Assemblies to recruit their own teachers soon

Sekondi, Aug. 6, GNA - Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Member of Parliament for Sekondi, has said over concentration of vital sectors of the economy in Accra was not speeding up decentralisation.

He said it was disheartening that though several organisations, agencies and departments had branches and offices in the regions and districts, they still had to rely on head offices for salaries and other vital information.

Papa Ankomah told newsmen at Sekondi on Saturday a proposal for district assemblies to employ teachers had been forwarded to cabinet and soon the assemblies would hire teachers while the central government paid their salaries.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah, a presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), said the Regional Directorate of Education would also play a supervisory role and enhance improved teaching in schools.

He said similar initiatives had led to devolution of powers to the districts and they now advertise and put on tender their own furniture instead of the Ghana Education Service and the ministry playing that role.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah said the decision was aimed at instilling confidence, responsibility and initiative among the people.

He said when this re-direction of the assemblies took effect some of the head office staff were likely to go back to the classroom and only a handful of personnel would be left to perform administrative functions. "We must make the district assemblies functional by empowering the leadership both financially and morally to enable them function effectively."

He said responsibility and accountability should be demanded of each public office holder irrespective of the role he or she plays in the development of the nation.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah said teamwork was his priority and would encourage all aspirants to use descent language in their campaigns, be tolerant of alternative views and respect the rights of others.

He said the campaign for leadership must be done in accordance with Ghanaian traditional norms and practices and respect for the elderly.