Teach your child the local language to promote inclusion – NCCEApostle Ntumy was an outstanding servant of the Church – President Akufo-Addo

Mr Atiogbe Nicholas Tetteh, the Ledzokuku Municipal Director, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), says it is important for Ghanaian parents to teach their children the local language to promote inclusiveness in the country. He said language had become a barrier to inclusivity when it came to getting information. 'Studying the local languages helps children to understand English Grammar better and improves their overall communication and problem-solving skills,' he said. Mr Tetteh was speaking during the 2024 International Local Language Day commemoration at the Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) North Cluster of Schools on the theme: 'Multilingual education: A pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,' The International Mother Language Day was first announced by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on November 17, 1999, but was formally recognised by the UN General Assembly in 2002, with February 21 set as the commemoration day across t he world. 'Languages carry cultural elements, so if a language dies, it's like a whole way of life is dead,' he noted. The NCCE Director suggested the translation of online contents into local languages for every Ghanaian to have access to information. He said understanding local languages enriched and enhanced cognitive development, which helped students score higher marks, and promoted cultural awareness and competency. Mr Fidel Nii Akuffo Bortey, the Tema West Municipal NCCE Director, who graced the occasion, urged the pupils to preserve their heritage and lineage by studying and speaking their local languages to avoid its extinction. The pupils were guided to read books in the Ga Language. Source: Ghana News Agency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has eulogised the late former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy, describing him as an outstanding servant of the Church. In a tribute read on his behalf by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the President said, Apostle Ntumy dedicated his life to the cause of God's work at the peril of his life and contributed immensely to the country's democratic growth. 'He was well known for his honesty, integrity and discipline. He was an outstanding servant of the Church, the Ghanaian people, and the public interest,' the President said. 'It is not often that it can be said of someone that he or she has finished his or her life's work and with distinction. But we can certainly say that about the man for which we have gathered here to celebrate.' This was in a State tribute to the late former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost during a burial and memorial service held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday. 'His objective was a lways the advancement of Ghana and even in his days of ill health, he continued to make critical interventions in our nation's discourse,' the President recalled. 'He leaves a big void not only in the Church of Pentecost, but in the wider Christian space as he was a constant source of good, rich Christian counsel,' President Akufo-Addo stated. The President, on behalf of the State and his family, expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. In a sermon, Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye, the current Chairman of the COP, said Apostle Ntumy was greatly loved by God. He said the late Chairman, in spite of all the challenges he went through, dedicated his entire life to the service of God. For him, Apostle Ntumy remained the most loved leader of the Church. Speaking on the title: 'A man greatly loved', Apostle Nyamekye compared the life of Daniel with that of Apostle Ntumy, saying that it was God who had called him to give him rest after his labour. In all the tributes read by the widow, the children, th e Church and the State, Apostle Ntumy was eulogised for his exemplary leadership, fortitude, wisdom, discerning counsel and enduring spirit to serve God. Apostle Dr Ntumy was the fourth Chairman of the Church of Pentecost from 1998 to 2008. He died on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. He was 65 years. He was born on September 22, 1958, in Dadieso in the Oti Region. He left behind a widow and six adult children. Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy was a teacher in Yendi in the 1980s before becoming a Deacon and Elder of the Church. He got married to his wife, Martha, at age 24. He began full-time ministry at age 26. He was called to the office of an Apostle at age 33 and six years later, elected the fourth Chairperson of the COP. After serving for two terms,10 years, he handed over to Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah. Apostle Ntumy is known to have survived many trials in life, including being held hostage in rebel camp during the Liberian Civil War in the 1990s. He also faced other attacks on his life rang ing from physical assaults to poisoning and paralysis, which led to his confinement to a wheelchair. The revered man of God served the Church in Liberia, Côte d'lvoire, France and Germany. The burial and memorial service was attended by Former President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Mrs Frema Osei Opare, Chief of Staff, among a host of other dignitaries, who paid their last respects to the Former COP Chairman. Members of the clergy, including Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah, a former Chairman of COP, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, current Chairman of COP, and Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, leader of Perez Chapel International, were present. Source: Ghana News Agency