"Discipline is a hallmark for academic excellence," Ofosu-Ampofo

Koforidua, July 20, GNA - Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, has appealed to students to be disciplined to enable them to excel in their fields of study.

He said there had been concern about break down of discipline in schools and communities and that it is sad this is being perpetrated by the youth who would assume leadership roles in future. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said this in a speech read on his behalf at the 21st graduation of Liberty Specialist Institute, a vocational school in Koforidua.

He reiterated the importance the government attaches to vocational and technical education and said it was making efforts to modernize and expand vocational and technical schools. Mrs Edna Ametameh, Managing Director of the institute, said 102 students were graduating and took courses in Catering Intermediate, and Advance, Accommodation Operation and Services, Food and Beverage Services and Fashion and Designing.

She appealed for a school bus to facilitate the movement of students during practical attachment and external examinations. Mrs Isabella Neeqyaye, Principal of the institute, said from next academic year, new courses such as Diploma in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration and Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting Option) would be added to the existing courses. She said last year's Examination Results were encouraging adding that NVTI Cookery, Food and Beverage Service, Accommodation Operation and Service and City and Guilds Parts One and Two were on the average 85 percent with distinctions and a lot of credits. She said Fashion Intermediate had 100 percent. GNA