Accra (Greater Accra) 8 March '99

President Jerry John Rawlings on Saturday presented scholarship awards to 10 students who excelled in last year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The students, each representing one of the 10 regions, were given 200,000 cedis, 100,000 cedis worth of books and other special awards. The awards were accompanied by citations read by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service. The recipients were Yellu Augustine Dormorvi of Saint Andrews Catholic School, Wa, representing Upper West, Felicia Yiryiel, Mountain Sinai JSS, Bolgatanga (Upper East), Rahaat Moomen of Kanvilli Presbyterian, Tamale, (Northern), Peter Ofori Ankoma, Holy Spirit JSS, Sunyani (Brong Ahafo)and Yaw Baffour Gyimah of Mamtech JSS, Ashanti Mampong (Asanti). The rest were Francis Akwasi Adumata-Asamoah, Young Christian JSS, Takoradi (Western), Mensima Quarm Darko of Topp JSS at Twifo Ntafrewaso (Central region), Enam Seshie, Amazing Love JSS, Denu (Volta region), Yvette Wadie Yeboah of Madonna JSS, Koforidua (Eastern region) and Roland Kom- Zuta of Asutsuare Esate JSS, representing Greater Accra. The students, except two, read core Science courses. The two were Volta region's Master Seshie who offered Business (accounting option) and Yeboah from the Eastern region who did General Science. The presentation was done during a colourful parade by first and second cycle schools from both public and private sectors, youth organisations and identifiable groups at the seaside Independence Square. President Rawlings dressed in a dark suit took the salute from the smartly dressed contingents, including market women associations and GPRTU Wives Association. The disabled, in their wheel-chairs also took part in the parade, watched by a large gathering including the first lady, Nana Konadu, Vice- President Atta Mills and his wife Naadu, Speaker of Parliament Justice D.F. Annan and Chief Justice I.K. Abban. Other prominent personalities were Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, Chairman of the Council of State, Senior government officials, veteran and active politicians including MPs, senior civil and public servants, Chiefs and diplomats. Mr S.A. Odoi Sykes and Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, Chairman and presidential candidate, respectively of the opposition New Patriotic Party, were also present. The function opened with traditional, Muslim and Christian prayers performed by pupils aged between nine and eleven years. The opening prayers were followed by "Akwaaba", a cultural pageant reflecting traditions of various ethnic groups. It was performed by children from Kotobabi JSS in Accra and choreographed by Ms Gladys Okyere, a teacher. Representatives of the children read out messages expressing appreciation for the Children's Act recently passed by Parliament, saying it shows the government's commitment to safeguard their future. They pledged to keep the environment clean and plant and care for trees. They also promised to join the crusade against drug abuse. "We'll say no to those who will try to lead us astray." The children expressed concern about the soaring rate of motor accidents which, they said, is being caused by careless driving and disregard for road traffic regulations. They called for severe punishment for culprits. The children condemned reported ritual killings in some parts of the country. A copy of the message, read in English, Akan, Dagbani and Ewe, was handed to President Rawlings. In attendance were the massed band drawn from the army, police, prisons and Fire service in addition to school bands from Keta Roman Catholic School, Ho-Dome R.C., Koforidua GES, All girls R.C JSS, Aflao and Presec, Legon.