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President Kufuor appeals for acceptance of
new education reforms
Winneba (C/R) Sept. 8 Ghanadot/GNA-President
John Agyekum Kufuor on Saturday said unless teachers at
every stage of the education system embrace the reforms, no
amount of money spent on facilities will make the difference
to achieving the nation's goals.
He has therefore urged teachers to work hard to ensure the
success of the programme towards the development of the
nation.
President Kufuor said this at the 12th Congregation of the
University of Education, Winneba, which was, for the first
time in the history of the University attended by a large
crowd of people,
Two thousand six hundred (2,600) students graduated and
awarded various certificates ranging from diploma to masters
degrees.
A total of 13 students received post graduate diploma in
education while 44 received master of philosophy in
education.
President Kufuor, in this regard said; "teachers are at the
very heart of these reforms, adding that new buildings,
learning and teachers materials are being provided to the
schools for the success of the reforms.
He said in implementing the reforms, a lot of attention was
being paid to the role and well-being of the teacher, while
the government has procured vehicles for regional and
district directors and other categories of managers in the
education system.
The President said more avenues have been created for
teachers serving in the rural areas to access training and
retraining to improve their skills.
"I know that teachers still feel dissatisfied with their
remuneration, but I hope they will be charitable enough to
concede that this government has made considerable efforts
in improving the pay of teacher".
As the economy improves all our circumstances will improve
as well, adding that, the prospects are getting better and
better, it is only a matter of patience, he said.
President Kufuor said the economy is generally growing more
and more robust and therefore appealed to all in the
teaching profession to realize that government and teachers
are on the same side.
The President assured Ghanaians that the government is
committed to making the education reforms a success and
hoped that all sectors will play their part, adding that
parents and community leaders should also take an interest
in the programme.
He said the nation's future depended on the success of the
young people and education system that was fashioned for
them.
The President said, while criticism should be welcome,
pessimism and skepticism must be avoided in this process.
He commended the UEW for its effort at producing teachers
for the schools and hoped its would continue to produce
quality teachers towards the success of the education
reforms.
President Kufuor said the government has demonstrated its
belief and commitment to the importance of universities in
the development of the country.
He said during the past six years a substantial amount of
the nation's resources had gone to the tertiary sector and
many of the institutions are beginning to show the evidence
of this investment.
President Kufuor assured the authorities of UEW that the
remaining 13 billion out of the 25 billion cedis he promised
them would come very soon.
He commended the first and out-going Vice-chancellor of the
University, Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah for his hard
work and commitment that had brought the university to this
level and hoped that he would still offer his rich
experience towards the development of the nation.
Professor Anamuah-Mensah in his address said if Ghana was to
develop its science and engineering capacity as stipulated
in the new education reform, the training of science and
mathematics teachers should be given a priority.
He also called for the expansion of laboratory spaces while
facilities for practical activities should be provided at
all levels of education, adding that the 110 Science
Resources Centres in the country be rehabilitated and
re-equipped to provide training for students.
Among those present were, Neenyi Ghartey VII, Omanhene of
Effutu, Mr. Joe Ghartey, Attorney General and Minister of
Justice, Mr. Samuel Owusu Adjei, Minister for Private Sector
Reforms, Central Regional Minister, Nana Ato Attah, Members
of the Council of State, Members of Parliament, Ministers of
State and District Chief Executives.
GNA
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