Koforidua, June 10, GNA - Ghanaians have been asked to do away with the wrong perception that technical and vocational education is for the less intelligent. Mr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, who gave the advise, said that it was wrong to consider only children pursuing grammar

education as brilliant and intelligent.

Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo, who was speaking at the launch of the Golden Jubi lee celebration of Koforidua Technical Institute, in Koforidua on Wednesday, said technical and vocational education held the key to the country's sea rch for socio-economic development and growth, employment avenues and wealth. He unveiled an anniversary cloth for the celebration. The Regional Minister said that there was the need for the country to focus on technical and vocational education.

He said that the Government was committed to giving technical and vocational education the needed boost to produce skilled labour for natio nal development. Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo announced that a contract had been awarded for the construction of a two-storey dormitory block for male and female students of Koforidua Technical Institute. He appealed to those who intend establishing tertiary institutions t o focus on entrepreneurial, technical and vocational education. Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo appealed to students of the Institute to refrain fr om social vices and focus on their studies in order to acquire skills and knowledge needed for national development. He said that there was the need for Government to ensure that techni cal and vocational teachers constantly upgraded their professional competence

and skills. Mr. Eric Gyamera, Principal of the Institute, commended the Regiona l Minister for contributing to the development of the Institute. Mr Alex Asamoah, New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, promised to donate GHC 2,000 on behalf of the assembly to the Institute towards the anniversary celebration. The celebration is under the theme "Technical and Vocational Educati on, Requisite Tool for National Development".