The Most Reverend Francis Kofi Lodonu, Catholic Bishop of Ho on Thursday charged intellectuals, the clergy and teachers to save the country from “sinking”.

“The way we take Ghana money and throw about is not the best. The country’s picture is gloomy now, and our intellectuals must intervene to address all issues of indiscipline,” he said.

Bishop Lodonu was addressing a stakeholder forum involving Kindermissionwerk of Germany, which is supporting the Ho Diocese Development Office of the Catholic Church to offer special training for teachers to help improve academic performance in basic schools.

Under the project, the capacities of the teachers would be built in Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and English Language.

Bishop Lodonu observed that the country’s current economic state was due to lack of determination and commitment from leaders and not because it lacked resources.

“There is so much lying in the system,” he said.

“Years ago, we were known to be very rich in gold, timber, diamond and others but we have destroyed all those resources and are now handicapped,” Bishop Lodonu said.

He said only teachers could change the country and urged them to provide leadership whilst preparing students for the future.

Mr Raphael Kwashie, Volta Regional Manager of Catholic Schools said the project is yielding positive results and said the intervention from Kindermissionwerk is commendable.

Mr John Kodzo Teku, North-Dayi District Director of Education said teachers who benefited from the project in his district are turning out “good outputs” with teacher absenteeism now reduced to the barest.

Ms Hilda Dietz, Kindermissionwerk, Ghana Project Coordinator said she was happy about positive outcomes of the project and was thankful to the teachers for their commitment.

Mr Emmanuel Keteku, Regional Director of Education said though academic performance in the Region is yet to get to the required level, it would soon get there.