General News of Thursday, 30 October 1997

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Accra Academy Holds Speech Day

The Presidential Staffer For Chieftaincy Affairs, Nana Akuoko Sarpong, has called for the institution of multi-lingual communications as a specialized discipline in schools. Speaking at the Speech and Prize Giving Day of Accra Academy, he said it is sad that the teaching and learning of the English Language has been over-emphasized to the neglect of local languages. Nana Akuoko Sarpong noted that Ghanaians have been brought up to handle the English language as if it is their first language while practically nothing is being done to promote their mother tongue. He described the situation a embarrassing and de-culturalisation and must be checked to ensure that the influx and influences of alien cultures and practices which are being handed down through the new communication order, especially television do not completely alienate the society. The Presidential Staffer said the threat of cultural alienation is a serious cloud which all Ghanaians in the best of faith and spirit of give and take could examine, identify and stoutly defend. He advised the students to learn hard because education holds the key to individual and national success. The Acting Headmistress of Accra Academy, Mrs.. Beatrice Lokko, commended the school's 1970/80 year group for its immense contribution to the school's endowment fund. She appealed to the Ghana Education Service, Old Boys, Parents, NGOs and individuals to help the school with a vehicle and to complete the fence wall around the school.