Nkoranza (B/A), Dec 9, GNA - The Chiefs and people of the Nkoranza Traditional Area, have commended the District Director of Education, Mr. Kwabena Agyemang-Badu, for his contribution towards the promotion of education in the area.

This was contained in a citation Okatakyie Agyemang Kudom, Omanhene of Nkoranza and President of the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs presented to him at a durbar to climax the Annual Munufie Kese Yam Festival at Nkoranza. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, attended the durbar, which coincided with the launch of an Education Endowment Fund for the District.

The citation stated that the people were witnesses to the immense contribution by Mr. Agyemang-Badu towards the promotion of education in the area within the two and half years that he assumed duty. According to the Traditional Council, teachers had redoubled their efforts while parents have shown greater interest in the education of their children.

The Council recalled Mr. Agyemang-Badu's tenure as Headmaster of the Twene Amanfo Secondary Technical School in Sunyani where he transformed the school and congratulated him for his efforts and concern for the development of education in the area.

Mr. Agyeman-Badu speaking to the Ghana News Agency noted that with the government's capitation grant, enrolment in schools had increased, adding that, this had put pressure on the District Assembly to construct more school blocks and provide furniture, teaching and learning materials in basic schools.

He commended the Okatakyie Agyemang Kudom and the people for acknowledging his efforts and honouring him in the presence of Otumfuo Osei Tutu.

Mr. Agyeman-Badu also commended the people for the Education Endowment Fund to support brilliant but needy students and the construction of more schools blocks. He also expressed gratitude to the teachers for supporting him to improve the standard of education.

The best boy for the Brong Ahafo Region during this year's Coca Cola National Essay Competition for basic schools was from the Saint Theresa's Junior Secondary School at Nkoranza. He was 14th out of 20 nationwide.

Four pupils from the District placed 3rd, 5th, 6th and 11th in this year's Milo Under 15 marathon race held in Accra in which about 2,000 competitors took part over a distance of 14 kilometres.