Praso

Twifo- Praso, (C/R) Oct.4 GNA- The First Lady, Mrs Theresa Kufour at the weekend, launched a one billion cedis Education Endowment Fund, for the Twifo-Heman-Lower-Denkyira District of the Central Region, at Praso, during which 539 million cedis was raised as the seed capital.

Speaking in a speech read on his behalf, Mrs Kufour emphasized the importance of education and called on parents to make it the best priority for their children. She said it was for this reason, that the Government was committing a lot of money to restore the academic excellence of the public schools.

The First Lady said Government "cannot do it alone" and lauded the self-help spirit of communities funding educational projects. "I am proud of what the Otumfuo's Education Fund is doing for the nation, and I hope you can also take inspiration from it" she said.

Mr Abraham Owusu Baidoo, the Member of Parliament for Twifo-Heman-Lower-Denkyira, called for the judicious use of the Fund. He also asked managers of the fund not to award scholarships to their favourites, but to ensure that it was channelled to needy children. Mr Baidoo appealed to the political parties to eschew violence and tolerate opposing political views to ensure free and peaceful Election 2004.

Nana Amoa-Sasrako III, Omanhene (Paramount Chief) of Twifo-Heman Traditional area, appealed to the people to contribute generously to the Fund to help raise the standards of education.

Mr Abraham Odoom, the District Chief Executive, expressed concern about the falling standards of education in the District and said the fund would help reverse the situation. He appealed to the people to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme, to enable them enjoy quality health care.

Bishop Addae Mensah of the Gospel Light International Church who chaired the function, appealed to individuals and organisations in the District to contribute to the Fund.