The Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Francis Osafo-Mensah, has reminded teachers that the country could not develop a strong base if students were not made to appreciate science and technology as part of their daily lives.
He called on them to adopt practical and effective teaching methods to improve the standard of education especially in science and mathematics.
Dr Osafo-Mensah was addressing the Regional Best Teacher Awards ceremony at Koforidua on Friday, to honour 24 teachers who excelled in the eight categories and were presented with certificates, 20 inch television sets, refrigerators and gas cookers.
He said the teaching of science and mathematics should be "more student-friendly" to make the subjects more attractive and interesting.
The Regional Minister charged school authorities to foster cordial relations with Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Student Representative Councils to resolve problems to stem the indiscipline in schools.
He said the government would not relent in its efforts to motivate teachers and workers in general.
The acting Eastern Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mr Samuel D. Gyang, called on District Assemblies to provide structures to end the shift system and to institute common mock examinations for JSS three and Primary six pupils to improve the quality of education.
He commended teachers for their efforts and said the winners of the National Best Teacher and the Best SSSCE student awards last year were from the region.
Mr Gyang noted that, "the BECE results, which were nothing to write home about" had seen a dramatic transformation and attributed the trend to the institution of the scheme.
The Acting Regional Director called for more efforts to identify dedicated teachers to be considered for the awards.
He urged such teachers to continue to "brighten the corner where you are for your time will come one day".
Mr Gyang advised teachers against laxity, drunkenness and other social vices and deplored the attitude of some parents who attacked teachers who disciplined their children
