Awudome (E/R), April 4, GNA - Government is to spend 16 billion cedis in transforming Awudome Secondary School (AWUSCO) at Tsito in the Ho District into a model Senior Secondary School.

Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi, Minister of Ports, Habours and Railways announced this at a durbar of staff, old and continuing students of the school, chiefs and people of Tsito to climax the school's 40 years anniversary celebrations.

It was under the theme, "Forty years of Secondary Education in Awusco, Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward".

Prof Akumfi who stood in for the Vice-President Alhaji Aliu Mahama and Mr Kwadwo Baah Wiredu, Minister for Education Youth and Sports, reminded both staff and students that it takes more than modern infrastructure to achieve academic laurels.

He, therefore, urged the students to learn hard and be disciplined to enable them achieves academic success and the teachers to put in their best. Prof Akumfi also asked the teachers to inspire the students to enable them (students) to " climb to greater heights".

He said the government was committed to enhancing teaching and learning and had therefore invested heavily in education and manpower development. Miss Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State in charge of tertiary education, commended the people for their communal spirit and Tsito Native Teachers Association for their vision, which gave birth to, and sustained the school during the past 40 years.

She said following a recent appeal to government, money has been allocated towards the completion of the school's Home Economics block, which had remained at the foundation level since 1987.

Mr G.O.Y. Bonuedie, Headmaster, said the few facilities at the school have been under stress due to the ever-increasing student population. He was optimistic that transforming the school that would reflect positively on teaching and learning.

Mr Bonuedie said the present student population stood at 1,773 of which 953 were girls.

He said the school has for the past ten years been achieving impressive results in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCEs). Mr Bonuedie, however, regretted that the students were becoming less serious with their academic work and descending into indiscipline. He said the school has therefore, planned to sensitise the students on the needed to be serious with their academic work and hoped parents would complement this initiative.

Togbe Gogo Dake XII, Chief of Tsito thanked the government for selecting the school to be developed into a model educational institutions. He pledged the continued support of the community towards government's efforts at improving infrastructure and teaching in the school. Prizes were awarded to the memory of founding fathers of the school, long serving staff and students who excelled in various disciplines.

Togbe Afede XII, Agbogbomefia of Asogli, the special guest announced that he would establish the best Volta Senior Secondary School graduate and the Best district Secondary School teachers awards schemes towards the development of education the region.

He said anniversary celebrations offer teachers, school authorities, students, old students and parents to chance to reflect on problems and successes of schools towards for the initiation of plans for development of education.