Wenchi, Feb. 13, GNA - Lack of parental support and commitment has been a major contributory factor to the poor academic performance of junior high school students in Wenchi municipality, Mr. Joseph Ankomah, Municipal Secretary of Ghana National Association of Teachers, has said.

"Most parents have failed to provide their school-going children with certain basic necessities including learning materials," he told the GNA in an interview in Wenchi.

He said when parents provide the educational needs of their children it would promote their interest in school. Mr. Ankomah expressed regret that most parents in the municipality had still not recognized the importance of education and rather spent their monies on funerals and other social events. "This attitude by some parents will not help promote the standard of education in the municipality", he said and expressed regret about the poor performance of students in the Basic Education Certificate Examination.

Mr. Ankomah appealed to teachers to ensure effective supervision and urged parents to partner with school authorities in ensuring effective teaching and learning.