Akropong (E/R), May 25, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama has urged teachers, including graduates of the Presbyterian Training Colleges of Education, to help raise standards and performance of public schools.

He said with the background of a "Presbyterian discipline," they should eschewed negative tendencies and work to restore discipline in the schools.

These were contained in a speech read on his behalf by the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo at the Second Graduation ceremony of the Presbyterian College of Education (PCE) at Akropong on Saturday. Vice President Mahama said government placed very high premium on education, but was equally worried with the performance of public schools.

He urged the graduands to let the communities see them as "newly trained teachers with new ideas and zeal". He commended the school for consistently turning out quality teachers since its establishment more than 160 years ago. The Krontihene of the Akuapem Traditional area, Osahene Gyan Kwasi Offei, called on government to return mission schools to their origins to ensure discipline and respect for authority. Dr J.O.Y Mante, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the college, announced that the governing body of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana had decided to name the school's assembly hall after the Principal, Mr Emmanuel Kingsley Osei, for transforming the institution into a modern centre of excellence. 25 May 09