Kumasi, Nov.15, GNA - Mr Alex Tettey-Enyo, the Minister of Education, has said the Government was determined to give sufficient attention to polytechnic, technical and vocational education and training. He said, this would lead to the turning out of men and women with the needed practical application of knowledge or technical skills that are structured to meet the social and economic challenges facing the country. Mr Tettey-Enyo was addressing the Sixth Congregation of the Kumasi Polytechnic at the weekend.

The congregation covers two batches of graduates who studied during 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 academic years. A total of 1,620 students received their Diploma Certificates. This was made of 1,133 males and 487 females. Nineteen of the graduates received first class honours in the various disciplines; Applied Sciences, Business and Management Studies, Engineering. Mr Tetteh -Enyo said his Ministry would ensure that that the GETFUND Board increased the allocation of funds to the polytechnics for improvement in academic facilities because what the polytechnics receive appeared to be inadequate.

He said with the attainment of autonomous status, polytechnics have a challenge to strive not only to maintain their standards but also improve on them by initiating innovative programmes to meet the current trends in academia and institutions of technology the world over. The Sector Minister indicated that the government was not insensitive to the problem of good conditions of service and salaries for polytechnic staff and said steps were being taken to address them so students and staff should exercise restraint.

Dr. Benjamin Kwesi Prah, Rector of the Polytechnic, said the School had started a degree programme in Accounting with Computing and it would soon add a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Building Technology programme, while the authorities worked hard to obtain accreditation for other degree programmes.

On the School's linkages with other institutions, the Rector thanked the partners for the collaboration so far extended to the students and staff in their efforts to acquire the necessary skills and competencies. Dr. Prah advised the graduates not to forget their alma mater as they go into the world and urged them to take the task of helping to build the institution into a polytechnic of choice.

Alhaji Salifu Seidu, Chairman of the Kumasi Polytechnic Council, said the institute had set an overall goal to ensure the qualitative improvement in the resources and facilities required for suitable academic programmes. He said it was also the wish of the polytechnic to increasingly meet and satisfy the multifaceted requirements of modern industry and commerce and called for the Government's contribution and support from commerce and industry, which were imperative to accelerate their efforts.