Food For Thought

'I TOUCH THE FUTURE. I TEACH'
-Christa Mc Auliffe

Saturday, 26 July 2025

Google Opens AI Centre in Accra

 


Big Win for Africa: Google Opens AI Centre in Accra with $37 Million Initiative.

History is unfolding right here in Ghana!  Google has officially launched a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre in Accra, backed by a whopping $37 million investment aimed at unlocking Africa's digital future.

This isn’t just about technology , it’s about opportunity, innovation, and inclusion. The new centre is expected to focus on African languages, healthcare, agriculture, and education, ensuring that AI solutions reflect the realities and richness of the continent.

Ghana is being positioned at the heart of Africa’s AI revolution, and this move is a huge step toward making the continent a global tech powerhouse.

As we stand on the shoulders of innovation, we must rise to the occasion by building skills, investing in STEM education, and embracing the digital shift. The future is here, and it’s being built in Accra.

Let’s celebrate this milestone ,and get ready to code, create, and compete!

#GhanaRising #GoogleAIAccra

 #AiNetworks

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Navigating Reform, Stability, and Strategy in Education – A Call for Focus in Ghana


Education is the backbone of every nation’s progress, and in Ghana, the journey has been both inspiring and challenging. From colonial legacies to modern-day educational shifts, Ghana’s education system continues to evolve sometimes rapidly, and other times, uncertainly. As we look toward the future, three critical pillars demand our attention: Reform, Stability, and Strategy.

Reform: Moving Beyond Cosmetic Changes
Educational reform in Ghana has often been marked by policy shifts that don’t always reach the classroom. New curricula, new grading systems, and new terminologies are introduced, but many teachers and students remain under-resourced and under-trained to adapt.

Reform must be meaningful, not just symbolic. We must ensure:

Teachers are involved in the decision-making process.
Resources reach rural and urban schools equally.
Teacher training aligns with curriculum changes.
Reforms address core issues like literacy, critical thinking, and skills development not just exam results.
Stability: Building Trust and Continuity
Too many changes in too short a time destabilize the very foundation we are trying to build. Stability means creating a system that is predictable, dependable, and equitable regardless of which government is in power.

We need to:

Protect education from political instability.
Avoid abrupt policy reversals that leave students and teachers confused.
Strengthen local education authorities and school governance structures.
Provide consistent funding for infrastructure, textbooks, and ICT access.
Strategy: Planning for the Next Generation
A good strategy doesn't only react, it anticipates. Ghana must embrace a long-term vision for education that is rooted in data, global trends, and local needs.

Some strategic steps include:

Investing in STEM and TVET to prepare youth for future job markets.
Integrating technology in both teaching and learning, especially in underserved areas.
Prioritizing early childhood education for foundational skills.
Encouraging public-private partnerships to support education financing and innovation.

The way forward:
Ghana’s educational future should not be left to chance. It must be shaped by thoughtful reform, grounded in stability, and driven by strategy. Our children deserve an education that doesn’t just help them pass exams but equips them to solve problems, create opportunities, and lead confidently in an ever-changing world.
Let’s come together parents, teachers, policymakers, NGOs, and communities to build an education system we can all be proud of.

Let’s talk. What changes would you like to see in Ghana’s education system?

#futureoflearning #educationforall #GhanaEducation 

By : Emmanuel Abanti

Sunday, 6 July 2025

Value Human life

Value Human Life

By AiNetworks

A life is not a rag to tear,
Not something cheap, not just “out there.”
Each soul you see was gently made,
With dreams and tears that will not fade.

A beating heart, a silent cry,
A child with hope still reaching high.
Yet daily, pain and needless death,
Snuff out the light, steal sacred breath.

Why raise your hand to crush, not heal?
Why hate so fast, yet fail to feel?
The mob may roar, but truth stands still—
No one has the right to kill.

She stole? He lied? You judge, you strike—
But justice is not done with pikes.
We need a world that lifts, forgives—
A world that lets the guilty live.

Let mercy speak. Let justice guide.
Let love, not anger, stand with pride.
For every soul, both weak and strong,
Deserves to live—to right their wrong.

So next you see a life at stake,
Pause, reflect—for heaven’s sake.
Don’t throw a stone, don’t take a side—
Choose the path where peace can guide.

📌 #ValueHumanLife

✊🏾 #StopMobJustice

💔 #WeAreOneBlood



Tuesday, 4 March 2025

Cut-Off Points in Senior High Schools: An Academic Perspective

Cut-off points have become a significant feature in the admission process of Senior High Schools (SHS) across various education systems, particularly in developing countries. This system, often based on standardized examination performance, aims to ensure merit-based placement of students into different categories of schools. However, the practice raises concerns about equity, student well-being, and the holistic development of learners. This article explores the concept of cut-off points, their advantages, limitations, and potential reforms to create a more inclusive and balanced educational system.

Education serves as a cornerstone for national development, and equitable access to quality education is a critical goal for policymakers. In many countries, including Ghana, Senior High School admissions are largely determined by cut-off points — minimum academic thresholds set by schools to select students based on performance in standardized examinations such as the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This approach intends to promote meritocracy and resource efficiency but has sparked debates on its fairness, effectiveness, and implications for student development.

Concept of cut-off points: Cut-off points are predefined minimum academic scores that students must achieve to gain admission into particular schools. These points are often influenced by:

  • School Reputation and Performance History
  • Availability of Resources and Facilities
  • Geographical Location
  • Government Policies on Education Placement

The cut-off point system aligns with the meritocratic model of education, which seeks to allocate limited educational opportunities based on academic performance.

Advantages of using Cut-Off Points 

  1. Merit-Based Placement
    The system rewards hard work and academic excellence, ensuring that students with the highest scores access the best schools. This encourages a culture of competition and academic diligence.

  2. Efficient Resource Utilization
    High-performing schools often have limited facilities and staff. Cut-off points help regulate the intake of students to ensure resources are efficiently allocated.

  3. National Education Standards
    By placing students in schools that match their academic abilities, the system helps maintain consistent academic standards across the education sector.

  4. Motivation for Students
    The prospect of gaining admission into prestigious schools acts as an incentive for students to excel in their studies.  Disadvantages of Cut-Off Points 

  1. Educational Inequality
    The system disproportionately benefits students from well-resourced schools, often leaving behind those from marginalized communities. This creates a gap in access to quality education.

  2. Psychological Pressure on Students
    The emphasis on high-stakes examinations can lead to stress, anxiety, and a narrow focus on memorization rather than comprehensive learning.

  3. Neglect of Holistic Development
    Cut-off points primarily measure academic performance, overlooking other talents such as leadership, creativity, and sportsmanship.

  4. Limited Second Chances
    Students who underperform due to temporary circumstances or late academic bloomers are often denied entry into top schools without consideration for improvement.

Ghana's Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) uses BECE results to place students into various Senior High Schools. The system has been lauded for its transparency but criticized for deepening educational inequality. A report by the Ghana Education Service (GES, 2023) indicates that only 18% of students from rural communities gain admission into Category A schools, compared to 60% from urban centers.

Recommendations:

  1. Holistic Admission Criteria
    Admissions should combine academic performance with extracurricular achievements, leadership skills, and community service.

  2. Affirmative Action Programs
    Special quotas should be allocated for students from underserved communities to promote inclusivity.

  3. Continuous Assessment Integration
    Incorporating continuous assessment scores into final placement decisions can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of student abilities.

  4. Mentorship and Remedial Programs
    Schools should implement mentorship and remedial classes for students who narrowly miss the cut-off points, offering them second chances.   Conclusion

Cut-off points in Senior High School admissions play a pivotal role in shaping educational outcomes. While they promote meritocracy and academic excellence, they also contribute to educational inequality and excessive pressure on students. To build a more equitable education system, policymakers must adopt a holistic approach that balances academic performance with broader measures of student potential. A reformed system will not only ensure fairness but also foster the holistic development of learners, paving the way for inclusive national development.


References

Ghana Education Service (2023). Annual Education Sector Performance Report. Accra, Ghana.
Mensah, J. & Boateng, K. (2020). "Equity and Access in Secondary School Admissions: A Case Study of Ghana." International Journal of Educational Development, 45(2), 112-128.
UNESCO (2022). Global Education Monitoring Report: Inclusion and Education. Paris, France.
Williams, P. (2021). "The Impact of Standardized Testing on Student Outcomes." Educational Research Quarterly, 34(3), 56-70.

Thursday, 2 January 2025

Fire Outbreaks and Security Gaps: A Nation's Misplaced Priorities

In Ghana, countless communities face a glaring absence of essential services. Markets, often prone to fire outbreaks, operate without nearby fire stations, leaving livelihoods and lives at constant risk. Entire neighborhoods lack police presence, creating an environment of insecurity and vulnerability. A classic example is what has just happened to the people of Kantamanto. The whole market has been burnt down. 


Yet, in a puzzling twist of priorities, some individuals enjoy the privilege of having as many as 20 police officers and soldiers dedicated to their personal protection. This stark imbalance raises critical questions: Are our leaders truly addressing the needs of the people, or are we trapped in a cycle of misplaced priorities and inefficiency?


With fire outbreaks becoming increasingly common and security concerns mounting, it’s time to demand accountability and a governance system that prioritizes the safety and welfare of all citizens. Ghana deserves better.



By: Emmanuel Awedam

#awedam

#aisi

Wednesday, 1 January 2025

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION OR PLAN MADE SIMPLE

 Your New Year’s resolution framework is an excellent way to set priorities and structure your goals. Here’s a breakdown of each category with meaningful insights and critiques, along with practical application to your daily activities:  


1. Must Do

Meaning:

These are non-negotiable tasks or responsibilities that are critical to your well-being, career, or relationships. Failure to address these would have significant consequences.  


Application:

- Daily Activities:

   - Health: Prioritize exercise, balanced meals, and adequate sleep.  

   - Work: Complete essential job tasks or deadlines.  

   - Personal: Spend time with loved ones or fulfill obligations (e.g., bills, household management).  


Critique:

While these are essential, overloading this category can lead to stress. Be discerning—if everything is a “must,” nothing truly is. Reserve this category for what absolutely cannot wait or be compromised.  


2. Should Do

Meaning:

These are important tasks that contribute to long-term goals or improvements but aren’t immediately critical. They can be delayed or delegated without disastrous effects.  


Application:

- Daily Activities:

   - Skill-building: Enroll in courses, read industry-related books.  

   - Health: Regular doctor check-ups or advanced fitness goals.  

   - Relationships: Reach out to friends or network professionally.  


Critique:

This category is often overlooked in favor of “musts” or “desires.” Ensure you allocate time here, as neglecting these tasks can lead to stagnation in personal or professional growth.  


3. Can Do

Meaning:

These are optional tasks that you have the capacity to take on if time and energy permit. They are not urgent or crucial but can be rewarding.  


Application:

- Daily Activities: 

   - Leisure: Try a new hobby, watch a movie, or socialize.  

   - Work: Volunteer for additional responsibilities.  

   - Self-care: Meditate or journal if you feel inclined.  


Critique:

This category helps balance productivity with flexibility. However, avoid letting “can do” activities distract from “must do” or “should do” priorities.  


4. Desire to Do

Meaning:

These are your dreams, passions, or indulgences that bring joy and fulfillment. While not essential, they enrich your life.  


Application: 

- Daily Activities:

   - Personal: Work on a creative project, travel plans, or indulge in your favorite pastime.  

   - Career: Pursue an ambitious idea or entrepreneurial venture.  

   - Relationships: Plan meaningful experiences with loved ones.  


Critique:

While pursuing desires is fulfilling, it’s easy to overindulge in this category at the expense of other responsibilities. Strike a balance to ensure these goals align with your values and long-term aspirations. 


Final Thoughts for 2025 

Application:

- Balance is Key: Each category should be represented daily, but in varying proportions. Your “must do” tasks will naturally take precedence, while “desire to do” activities add color and excitement to your routine.  

- Prioritize Weekly: Use a planner or digital tool to group tasks under these categories and revisit them weekly to stay on track.  

- Flexibility: Be willing to shift tasks between categories as circumstances evolve. A “should do” today might become a “must do” tomorrow.  


With this thoughtful approach, you’re setting yourself up for a well-rounded, purpose-driven 2025.



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Saturday, 28 December 2024

SLAVERY OF MEN BY WOMEN


A must READ for every MAN!

Every Man irrespective of who they are must read the book by a German writer ESTHER VILLAR the THE MANIPULATED MAN.


This BOOK has caused outrage and HOSTILE CRITICISM from women, it explains how women since the earliest times have MANIPULATED men and turned them into their SLAVES, they have PRETENDED to be the OPPRESSED s.£¥ while in the real sense they are the OPPRESSORS. 


She explains how a WOMAN manipulates a MAN skillfully by steps like COURTSHIP and finally MARRIAGE, hence the saying “a man chases a woman until SHE catches him”.


In her book she explains how the man is TRICKED to care for the woman all his LIFE and her offspring. 


He rolls the stone like SISYPHUS and in turn gets rewarded by a few minutes of s£xual PLEASURE. 


We can, by observing Esther Villars assertions that a man is a SLAVE of his DESIRES and the WOMAN uses and has used it for THOUSANDS of years as a stick and carrot to keep the man chasing VANITY and commit his life to SERVING her.


She goes ahead to explain the RIVALRY of WOMEN, how each woman feels the powerful urge and need to OWN a male for HERSELF. 


Like a SLAVE owner, she detests any move the MAN would make to offer his services to another woman. She uses all means to keep the man to herself and her offspring alone.


Esther Villar's sentiments are captured by Nigerian Poet, critic and writer, Chinweizu Ibekwe in his book, “The Anatomy of Female Power” (AFP) and  Will Farrel's, “The Predatory Female”. 


They all push the THEORY that all societies are MATRIARCHAL and not PATRIARCHAL as we are pushed and forced to believe. 


MATRIARCHY has ruled not through brawn but WITS and TRICKS; women feigning weakness to be protected etc. Thus the male becomes the most exploited s.£¥ in human history, (in wars the man is always ready to DIE for the woman; he has been trained to do that).


Chinweizu calls the idea of DATING and COURTSHIP, TRAINING, like that of a horse. It is during this time that a woman having kept the man on a LEASH by denying him s.£¥ and getting him addicted to her by FALSE charms, trains and breaks him to whatever she wants him to become.


The MARRIAGE celebration becomes a celebration for the woman and her friends, and they all congratulate HER for having succeeded in getting herself a SLAVE . 


A man on that WEDDING day waves goodbye to his INDEPENDENCE and his coalition of males and commits himself to a SISYPHEAN life, rolling the stone, an act he cannot abandon having SOCIETY and the GOVERNMENT checking on him and always ready to JAIL, SHAME or EXILE him for absconding his duties of SLAVERY. 


Thus, the government and SOCIETY helps the WOMAN in keeping her SLAVE (man) in check.


Chinweizu gives a narration of how women are trained by older matriarchs to TAME men. He explains how a man is trained to rely on women by his own mother. 


A man is SHAMED for cooking for himself and other domestic chores by his own mother who is an agent of the global matriarchal rule.


By getting the MAN to hate DOMESTIC works and having it enforced by culture which warns men against going into the kitchen, doing LAUNDRY etc. 


The mother trains his son for the woman who will captivate him and when the time comes she takes hold of the man's stomach and by getting the man addicted to her body she holds him by the two, in BED and in the KITCHEN. 


With those two weapons she manipulates the man and turns him into her plaything.


A noble piece which is a must read for every MAN under the globe.


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Summarized: By Sadiq Saad