Accra, Dec. 21, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday launched a national crusade for time consciousness and punctuality, stressing discipline as the basis for national prosperity. President Mills was interacting with school children drawn from the regions across the country on the occassion of the Head of State's Annual interaction with school children.

They were 30 each from the 10 regions selected for distinguishing themselves in good manners and discipline for the Head of State Annual interaction with school children.

In a symbolic gesture, President Mills presented a wrist watch, a spectacle and a hamper to each of the 300 school children during an interaction with him, and government officials at the Osu Castle garden. President Mills underscored discipline as an underpinning virtue for national progress and urged the school children to use the wrist watches to "keep to time, be punctual, and stand for the truth and integrity." He told them 'You are ambassadors in your regions, you must act as people who are time conscious'.

President Mills said no matter how brilliant a child might be, he or she could become a liability in society if not disciplined. He expressed concern about the breakdown in discipline in the society and challenged the children to maintain their credentials as well-behaved and disciplined.

President Mills noted that when children were inculcated with moral values that underpinned the nation's prosperity, more than half of the battle would have been won.

"We want a change in our society; when the children become inculcated with the moral values of a nation, prosperity is assured'. On education, he said the 2010 Budget had made adequate provision for the expansion and rehabilitation of school infrastructure to ease congestion and increase intake of more school pupils.

President Mills observed that as children they had a lot of challenges, but pointed out that problems and challenges strengthen people to strive for excellence, build a better life for themselves, their nation and the world. He gave the assurance that God was with the nation and would guide and bless Ghanaians for a better life.

President Mills urged all and sundry to be purposeful, determined and committed in their various endeavours.

Mr. Alex Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education, said government would provide education that would prepare children as the future leaders to occupy responsible positions and meet the demands of the rapidly changing world.

During an open forum, the children expressed appreciation to the government and appealed to the authorities to make the study of Information Communication Technology (ICT) which has become part of the basic school curriculum more practical and interesting.