Low enrolment in some communities despite capitation grant

Dambai, Sept. 10, GNA - Krachi East and Nkwanta districts of the Volta region have recorded dipping figures after the implementation of the capitation grants scheme, contrary to the countrywide acclamation of the scheme boosting enrolment figures.

Thirteen other districts nationwide, including eight in the Northern region, four in Brong Ahafo and one in Ashanti region have been identified for low enrolment figures, especially of the girl-child. Mr. David Tekpor, Krachi East District Director of Education, said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Dambai that 35 communities have been discovered in the district where girl-child enrolment figures have plummeted.

He noted for instance that the disparity between boys and girls was 338:263 at the Dambai Holy Primary School, with Lakeside Primary 'A' recording 213:142 for boys and girls respectively and Adumadum Primary figures standing at 103:73 for boys and girls enrolment ratio.

Mr. Tekpor said a total of 414 million cedis have been expended on beneficiary institutions since the inception of the scheme, with some 13,830 pupils and students in 16 junior secondary schools, 54 primary schools and 36 kindergartens being recipients. He said stakeholders, including the Education Directorate, District Administration and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are reviewing the cause of the downward trend in the girl-child enrolment disparities.

Mr Tekpor suspected parenthood responsibilities including the provision of uniforms and child labour as militating against the girl-child enrolment figures.

Mr Michael Gyato, Chief Executive of the District assured the people that there was nothing political about the capitation grants and appealed that parents should avail of their children to be enrolled for their own future benefits. He said the scheme was a genuine and laudable effort by the government towards poverty alleviation, wealth creation and economic self-reliance.