Kobeng (Ash), May 23, GNA-Nana Yaw Ansah-Bediako II, chief of Kobeng near Nkawie in the Atwima-Nwabiagya district, has expressed regret about absenteeism on the part of school children in the area.

He said the situation occurred because parents engaged their children in conveying foodstuffs to the marketing centres on Mondays and Fridays thereby affecting teaching and learning.

Nana Yaw Ansah-Bediako II was speaking at an educational forum, organised by the Atwima-Nwabiagya District Education Directorate at Kobeng at the weekend to discuss the roles of parents, communities and other stakeholders in promoting education in the area.

Nana Ansah-Bediako condemned the increasing use of child labour, especially during classes and advised parents to be more concerned about their children's education.

He said the people were contributing to the development of educating by offering free accommodation to five of teachers in the town and gave the assurance that teachers would be adequately reward to motivate them to work hard.

Mrs Irene Obeng-Asare, the Toase Circuit Supervisor of Education, called on the people to collaborate with the school authorities to improve teaching and learning.

She appealed to parents to send their children, especially the girls to school instead of engaging them in trading and other economic activities.