Basic schools reopen

Accra, Sept. 16, GNA - "I hated Kingdergarten because I was too old for the class. I am happy to be in Class One," Regina Kakraba, a nine year-old pupil of the Apenkwa Presbyterian Primary School, said on Tuesday. Her joy and happiness were also shared by many fresh and continuing pupils who thronged the Apenkwa Cluster of Schools either with parents or guardians to be registered for the new academic year dubbed: "My First Day at School." However, some pupils, Irene Gabewor, a fresh pupil, looked sad probably because she could not feel mummy's presence. When the GNA got to the school around 1130 hours in the company of Mr Michael Nsowah Mensah, Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, one could see some pupils in mufti since they did not have uniforms. At the time of the visit, 12 pupils had been admitted to Class One.

Mr Nsowah Mensah said the School Feeding Programme would be sustained, especially in the pro-poor schools and communities, to ensure that students stayed in school. He said the programme was expected to cover over 560,000 schools by the end of the year. Mrs Mabel Assigbetse, Headmistress of Shiayennoh One Primary School, said the capitation grant, coupled with the School Feeding Programme, had increased enrolment in the school. Mrs Felicia Dadza, Circuit Supervisor, called on government to fence the school to avoid encroachment and other vices by members of the community. "This mud house (Primary School) you see here is over 87 years old and has not seen any renovation. I plead with government to come to our aid," she added.