Nkawie (Ashanti Region), 22nd July '99,

The Atwima district Directorate of Education has denied claims by Mr Kwasi Dante Afriyie, Member of Parliament for Atwima-Mponua that the Apenkro primary school has been without a teacher for the past six months.

Mr Eddy Obeng-Darko, District Director of Education, said on Tuesday that the MP could have spared the general public the unnecessary alarm caused by his pronouncement if he had checked his facts with the directorate.

He explained that the Apenkro Local Authority primary together with Afepaye, Kwabenakwa and Kakaatire, have peculiar problems with accessibility and accommodation.

In the case of Apenkro, it can only be reached through either Anwiafutu where people are ferried across the Offin River by canoes.

He said in the rainy season, "it is nightmarish crossing the Offin River", adding that "this situation has discouraged many teachers from accepting postings to the school".

Mr Obeng-Darko said notwithstanding this, the education directorate "ensures that the school which is up to primary three with 37 pupils, always has at least a teacher".

At present, it is being handled by Mr Mark Nyina Blankson, a General Certificate of Education advanced level holder.

He said the education directorate is now recruiting GCE 'A' level holders from those communities as teachers to provide a lasting solution to the problem of teachers refusing postings to those schools.

Mr Obeng-Darko said it was unfortunate that the MP had to accuse the directorate by inference of neglecting the Apenkro school.

Meanwhile, the chiefs and people of the community have expressed shock at the MP's pronouncement since he himself last visited the area on March 14, this year.

GRi