Enrolment figures jump in Sissala West

Gwollu (UW), Aug 23, GNA - Government and Non-Governmental interventions have contributed to a sharp jump in primary school enrolment from 2,336 in the 2006/2007 academic year to 14,853 at the start of 2007/2008 in the Sissala West District of Upper West Region. According to Mr. Iddrisu Mahama, the District Director of Education, the government's contribution came largely from the capitation grant, school feeding programme and the provision of educational infrastructure.

"Of late there has been a tremendous show of interest by children themselves because they know that when they go to school, they will get something to eat," he said. Making this known in a newsletter published by the District Assembly at Gwollu, he added that the district now had 107 schools as against 81 in 2005. Mr Mahama, however, stated that shortage of teachers was posing as a serious handicap to this positive development in the district and everything must be done to attract teachers to the district.

"There is currently a teacher/pupil ratio of one to 76 and an additional 99 teachers are needed to augment the short fall." He commended the District Assembly for allocating GH¢25,000 for the sponsorship of teacher trainees this year.