General News of Sunday, 2 May 2004

Source: Justin KOJOK, Continental Radio News, KNUST, Kumasi

School drop-out rate is 80% in northern region

Dr Imoro Braimah, a lecturer at the Planning Department of KNUST, Kumasi revealed that school drop-out in the Northern Ghana is as high as 80 percent as compared to 30 percent in the other regions in the country. This phenomenon is a contributory factor for crimes and social vices that are going on. He said this trend has to be stopped and it will take the sacrifice of tertiary students in the regions to conscientize their brothers and sisters.

Dr. Imoro said this when he was addressing Mamprugu Students Union (MAMSU) executive s Handing-over ceremony at the Republic Hall, KNUST Dr. Imoro challenged Mamprugu students to organize programme back at home during vacation to help educate school children and the people in their district on the importance of education as well as to help teach in the secondary schools. By this, he said, they will be marketing themselves any future leadership positions in the districts. He was happy for the union initiative they are taking to organize such an educative programme in the three districts of the area during this summer holidays.

Dr. Imoro who is also the patron of the union, advised the students to stay away from drugs and study hard to make it in their academic endeavours.

Kpamika Kojok, the out-going secretary of the union called on his colleagues to join clubs and societies

Timothy Nunifant the sworn-in president promised to work hard to up-lift the union and initiate programmes for the development of Mamprugu