Kufuor asks parents to be responsible to their children

Tuna (NR), Dec.23, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Thursday asked parents to add responsible parenting to children in their New Year resolution to ensure that children grow to become responsible, respectful and courteous citizens.

He said if parents resolved to offer good and responsible parenting to their children, the dropout rate in schools would be reduced and the streets would be free of armed robbers and social misfits. President Kufuor also advised children to remain obedient to their parents and strive to justify the investment in their education to bring honour to the country.

He made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the "President's end-of-year party" for school children at Tuna in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.

About 350 school children drawn from 14 schools within Tuna community were provided food and soft drinks. President Kufuor said: "This year has been a reflecting one in the country where issues of orphans and vulnerable children including children trafficked and HIV/AIDS orphans, have taken a centre stage." He noted that there had been improvement this year in school enrolment, gender parity and retention adding that the HIPC, GETFund and the District Assemblies Common Fund had been used judiciously to provide basic amenities for communities.

President Kufuor said childhood care and development policy had been developed and steps were being taken to promote a holistic approach for the development of the child in their early and formative years. He advised children to stay away from illicit drugs, unprotected sex and be mindful of their future and take their studies seriously to enable them contribute their quota towards nation building. Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, Northern Regional Minister, who read the President's speech, pledge to offer cash incentives to girls in the district who obtain aggregates six to 15 in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Mr James Kipo Sunyehzi, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District Chief Executive, called on parents and teachers to collectively take action to arrest the declining educational performance in the district. He said the Government would provide more infrastructure in the educational and health sectors to enhance the living standards of the people within the district.

Tunawura Abdulai Ewontomah, Paramount chief of Tuna, appealed to the Government to upgrade the Tuna Secondary School to improve teaching and learning.

Children who obtained aggregate six to 15 in the last BECE received awards for their performance. 23 Dec.05