Accra, Sept. 26, GNA - Three private companies on Wednesday made separate donations in cash and kind to the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports in support of the 2007 Best Teacher Awards. They were Sedco/Longman book publishers, Parry and Company Limited, distributors of canned mackerel, and Ultimate Suppliers, distributors of office accessories.

Sedco presented assorted reference books valued at GH=A22,000 (20 million cedis) and a cheque for GC=A23,000 (30 million cedis); Parry and Co donated 120 cartons of canned mackerel valued at GH=A24,000 (40 million cedis) while Ultimate Suppliers gave out five units of gas cookers valued at GH=A21,000 (10 million cedis).

Mr Frank Y.K. Segbawu, Chief Executive Officer for Sedco-Longman, said his company made the donation to show their commitment to the welfare of teachers.

He said teachers were key stakeholders in the publishing industry hence the company would continue to support their interest. Mr Daniel Twimasie, Chief Executive Officer, Parry and Company, said the company's canned mackerel brand, "Teachers' Mackerel" was named after teachers to honour and recognise their contribution to national development.

Mrs Sheila Baffour, Human Resources Manager, Ultimate Suppliers, also re-affirmed her company's support to the welfare of teachers. Mr Ato Essuman, Chief Director at the Ministry, who received the donations, commended the institutions for performing their social responsibilities by supporting the education sector.

He said the interest of teachers was paramount to the success of the new education reform programme. "If teachers fail to teach well, our children cannot be reformed to contribute effectively to development".