45 JSS students pregnant in Adansi East District

Forty-five final year students of junior secondary schools in Adansi East District were pregnant as at the time of the 2001 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Mr D.A.K. Yeboah, District Chief Executive, who announced this at the district's best teacher award day at the New Edubiase on Friday, said 25 students were pregnant during the same examination in the year 2000.

The DCE expressed dissatisfaction about the development and said this could escalate in subsequent years if concrete steps were not taken to stem the tide of sexual promiscuity among the youth. Mr Yeboah commended the award winners for their sacrifices and expressed the hope that the awards would go a long way to boost their morale.

Nana Assiama Guahyia Ababio, Edubiasehene advised teachers to work hard to improve upon education in the District and called for the strengthening of social controls, rules and norms to check the spate of indiscipline, especially in schools. He commended the District Assembly and the District

Director of Education, Mr Twumasi Amponsah for initiating the award day, adding, "It is my fervent hope that this ceremony will not be a nine-day wonder." Mr Amponsah commended individuals and organisations that donated items towards the awards ceremony and expressed optimism that the occasion would inspire teachers to improve their performance and self-image.

The Adansihene, Nana Ofori Agyemang II urged teachers to work assiduously to enhance teaching and learning and suggested that special incentives should be given to teachers posted to rural areas. In all 14 teachers including three headteachers and three non-teaching staff received Television Sets, Sewing Machines, Ghetto Blasters, Blenders, Electric Fans and Bicycles.

Two JSS students, Ampofo Adjei Kwabena and Esther Agbesi who scored aggregate six and nine respectively in the 2001 BECE were also honoured with suitcases.