Sunyani, Sept 2, GNA - An educationist has urged the general public to actively participate in the government's Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) programme for the nation's growth.

Mr Benjamin Tawiah Ansu, the Vice Principal of Sunyani Polytechnic, said the programme was aimed at addressing poverty and changing conditions towards the well being of Ghanaians.

He was speaking at a 'Learn and Share' session in Sunyani organized by the Centre for the Empowerment of the Vulnerable (CEV) an NGO on the GPRS.

The session, held under the theme, "The Government Poverty Reduction: the Issues and Lessons for Development Organisations", was attended by 20 participants drawn from the ministries, organizations, agencies, departments, NGOs and the Ghana Education Service. Mr Ansu said the programme had the special objective of providing basic services such as schools, clinics and water, and to attempt to create more opportunities to enable the people to make choices that would bring them prosperity.

He said the strategy had the goal of ensuring sustainable and equitable growth, accelerated poverty reduction and the protection of the vulnerable.

The Vice Principal said the GPRS had the target of achieving a significant level in reducing poverty, child and maternal death by the year 2005.

Mr Michael Mensah, Executive Secretary of the CEV, said the session would be held every first Tuesday of the month to enable resource persons, organisations and individuals to learn and share ideas and understanding on social and development issues.

"A lot of people are ignorant about government policies and this is an opportunity to educate people about government policies so they could lend their support for smooth and successful implementation."