Ms Ophelia Koomson, Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has advised school children to avoid vices such as pre-marital sex, absenteeism, drug abuse, alcoholism and theft.
He asked them to take their studies seriously to enable them to acquire skills and knowledge required for national development, reminding them of the huge investment being made in their education by parents and government. Ms Koomson made the call in a speech read on her behalf at a quiz competition, organised by the Herald Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), for five Junior High Schools (JHS) in the Municipality at Akyem Oda on Friday.
The educational institutions are Akyem Oda Wesleyan Methodist, Akyem Oda Presbyterian, Akyem Akroso AME Zion, Akyem Manso AME Zion and Akyem Manso Presbyterian.
Ms Koomson appealed to the school children to ensure peaceful and violent-free elections on December 7 by comporting themselves and educating members of their communities on the need to ensure peaceful electoral process.
The MCE cautioned school children that: “You should be mindful of the fact that there is no substitute for peace, and peace is a pre-requisite for progress and development”.
Mr Peter K. Adu, Assistant Director in charge of Administration and Finance of the Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service, said government alone could not finance quality education in Ghana and appealed to parents and stakeholders to contribute the development of education.
Dr Benson Konlan, Senior Lecturer, University of Development Studies Medical School, thanked the NGO for contributing to education in the area.
Mr Samuel Appiah-Kubi, Chairman, Ghana Union, Umea, Sweden, commended teachers of the participating schools for their dedication to duty which enabled the students to excel in the competition.
Mr Kwesi Ahenkora-Anti, secretary, Herald Foundation, praised the competitors for making their schools proud.
Akyem Akroso AME Zion JHS was first with 47 points and received 240 exercise books, a football and a certificate; Akyem Oda Wesleyan Methodist JHS came second with 42 points and took away 200 exercise books and a certificate.
Akyem Oda Presbyterian JHS was third with 30 points and had 160 exercise books and a certificate, Akyem Manso AME Zion came fourth and was presented with 100 exercise books and a certificate, Akyem Manso Presbyterian JHS was fifth and had 100 exercise books and a certificate.
