Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, has noted that education is an indispensable requirement in the socio-economic development of any nation.
He said investing in quality education guarantees the eradication of poverty and Ghanaians must ensure collective responsibility towards the venture.
Nii Afotey-Agbo made the observation when he officially opened the Adjen-Kotoku Senior High School at the weekend.
He said government recognises education as a fundamental building block of the economy and has thereby embarked on several reforms and policy measures towards it accessible, relevant and affordable by seeking sustainable means of funding.
“This bold initiative demonstrates a commitment to the Better Ghana agenda,” he said.
Nii Afotey-Agbo said teacher education and satisfaction is of utmost concern to the government, and in this regard has initiated policy measures to improve the general conditions of teachers.
He said quality education requires that stakeholders provide the right inputs that would attract excellent results and these could be done through skilled teachers, availability of basic infrastructure, effective teaching and learn, use of instructional time, good textbooks, monitoring, supervision and responsible parenting.
The Regional Minister said the falling standard of education and rising spate of indiscipline among school children could be partly blamed on teachers.
“Some teachers instead of spending more hours to teach the children rather use school hours to engage in personal activities, which make it difficult for the teacher to complete academic syllabus.”
Nii Afotey-Agbo said the time has come for Ghanaians to reflect on what has gone wrong and what has happened to the present moral values in the institutions of learning.
He said school authorities are losing control over the pupils, while sexual harassment, rape and defilement are common these days.
He called stakeholders to do their bit to compliment government efforts in ensuring that children become useful citizens to the society.
Nii Agotey-Agbo advised students to take their studies seriously adding: “As students, your primary responsibility is to study well to pass your examinations and refrain from examination malpractices. Your parents expect you to come out as disciplined boys and girls to face the challenges of life.”
The Regional Minister expressed gratitude to the Ga West Municipal Chief Executive and his staff for their vision and service to the community.
