Review the use of local dialects in Public schools-MCE

The New Agona West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Samuel Oppong has called on the Ministry of Education to review its policy on the use of local dialects to teach at the nursery and Kindergarten levels.

He said the “policy was having a negative effect on children from public schools, who sometimes finds it difficult to understand and use the English language at the upper primary and Junior High School”, and suggested the use of English mainly at those levels.

Mr. Oppong made the call at the inauguration of the Agona Abodom Senior High Technical School at Abodom in the central Region, on Friday.

He said the policy has affected mostly JHS students in public schools, resulting in poor performances at the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE).

Mr. Oppong, who is the immediate past National Coordinator of the Computer School selection and Place Systems, suggested to the stakeholders in education and other development partners to help review the policy.

The MCE said the Assembly has made budgetary allocation to support Senior High Schools in the municipality.

He commended the Abodom Youth Association and Chiefs for establishing the school to absorb JHS leavers in the area.

Mr. Duodu Addo, Headmaster of the school, appealed to the Agona West Municipal Assembly, Ghana education Service, NGOs and government to assist the school.

He said the school started last year with a student population of 13, made up of three girls and eight boys and offers General Arts, Business and Technical subjects.

Professor Emeritus Janet Gross, An American Educationist who was special guest of honour, advised the students to take their studies serious, adding that, education is the only way to reduce poverty.

She pledged to send assorted books to stock the library of the school.

Professor Kwame Oduro, Associate Professor of West End University in Accra, asked parents to take advantage of the school and enroll their children.

Mr. John K. Obeng, Chairman, Abodom Youth Association, called on the chiefs to release more land to the school for expansion.

He asked students and teachers in the area to take advantage of the establishment of a University of Cape Coast (UCC) campus at Agona Nyakrom.**