NUGS commends government for bold decisions on education, COVID-19

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the bold decisions he has taken and the extraordinary leadership demonstrated in these difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The union said having closely observed the passion and confidence with which the President was working to rid the country and indeed the African continent of COVID-19, it had come to the conclusion that he deserved a pat on the shoulder.

“The students’ union wishes to commend your efforts and bold and decisive and extraordinary leadership in these difficult times. We are even more proud to associate with your leadership, because, in three years, you have become an African and global icon,” the President of NUGS, Mr Isaac J. Hyde, said.

He was speaking at a meeting with the President at the Jubilee House last Friday during which difficult situations about the country’s fight against the pandemic and how to rebuild the country afterwards were discussed.

In addition, the meeting, which was held at the instance of the President, discussed the new e-learning initiatives in the education sector that were introduced following the suspension of normal schooling due to the pandemic.

Among members of NUGS who were present were delegations of leaders representing student unions across the country.

Video conference

Mr Hyde mentioned how a few days ago in a video conference of student unions across Africa, held to adopt a comprehensive and aggressive model for fighting COVID-19, Ghana, and indeed, President Akufo-Addo came up for commendation as a sub-regional force in the containment of the disease.

He said it was an indication that the future leaders of the country and in Africa had endorsed the courageous leadership style of President Akufo-Addo.

Ministry’s support

He acknowledged the support the Ministry of Education was extending to the students’ union.

“The leadership of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been forthright in addressing concerns at the students front, particularly regarding unity of the National Union of Students,” My Hyde said.

He commended the Minister in charge of Tertiary Education, Prof. Kwesi Yankah, also for his continuous engagements with the students’ union, especially regarding a petition the union sent to him on a matter the NUGS had raised.

“We were amazed when in less than 24 hours after receiving the petition, we were called into a meeting with the National Council for Tertiary Education, Vice Chancellors Ghana and other relevant stakeholders to have our concerns addressed,” he said.

He said even though “all the issues had not been resolved completely, students are hopeful and confident of the future.”

“The attention and recognition given to issues we present to the ministry tells us that, indeed, this is a government that is very much concerned about our education,” he said.

Steps

President Akufo-Addo took the student leadership through the steps the government had taken since the outbreak of the pandemic and the science and data informing decisions it had taken.

He said the government was working very hard to secure the health and safety of the people of the country.