Government to revamp science resource centres- Veep

Kadjebi-Asato (V/R), Oct. 4, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama at the weekend said government was taking steps at revamping all science resource centres in selected Senior High Schools (SHS) throughout the country. He said government would refurbish equipment, supply the required chemicals, computer and accessories and provide the requisite funding for the running of the centres.

Vice President Mahama made this known in a speech read on his behalf, at the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the Kadjebi-Asato Senior High School (KASEC) at Kadjebi in the Volta Region. He said the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFUND) was being streamlined to ensure effective and efficient delivery of the mandate for which it was established. He said these interventions were based on government's agenda for a "Better Ghana" premised on human resource development and quality education delivery.

Vice President Mahama said that government's promise and determination to establish a University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho with a campus in Hohoe was unwavering. He urged students in the region and especially those of KASEC to position themselves to be pioneering students of the university. Vice President Mahama paid tribute to the founding fathers, past and present administrators, teachers and students for their collective sacrifices, commitment and dedication, which had brought the institution so far.

Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education reminded the gathering that government would not renege on its promise to make education more affordable for Ghanaians at all levels. He stated that the Ministry would not countenance the imposition of arbitrary fees and levies by any school, be it on books, parent-teacher association dues or other items on students. "Heads of Schools found to have contravened these directives for the 2009/2010 academic school year would be sanctioned severely," Mr Tettey-Enyo warned.

He noted that combined efforts of parents and school authorities as well as other major actors could minimize the range of contemporary social challenges including drug abuse, cyber and violent crimes and indiscipline bedevilling the educational sector. Mr Joseph Amenowode, Regional Minister pledged the Regional Co-ordinating Council's (RCC) support to the education enterprise. He said the RCC was dealing with a number of issues, which include encroachment of school lands.

Mr Joseph Ofori, Member of Parliament for Akan and Mr Seth Alifui, Kadjebi District Chief Executive pledged their unflinching support to the welfare and development of the educational pursuit in the District. Mr Thomas Fordjour Bediako, Headmaster of KASEC said teaching staff and student population now stood at 54 and 1,147 respectively from the pioneering five teachers and 66 students. He said KASEC continued to make waves in academic performance and since 2004 recorded a 100 per cent passes with more than 78 candidates passing in six or more subjects over the years. Mr Bediako noted that in spite of the School benefiting from infrastructural upgrading to a model status, it is still saddled with challenges including lack of means of transport, inadequacy of water supply and non-teaching staff and stand-by generator. He said KASEC excelled in extra-curricular activities including sports, debate and cultural exposition with discipline being the bedrock.

Mr George Kankam, National President of Kadjebi Old Students Association, said members would consolidate their support to their alma mater.

He said the association had plans to establish an Internet facility, educational fund and facilitate the construction of a pre-school to the junior high level. He presented a refrigerator, acoustic set, an organ, Television set, booster and stabilizer to the school. Nana Otuo Serebour Gyambiby II, Chairman of Board of Governors said KASEC was challenged by lack of teaching and non-teaching staff, a well-stocked library and science equipment. Ogyeabour Akompi Finam II, Omanhene of Kadjebi Traditional Area commended the stakeholders of the school for extolling the virtues of the forebears and prayed for God's guidance and success in the ensuing years. Forty students who distinguished themselves were decorated including the out-going Headmaster, Mr Muash Yamba Issahaku. The event was on the theme: "Quality Education: The Key to Socio-Economic Development of Ghana- The Role of KASEC". 4 Oct. 09