Students Union advocates task force to check teachers' absenteeism

Nkoranza (B/A), July 20, GNA - Members of the Nkoranza Students Union have suggested to the Nkoranza District Education Directorate and the District Assembly to join hands in setting up a task force to check truancy and absenteeism among students and teachers.

The students made the suggestion in their report to the two bodies after a month long educational tour of the district to sensitise students and parents on the importance and challenges of education. Messrs Opoku Kwame of the University of Ghana, Legon and Kwasi Botwe of the University of Cape Coast signed the report.

The students expressed grave concern about the falling standard of education in the district and called on the Directorate and the Assembly to adopt measures to rectify the situation.

"A number of parents from Nkoranza care less about the education of their children as they would never attend PTA meetings or provide their children with the necessary basic school needs", the report said. The students complained that there was lack of cordiality among teachers and parents in some of the communities, as a result of which there was no discipline in the schools.

They noted that the poor academic performance of pupils and students in the schools was the result of their involvement in activities such as video shows, concerts, funerals and engaging in farming.

"It is regrettable to note that some school children burn charcoal in some of the communities notably Dromankuma and Dromankese while the students from Fiema, Boabeng and Bonte-Bomiri do not attend school during the peak of tobacco farming in the areas as the students are seasonally employed to work on tobacco farms.

The Union appealed to all parents to be more serious with the education of their children and to co-operate, support and encourage teachers so that they would adequately train the children to become responsible citizens.

They urged teachers serving in the district to redouble their efforts and avoid absenteeism, laziness, lateness and alcoholism. School Management Committees, Parent Teacher Association executives, Unit Committees, traditional and religious leaders should mobilize their people to get actively involved in school projects, the students said.

They expressed gratitude to the District Directorate of Education and the District Assembly for their concern and contributions as well as support during the campaign.