Sunyani (B/A), Sept. 29, GNA - Nana Abraham Kwadwo Kwakye, Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister on Thursday attributed the present low public image of teachers in communities to the negative practices that have engulfed the teaching fraternity.

He mentioned some of problems confronting teachers as the alarming rate of excessive intake of alcohol, absenteeism, lateness and indecent dressing of some teachers particularly in the rural communities. Launching the 14th Annual National Conference of Directors of Education (CODE) in Sunyani, Nana Kwakye called on the Ghana Education Service as a matter of urgency to act quickly to help restore the original and highly esteemed image of teachers. The conference, which is on the theme; "quality education: the teacher factor" slated for October 14 to 20 this year is expected to be attended by 160 Directors of education throughout the country. Nana Kwakye stressed that quality education could be attained through the use of child centred approach in well-managed classrooms, schools and skilful assessment to facilitate learning and reduce disparities.

He said, it was against this background that the government was working hard to ensure vast improvement in educational infrastructure, the introduction of the capitation grant and school feeding programme as well as the provision of school uniforms and adequate teaching and learning materials.

The Deputy Regional Minister noted that the new educational reform programme could thrive depending on teachers and reiterated the need to revisit the General Teacher Incentive Policy to motivate them to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme.

Mrs. Sophia Awortwi, Acting National President of CODE explained that, the Conference instituted in 1993 and formerly known as Conference of District Directors of Education (CODDE) comprised all Directors of the rank of Director II, being district Directors of education, deputy regional directors and those in-charge of various programmes and projects at the Ghana Education Service headquarters at Accra. She said the inputs of education Directors were very crucial in the development and implementation of education policies in the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies. Mrs. Awortwi therefore, called for a cordial relationship between the various assemblies and the education directorate to help ensure quality and relevant education in the country.