Teachers blamed for students' poor performance.

Vakpo (VR), Nov. 27, GNA--Mr Otuo Yempew, Volta Regional Director of Education, on Saturday blamed teachers for the dismal performance of students in the region.

"Whatever we may say about the virtues of our teachers allow me to tell them that they are generally disappointing, they are not exerting themselves sufficiently," he stated at the 10th Speech and Prize giving- Day of Vakpo Secondary School, near Kpando. Mr Yempew said he could not accept the consistently poor results in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE), " when teachers in the region hold the same qualifications as those in areas that do better".

He said there is no point in teachers acquiring knowledge but denying their students "the great store of knowledge and showing indifference to the low achievement levels of our children".

Mr Yempew said apathy, selfishness and laziness should be "kicked out and let us aim at gold with our intellect and make the Volta Region unassailable in the domain of intellectual achievement".

He alleged that some communities condone indiscipline and immorality in their schools "with some of their sons going as far as entering the schools with cars to whisk student girls away".

Mr Yempew criticised parents who are unable to stand up to the insolence of their children by counselling them. He urged parents to eschew frivolous spending habits and also urged the students to reciprocate their parents' sacrifices by being studious and obedient.

Vakpo Secondary School, with a current enrolment of 320 students, was founded in 1965 by four citizens, but was absorbed into the public system five years later.

Miss Florence Agbenorwu, Headmistress, in a report said while academic performance as reflected in the results of the SSSCE results has been improving every year, English language remains a problem area for the students. She said this is due to the background of the students, adding that efforts are being made to inculcate reading habit into the students to improve their English language.

Miss Agbenorwu said lack of accommodation for tutors has made it difficult for the school to attract and retain staff and commended the Kpando District Assembly for building a bungalow for the school.

Master Innocent Vonor, Senior Prefect, appealed to the government to complete renovation of the boys' hostel, provide a library and a science laboratory.

More than 50 prizes were presented to deserving students, staff and workers.

Mr William Wilson Dake, a tutor who has served the school for 15 years and Mr Charles Gavor, the school driver were among award winners.

An appeal for funds to construct a hostel yielded more than five million cedis.

Mr Francis Dzah, Volta Regional Director of the Statistical Service and an old student, was chairman.