Saltpond (C/R), March 2, GNA - The Pharmacist in charge of the Saltpond Government Hospital, Mr Derrick Owusu Ambrose has cautioned teachers against wasting too much school hours preparing pupils and students for the Independence anniversary parades.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency at Saltpond on Monday, Mr Ambrose, who is the Assembly Member for Assin Adiembra in the Assin South District, said even though the anniversary was an important event, school children should not be made to waste too much time preparing for it. He noted that Ghanaians were already complaining about the poor academic performance of pupils and students and said if school authorities devoted about two weeks preparing pupils for the parades the problem would be compounded.

"If teachers could reintroduce the daily route march to classrooms after morning parades, there would be no need for two weeks marching rehearsals before anniversary parades," he stated. Mr Ambrose who was the 2004 Best Fish-farmer for the District, said in that case only a day or two could be used to rehearse for Independence anniversary parades.