impraim was also there to support the event. He congratulated the management of RWB to have put together such exercise to create awareness of high blood pressure and diabetes.

“I feel great and honoured to be part of the programme because health issues were part of the plans I had for my constituents during the assembly election. For RWB to collaborate with Diabetes Care for West Africa to bring such exercise to my electorates, then I must do everything possible to support this good initiative.” He said.

He added that “I came to serve not to rule thus, I shall continue to serve my people till my tenure ends. I pray they keep supporting me so I deliver proficiently.”

“I still have a lot of plans for them. My next benevolent work is to print 1000 pieces of exercise books and distribute to the less privileged in my community.” He said.

The third free medical screening exercise took place on Saturday 14^th October, 2017 at Papa Otu Fie around Lancaster, a suburb of Winneba.

The next beneficiary is likely to be inmates at Winneba Prisons or some villages in Winneba.  

Gender interventions impel females to leadership – Prof. Nsoh

Professor Nsor, College Principal

College Principal of Languages Education of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Ajumako Campus, Professor Avea Ephraim Nsoh said that the emergence of Gender Mainstreaming Directorate at the college has been helpful in propelling more women to be leaders at the university.

He said his vision to have the unit at the college was essentially to help involve more women in the affairs of the university, adding that; he was happy to have achieved that dream.

Professor Nsoh said this in an exclusive interview with Kwesi Bamfo, a freelance journalist at the Video Conferencing Room at Ajumako during a workshop for Junior Staff of the University on how they could upgrade themselves to earn promotion.

He revealed that the intervention of Gender Mainstreaming at the college has enlightened women to compete with the men for position(s), adding; such competition has led to the success of the college. 

“I am very excited that the Gender Mainstreaming in Winneba has joined our Gender Unit Officer here to discuss issues of gender. As a college in community like Ajumako and its surroundings, we are very much interested in gender issues.

“The first thing we did was to initiate the effort to try and get Gender Unit as we were the only college lacking but we are fortunate to have it now. The next thing we are trying to do is to support the student leadership particularly the Women’s Commissioner and all other women leadership to see how best they can incorporate gender issues in their programmes. Currently, the Women’s Commissioner has brought a proposal to put up a crèche or a day care centre for children on this campus which we are working assiduously on it.” He hinted.

Obaapanin Adu Oforiwaa, Acting Director, Gender Mainstreaming Direcotrate

Acting Director of Gender Mainstreaming Directorate, Obaapanin Adu Oforiwaa expressed her joy for the opportunity given her to share and sensitize the Junior Staff of the University on gender issues. 

She explained that gender was different from sex. She added that gender was not meant for women only.

According to her, “sex is the biological identification of what determines masculine or feminine whereas gender is society’s perception or view to recognize a male or a female.” She therefore, concluded that “sex is fixed while gender is subject to change”.

From left Mr. Akrono, Prof. Nsoh, Obaapanin and Mrs. Kaitoo

In attendance were College Registrar, Mr. Francis Narh Akrono, Gender Coordinator, Ms. Cecilia Tomekyin and Assistant Registrar of Human Resource, Mrs. Patricia Kaitoo. 

Some Junior Staff present

Media Relations Department holds first practicum for Staff and Service Personnel

Thursday 12^th October, 2017 witnessed the first workshop for Staff and Service Personnel of the Department of Media Relations of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) at the Finance Conference Room, North campus. 

Head of Media Relations, Ms. Eva Annan opined the purpose of the meeting. According to her, the meeting was basically to discuss human resource issues in order to understand the rudiments of administrative work at the university.  

Ms. Eva Annan, Head of Media Relations

Head of Employee Relations Department of the Division of Human Resource, Mrs. Irene-Michelle Ofosu-Behome presented on the topic “Channels of Communication in UEW. In her presentation, she noted the various types of communication. She made mention of Formal and Informal Communication as the two major forms of communication. She added that oral, written, non-verbal just to mention but few were other forms of communication.  

She pointed out that UEW as an institution was made up of academics, supporting staff and students adding, the channels of communication as arranged in descending order of magnitude consist Vice Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Deans/Directors, Heads of Departments and Unit/Section Heads.  

Mrs. Ofosu-Behome explained that information gets to the highest office only when it passes through all the appropriate channels of communication. She therefore revealed that, one does not get up and sends information to the highest office on the basis of his or her friendship or cordial relationship with the person in authority.   

She ended her presentation on Administrative and Supporting Staff. She said the Registrar was the overall boss when it comes to administrative work in the university. She outlined the channels of communication in administration and according to her, from ascending order of magnitude they include; Staff, Unit Heads, Heads of Departments, Divisional Heads, Deputy Registrar and the Registrar.

An Assistant Registrar of the Department of Junior and Senior Staff at the Division of Human Resource, Mrs. Patricia Kaitoo also presented on the subject “Punctuality/attendance at work. She advised all Staff and Service Personnel to give more credence to punctuality in their activities.  

“Every disciplined society values punctuality. For instance, in our culture lateness is regarded as disrespect whereas punctuality is regarded as obedience. Thus, I entreat each one of you here to cultivate the habit of valuing punctuality.” She said.

She added that, being punctual gives positive signal, strengthens relationship and reveals employee’s integrity to the employer.  

Mr. Appiah, Head of Payroll

Head of Payroll at the Finance Office, Mr. Appiah-Hayford talked about Payment of Overtime and Guest Artistes Allowances. He said quality performance attracts motivation in the university adding that, the motivation was the overtime allowances added to the salary of hard working staff. He explained further that overtime allowances were earned through extra hours of work in the university adding, they were not applicable to service personnel.

Staff present were given the opportunity to ask questions and they offered due diligence to the opportunity given them.

In attendance were Chief Administrative Assistant at the Division of Human Resource, Mr. Isaac Darko, Radio Windy Bay Coordinator, Jones Appiah Kubi, Ms. Florence Okore-Hanson of Media Relations, Staff and Guest Artistes of Radio Windy Bay and National Service Personnel.

UEW Service Personnel shown path for Self Employment

cross section of service personnel in attendance

The Division of Human Resource of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Wednesday held orientation for 2017/2018 National Service Personnel at JN Aryeetey Auditorium, South campus as part of its duty to orient newly service personnel posted into the University.

The occasion which was chaired by the Deputy Registrar of the Division of Academic Affairs, Mrs. Wilhemina Tete-Mensah whose presence was also on behalf of the Registrar congratulated all personnel and admonished them to be meticulous about their work. She also advised every service person to be humble and respectful to his or her boss regardless of the situation.

“We are humans and as humans we may step on ones toe or bark up the wrong tree. However, when such unfortunate happens; be patient, humble and obedient to your boss and find an ideal way to beat around the bush.” She admonished.  

Mr. Isaac Darko, left and Mr. Augustus Brew, right

Head of Senior and Junior Staff Unit of the Division of Human Resource, Mr. Augustus Brew made a presentation on the topic “The NSS Personnel in Career and National Development. In his presentation, he said that national service was a stepping stone for the success of every graduate who intend to be prolific in future.  

He bemoaned the assertion about most graduates yelling there would be no job for them after their one year service to the nation. He however, empowered every service person to be creative in his or her field of study in order to be productive even after the service.   

“I do not see the need of orienting service personnel every year without showing them the path of being self employed after their service to the nation. I entreat the government as well as the authorities of the university to put prevalent measures in place to help service personnel become more productive during and after their service.” He opined.

Mrs. Irene-Michelle Ofosu-Behome

Head of Employee Relations Department of the Division of Human Resource, Mrs. Irene-Michelle Ofosu-Behome also made a presentation on the topic “Settling for Work in UEW". She said that there were several job opportunities at the university adding, diligence and hard work would furnish service personnel job in the university.

“Do not ever be idle at work. Always have in mind that you need to do something for the school and yourself as well. So whenever you’re at the office find something industrious to do. You can be reading more about the university at your leisure hours instead of whatsapping and facebooking.” She cautioned.

Attendance for this year’s orientation was very encouraging as compared to the previous years. A total of 350 personnel were recorded to be present as compared to 2016 where only 230 personnel attended the event.

The event was graced by the Deputy Registrar of Human Resource, Mrs. Christie Okine-Anti and ring mastered by Mr. Isaac Darko, Chief Administrative Assistant at the Division of Human Resource.

“I leave with fond memories” – Dr. Akwaa-Mensah

Dr. Akwaa-Mensah, immediate past Registrar of UEW

Registrar of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Dr. Christopher Akwaa-Mensah reiterates that he leaves office with fond memories as his cohorts have assisted him discharge his duties successfully.

He says that he is highly encouraged and grateful for the support and wonderful love shown him. He adds that he pleads with whoever he might have wronged during his tenure as registrar to forgive him.

“As I leave office as registrar of UEW, I leave with fond memories; I leave satisfied that you and I have done our bit and I need to leave for somebody to continue.

“Whatever I have achieved, we have achieved together. Therefore, as I am leaving I have no bitterness within. I am the type who does not carry bitterness along. So if along the way I have stepped on anyone’s toe, I did that in the interest of the job and not for personal pleasure; so I say forgive me.” He says.

Dr. Akwaa-Mensah in a group picture with all staff of registry 

Dr. Akwaa-Mensah says this on Thursday, 28^th September, 2017 at the Jophus Anamuah-Mensah Conference Centre at North Campus during his last meeting with the senior and junior staff at the office of the registrar.

He encourages everyone to work hard for the interest of the university so it gets to the pinnacle of greatness. He says, “Note that should the university succeed, we win, should it also collapse we fail; thus, let’s show positive attitude towards our duties and this university shall be the greatest.”

Dr. Akwaa-Mensah leaves office at the end of the month of September. He has worked with the university for the past 24 years of which he worked 12 years as the registrar of the institute. The former Deputy Registrar in-charge of Personnel succeeded Mr. Justice Nii Ayeetey in 2005.

Staff at the registry had a lot to say about him, mostly describing his retirement as sad because he is a man of good heart and a great sense of humour.

He also received citations and presentations from a colleague registrar at Ajumako and FUSSAG at the meeting.