PTA not a means for exploitation - Tettey-Enyo

Abor (V/R), Nov 28, GNA - Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education has cautioned Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) against turning the associations into tools for financial exploitation.

He said much as the Government welcomed support systems by stakeholders to supplement its efforts, the basic principles of affordability should be upheld in the administrations of those support systems. Mr Tettey-Enyo said this in an address read for him by Mrs Beatrice Oblo, Deputy Director, Tertiary Education, at the 45th Anniversary Celebration of the Abor Senior High School (Aborsco) at the weekend at Abor in the Keta Municipality.

"PTAs should be circumspect in their decisions such that they do not become tools of exploitation," the Minister stressed. He mentioned the shortfall in the expansion of facilities and equipment in schools and the shift in value systems as issues impacting negatively on the attitudes of parents, students, teachers and, subsequently, the quality of education.

The theme for the anniversary is: "Forty-five Years of Academic Existence - the Achievements, Challenges and Prospects." Mr Tettey-Enyo said the place of education in development is paramount and closer collaboration by stakeholders must be forged and sustained to address the challenges.

He also noted that the current job market requirement posed challenges to the country's educational system as it demanded competencies other than what the system was turning out. Mr Tettey-Enyo commended authorities of Aborsco, teachers, students and the community, for their achievements despite the difficult environment. He advised students to be disciplined, avoid harmful habits and emulate their teachers as role models in order to reap benefits from their daily toils.

Mr Martin Fiamordzi, headmaster, said the school, started in 1965 by the community with a few students and tutors, now had a 1,400 student population and 50 tutors. It has achieved close to 100 per cent passes in their final examinations in recent years.

He appealed for the construction of an assembly hall, bungalows, dormitories, modern places of convenience, the procurement of a school bus and provision of water for the school. Mr Sylvester Tornyeava, Keta Municipal Chief Executive, (MCE) said the Assembly would support the school to upgrade infrastructure. Some deserving current and old students, past and present tutors were awarded for exemplary performances in various areas.