Sekondi, March 25, GNA - Madam Betty Bosomtwi-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister has expressed her observation that education in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis was declining. She cited the Independence Day celebration, where students were awarded for their outstanding performances during the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) as well as the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE), saying those for the region came from the hinterlands.

Madam Bosomtwi-Sam expressed this observation when she paid a familiarization visit to Chief Ibrahim Memorial Primary School and Sunniya Islamic Junior High School (JHS) at Sekondi.

She pointed out that those in the hinterlands of the region do not have adequate teaching and learning facilities, water, and electricity, as well as teachers, yet they are performing well. "Children in the metropolis have the entire infrastructure and other teaching and learning materials to help in their studies, yet they are not making any headway," she said.

She said the starting point is to meet all stakeholders in education to identify the problem, come out with solutions, as well as, recommendation on how the standard of education can be improved in the metropolis. Madam Bosomtwi-Sam said the contribution of teachers in the development of the country and the future of the individuals cannot be over emphasized, as they have affected the lives of many. She encouraged teachers to give off their best in teaching and also upgrade themselves, adding, "You need to cooperate with each other and make the teaching and learning environment friendly for the students". She said it was very important for teachers to prepare their lesson notes, mark exercises given to students, as well as, do the necessary corrections for them to learn from it.

Madam Theresa Dickson, Western Regional Coordinator in charge of Girl-Child, said the teachers are there to help the students to study but it behoves on the students to take their lessons seriously to be able to pass their examinations.

She encouraged the students to prepare their personal time table, form study groups and utilize their time profitably. Mr. Charles Quansah, Headmaster, Sunniya Islamic Junior High School, mentioned lack of furniture, Information Communication Centre, library and cracks in some of the classroom as some of the challenges of the school. He appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council, the Metropolitan Assembly, Parent Teacher Association as well as individuals to assist the school.