Basic school enrolment on the increase in Oda

Akyem Oda (E/R), July 16, GNA - Enrolment figures in basic schools for the 2007 academic year have seen a significant increase over previous years following the introduction of the Capitation Grant. According to statistics gathered from the Birim South District Assembly (BSDA), by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) the overall enrolment figure for the 2007 academic year stood at 47, 231 as against 44, 726 recorded in the previous year.

The statistics compiled by the Education Sub Committee of the Assembly revealed that 142 public primary schools had the highest number of enrolment of 28, 656, with 99 public Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) having 10, 481 pupils, whilst 72 public Kindergartens had 8, 094. At the private sector, 66 private Kindergartens had enrolment of 3, 102, with a total of 8,466 recorded in 62 private primary schools, with a total student population of 2, 509 recorded in 34 private Junior Secondary School (JSS).

According to a report from the BSDA made available to the GNA, the figures are expected to be on the increase by the beginning of the next academic year.

This is due to the distribution of more learning and teaching materials to pupils and teachers in the District. The report indicates that the manufacture of 100, 000 mono desks, 800 teachers' tables and chairs, which is on contracts have also been allocated to the District Director of Education.

However, four educational institutions have been closed down as a result of litigation and infrastructure problems. These include the 31st December KG, The Model KG, Old Education Office and C.A.C. Primary School all in Oda. The report indicated that other schools in the District, which had been found to be in deplorable state would be given the needed facelift in due time.