Minister says girls' education is cost effective investment

Konongo (Ash.), Aug. 3, GNA - Dr Joseph Oteng-Adjei, the Energy Minister, has said investing in girls' education was the most cost effective measure that any developing country could pursue to improve the lives of the people.

Girls' education, he said, could lead to significant progress in the fight to reduce poverty, diseases and ignorance. Dr Oteng-Adjei was speaking at the inauguration of the Saint Mary's Girls' Senior High School at Konongo in the Asante-Akim North Municipality.

He expressed dissatisfaction with what he said was the low enrolment of girls in schools and blamed this on irresponsible parenting and the negative perceptions some sections of the society continued to have about the girl-child.

He identified parental, cultural and traditional misconceptions about the girl-child as "big challenge" that needed to be addressed. Dr Oteng-Adjei also acknowledged the lack of adequate learning and teaching materials in schools and said this should not be overlooked.

He praised the Catholic Church, saying that he was confident the school would provide an opportunity for young girls in the area and beyond to develop their God-given talents. Madam Augustina Gyamfi, Ashanti Regional Director for Women and Children's Affairs, said women with reasonable level of education were valuable assets to society.

Apart from being good mothers, they also make effective contribution to the socio-economic and political progress of the country.