Otumfuo expresses concern about ignorance and illiteracy

Kumasi (Ash), Dec. 9, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has said weak technological base, a high rate of ignorance as well as illiteracy among the citizenry were the main factors inhibiting the socio-economic progress of the nation.

He said the time had come for stakeholders to make conscious efforts to curb these setbacks to help alleviate poverty and create wealth among Ghanaians to enable the nation achieve her development goals. Otumfuo Osei Tutu said this in a speech read on his behalf at the 58th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Prempeh College in Kumasi on Saturday.

The programme was held on the theme, "The New Education Reforms, Its Implications and Challenges for the Youth of Ghana".

The Asantehene said education was dynamic and as a result the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports should continually brainstorm with the Ghana Education Service and stakeholders to craft programmes that were relevant to the developments needs of the nation.

He appealed to authorities of universities in the country to include comprehensive entrepreneurial skills training in their academic programmes to build the capacity of graduates for the job market in order to reduce their dependency on government for non-existent jobs. Otumfuo Osei Tutu praised authorities of Prempeh College for maintaining discipline and high moral standards in the school and that this had over the years enabled the college to produce responsible citizens and professionals for the nation.

Mr. Owusu Achiaw, the Headmaster, said the College presented 610 students for this year's West African Senior School Certificate Examination and 488 passed all the subjects, 89 passed seven subjects and eight passed five subjects.

He expressed dissatisfaction about the poor state of facilities in the school and said for instance that about 900 science students of the College were using laboratory facilities meant for only 250 students. He also cited inadequate accommodation facilities for staff and other incentive packages as some factors that were hampering moves to develop the college to an appreciable standard.

Over 20 students were awarded for their sterling academic performance.