Ho (Volta Region) - Samuel Donkor Gyang, Volta Region Director of Education, on Monday said the Ghana Education Service (GES) would close down un-licensed private schools operating in the region by September.

Gyang was speaking at the launch of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) week under the theme, "Education and Discipline-The Role of Private Schools".

He said the exercise would eliminate the practice of "packing children into ramshackle and rickety structures under the pretext of giving education." Gyang called on proprietors to refrain from demanding exorbitant fees for procurement of school uniforms from parents since the "Ministry's decision on uniforms is inconclusive."

''Even if a final decision is taken on the issue of uniforms, such uniforms would strictly be made in the country and not imported as some proprietors are alleged to be telling their pupils.''

He appealed to GNAPS to undertake a feasibility study into their operations and make proposals that would enhance their effectiveness. Mama Adokuwa-Asigble IV, National President of GNAPS, in an address read for her appealed to the government to expedite work on the proposed Private Education Regulation Bill that has been in abeyance for some time now. Mrs Christine Searyor, acting Ho District Director of Education, urged GNAPS to update the skills of its teachers and get involved in extra-curricula activities.