Akropong-Akuapem (E/R), Feb. 15, GNA - Government is to launch a nationwide campaign against filth using students at the Senior High Schools= , Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development has said. He explained that the project aims to inculcate in the students, the need to maintain a healthy clean environment.

According to him, through the students, the idea would filter into the larger society. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo announced the move at the 54th Anniversary Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the Okuapeman Senior High School (OKUAS) at Akropong-Akuapem at the weekend.

He said funds allocated for solving the sanitation problem in the country was very huge, which could be used for other developmental projects= .. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said he became agitated when he saw streets and compounds littered with refuse to the extent that in some places the situation had led to the outbreak of diseases such as cholera. He commended the students and authorities of the school for keeping their environment clean and serene. He, therefore, challenged the school to lead the campaign to bring sanitation issues to the limelight in the Akropong township and surrounding villages.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo also appealed to schools in the country to partner the Government in the crusade to eradicate filth.

He called on parents to create opportunities for their wards and to establish good personal relationships with them in order to reduce some of the negative pressures that affected them.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo advised the students to stay away from immoral acts like drug abuse, alcoholism, theft, rebellion, indiscriminate sexual practices, occultism and hooliganism.

The headmaster of OKUAS, Mr Felix Essah-Hienno, observed that, the school's academic record continued to be impressive and looking forward t= o equally good results this year. He, therefore, called on students especially those in their final year= , to take their studies seriously in order to obtain good grades.