Kumasi, Aug 23, GNA - Mr Samuel Bannerman-Mensah, Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), has said the service would not hesitate to apply sanctions against anyone or group of persons who would try to impede the smooth take-off or the implementation of the new education reform.

Addressing the opening session of the sixth annual national conference of Internal Auditors of the GES in Kumasi on Wednesday, he said, "We will not hesitate in applying sanctions to anyone who stands in the way of progress including you the auditors". Mr Bannerman-Mensah told the auditors that they auditors were the battery that was going to activate and boost management's resolve to stamp out malfeasance in the GES.

The four-day conference is under the theme, "Ghana @ 50, Promoting Efficient Management of Resources - The Role of the GES Internal Auditors".

Mr Bannerman-Mensah said the government allocated 11.3 trillion cedis representing 29.1 per cent of the national budget to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports this year. Out of this, 8.6 trillion cedis that represented 76.1 per cent was given to the GES. He said the government was determined and committed to inject capital into the new education reform for improved and appropriate facilities, infrastructure, equipment and human resources. "Management, on its part is also resolved to accept nothing but the best practices that will lead this project to the success that it deserves", he said. Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, said there was the need for auditors to be guided by nobility and the quest for virtue. "Indeed you cannot disassociate yourselves from blame if the country fails in its agenda of zero tolerance for corruption, efficient and effective use of limited resources". Mr Charles Antwi-Konadu, National Chairman of the Association, urged members to strive for excellence by attaining the highest possible professional and ethical standards as auditors.