Mrs. Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regional Minister has expressed worry about the usage of some classrooms and school compounds as smoking and defecating grounds by some community members and called for its halt.

The Minister said she was also worried about reports of attacks on some teachers in various parts of the country by the youth in some communities, making it difficult for teachers to give off their best.

Mrs Benyiwa-Doe made these known in a speech read on her behalf at this year’s Central Regional World Teachers’ Day celebration in Cape Coast, under the theme, “Take a stand for teachers.”

Twelve teachers from all the twelve districts in the Region were given awards in recognition of their hard work and their impressive role of educating and transforming the lives of students in the region.

The awardees, made up of ten men and two women were presented with a citation and a 24-inch LCD television set each at the ceremony, which was attended by about 300 teachers from across the region.

Mrs. Benyiwa-Doe called on the communities to support and protect the lives and properties of the state, saying teachers need the support of all in order to make the desired impact.

She urged the teachers to be professional as possible in the course of their duties and put in their best, as well as eschewing negative tendencies that hinder effective teaching and learning.

She appealed to parents to partner the teachers to ensure the total development of the child, both mentally and physically, since the teacher cannot do it alone, adding that, parents must sit up and ensure adequate monitoring and supervision of their wards to compliment the efforts of the teachers.

Dr. Barima Kwabena Antwi, Head of the Department of Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), noted that the development of the nation depends largely on how well its people are educated, organized and disciplined and urged the teachers to instill these attributes in their students.

He reiterated calls on individuals, groups and communities as well as other stakeholders to come together to support the teacher and help in building a better future for the next generation.