Half-Assini (W/R) Nov.10, GNA- One of the basic objectives of the on-going education reforms, is to promote decentralization of education management, enhance ownership and local participation in decision making.

Mr. Ato Essuman, Chief Director of the Ministry of Education Science and Sports, who made this known at Half-Assini at the weekend, said government viewed the development of education as the main thrust of its strategic policy to reduce poverty and improve the quality of the life of the citizenry. He was addressing the 48th anniversary and awards day celebration of the Half-Assini Senior High School, at the Jomoro District. The theme for the celebrations was: "The challenges of the Education Reforms: Old Students in Perspective." Highlights included the inauguration of the school's rehabilitated and refurbished science resource centre, that was undertaken by Tullow Ghana limited, an oil and gas exploration and production company at the cost of 80,000 dollars.

The project was embarked upon as part of the company's social responsibility to foster cordial relations with communities within areas that it operates as well as improve the lives of the people. Mr. Essuman noted that the strengthening of institutional structures, professional development as well as the management and financing of education were among priority areas in the strategic objectives of the reforms.

He reminded successful people in society not to forget their Alma Mata that made them who they are now, stressing: "As a natural sequence, it is expected that they demonstrate their gratitude and recognize the need to give back to help support and develop the cradle of their identity." Mr. Essuman urged past students of the school to complement efforts of the school authorities and government to provide facilities to promote teaching and learning. He said the partnering role of the various Alumni Associations would enhance qualitative delivery of the education system. Mr. Essuman called for the need to sensitize communities which are the direct recipients of the education system, to support the sound development of schools in their localities, to be able to produce a worthy generation of human resource, who would lead in the development agenda.

Mr. Essuman announced that his Ministry has allocated a pick-up vehicle to facilitate the work of the Headmaster as well as 40 computers for the start of computer laboratory. Mr. Edward Kwadwo Edjah, Headmaster, said since the 48 years existence of the school, it had seen very little expansion of its facilities to meet the ever increasing student population that stands at 850. Facilities that needed urgent rehabilitation and expansion include classroom blocks, dormitories, the dining and assembly halls and furniture.

Mr. Edjah said in spite of the many challenges the school had to grapple with, academic performance over the years had seen steady improvement while indiscipline that was associated with the academic facility "is now history". Mrs. Rebecca Efiba Dadzie, Western Regional Director of Education, commended the staff and students for the modest achievement they have chalked in academic performance. She reminded students of the need to observe strict discipline and stay away from all negative influences. Mr. Yamikeh Ackah District Chief said a number of the projects awarded on contract to upgrade the school to a model school had been delayed due to the non-performance of the contractor. The project had been re-awarded. Mr. Lee Ocran, Member of Parliament for the area presented two sets of football jerseys to the school's football team and urged the students to take their studies seriously and avoid negative influences.