Capitation grant boosting education - Deputy Minister

Accra, July 25, GNA - The Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mrs Frema Osei-Opare, on Wednesday observed that the introduction of capitation grant in the public primary schools was boosting enrolment and would help Ghana achieve target of universal primary education under the Millennium Development Goals. Speaking at the Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Little Legon Lyceum School in Accra, Mrs Osei-Opare, who is also Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, called for dedicated and professional teachers in the quest for a good education system.

She noted with regret that many teachers at the moment did not have the qualities of devotion to duty.

The Deputy Minister said the country had invested and continued to invest in the training of teachers adding that as a result of the capitation grant more teachers were needed to support those in the system.

She appealed to schools to have enough teachers to provide quality teaching, provide the right materials and conducive atmosphere for teachers as well as the children. Mrs Osei-Frema said although government was responsible for the education of all children, Churches, private individuals and other religious organisations had also made significant contributions. She advised school authorities and parents to encourage their children to ask questions to improve their understanding and satisfy their curiosity.

Mr Alfred Welsing who spoke on behalf of the proprietress of Lyceum said since the establishment of the school in 1997, the population had increased due to the good academic performance of the pupils. Lauding the performance of the children, Mr. Welsing appealed to parents to assist the school with any form of materials or money to upgrade the standard of the school.