Regional News of Monday, 26 June 2006

Source: GNA

Media urged to support girl-child education

Obuasi, June 26, GNA - A chief has appealed to the media to play a more active role in educating parents on the need to do little savings for the sake of the education of their children, especially the girl-child.

Nana Assiama Guahyia Ababio, Edubiasehene and the acting President of the Adansi Traditional Council, made the call when he spoke to the Ghana News Agency on the "importance of girl-child education" after attending a Girl-Child Education Week durbar at Obuasi. "We are all aware of the low income level of our populace, so parents must receive some guidance or education on how to save something for the education of their children, especially the girl-child." Nana Guahyia Ababio said there were a number of facilities like credit unions, insurance companies with child education policies and other trusted 'Susu' groups that could prepare a better future for children.

He said traditional rulers too have key roles to play in the promotion of girl-child education in their communities. Chiefs could offer parcels of land for the construction of girl schools, starting from kindergarten to the junior secondary school. According to Nana Guahyia Ababio, such schools "will become attractive to parents most of whom get anxious about the safety of their daughters".

He suggested to school authorities to organize programmes that would give motivation and recognition to the excelling girl-child to serve as incentive for girl-child education.