Sogakope, March 30, GNA - Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister has bemoaned the craze for money and affluence in educational institutions.

He said these could divert the focus of many students from their academic pursuits, undermine discipline and ruin their future. Mr Amenowode was addressing the 47th Speech and Prize Giving Day of the Sogakope Senior High School at the weekend, under the theme, "Alumni Support-a necessary push for Alma Mater Development". He said everything should be done to halt these dangerous inclinations and their potential to promote drug abuse alcoholism and promiscuity among students. Mr Amenowode commended the staff and students of the school for the successes so far achieved and reminded both staff and students that only disciplined and well-focused people could face the challenges of the rapidly changing world.

"The school should respond to the high standards required in the world of work today," Mr Amenowode said. He said urged parents and old students to help the government to improve on facilities in schools.

Mr Alex Tetteh-Enyo, Minister for Education, in a speech read for him, urged the school's administration to open channels of communication between the staff, students and other stakeholders so as to build strong relationships towards the development of the school. He urged old students to visit to their former schools regularly to boost the morale of continuing students to aspire for higher laurels. Mr Kwame Tawiah Aggor, Headmaster of the School, said the school required additional infrastructure to cater for the 1,534 students. He said the school needed a new dormitory block for girls, a library, school bus as well as assembly and dining halls. Mr Aggor said the school's Parent-Teacher Association had built seven teachers' bungalows and was constructing an ICT laboratory and fenced wall. school. Book prizes were awarded to 117 students for academic and sporting achievements with former members of the schools' board also receiving awards for their dedication to duty.