Kpando (Volta Region), 6th July 99 --

Professor Patrick Addy, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, has called on the youth to join the government to create an enabling environment for peace and stability to enhance the country's development.

The youth have to develop character traits of diligence, honesty and integrity to be part of the decision making process of the country.

Prof Addy was speaking at the 47th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Bishop Herman College at Kpando on Saturday on the theme:"The relevance of education of the youth in nation building".

He said through various educational reforms at both the formal and non-formal sectors, "a sound foundation has now been laid to build an educational system that can support the technological advancement of the country into the 21st century."

Prof Addy decried the upsurge of drug and substance abuse, misuse and abuse of adolescent sexuality among the youth saying this can militate against their being prepared to take up leadership positions in the future.

Miss Akua Sena Dansua, Kpando District Chief Executive, who deputised for the Volta Regional Minister, commended the school for its enviable academic achievements as well as the discipline prevailing in the school.

She asked the school's authorities not to be complacent but to aim at greater achievements.

She said the Kpando District Assembly has since 1995 spent about 75 million cedis to renovate the school's assembly hall complex and a master's bungalow and pledged "more support and assistance whenever the need arises".

Mrs Jane Aidam, Acting Volta Regional Director of Education, called on teachers and heads of institutions to involve parents in tackling indiscipline in their schools.

She asked them to enforce rules and regulations governing discipline in schools to promote effective teaching and learning.

Mr Theodore Dzavor, the Headmaster, and Master Ammet Dapaa, school prefect, recounted some of the current achievements of the school in academic, music and sports disciplines.

They appealed to the government to provide accommodation for the 42 tutors of the school and to give them a means of transport.

In all, 120 prizes were presented to deserving students. Master Emmanuel Dorleku, 16- year-old form three science student, received the overall best student award.

An appeal for funds in aid of a bungalow yielded seven million cedis.

GRi?/