Abesim (B/A), Aug 9, GNA - Nana Kwadwo Kwakye, the Deputy Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, on Wednesday said the government was determined to support the youth to ensure that they grow to become disciplined, responsible and dedicated citizens. He was speaking at the 10th Annual Delegates Congress of the Teacher Trainees Association of Ghana for Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo Sector.

The congress attracted the SRC delegates from 10 training colleges and was under the theme, "Strengthening The Progress of Education In Ghana -The Role of the Teacher Trainee".

Mr Kwakye acknowledged the contribution of teachers towards the implementation of government's educational policies. "The Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education Programme cannot be successful without the prime movers of the programme, who are teachers. Teachers' development has therefore become a key factor in the education delivery process", he added.

The Deputy Minister appealed to teachers to be disciplined and learn to use the established grievance resolution mechanisms to resolve conflicts.

In a speech read for her Mrs Akua Akubuor Debrah, Regional Director of Education, said there were about 20,000 children of school going age in the region who needed teachers.

She said the huge deficit of teachers in schools was due to the attitude of some teacher trainees who, she said, thought they got into the teacher training colleges by default and therefore found it difficult to enter the schools after their training.

Others, she said, used the classroom as a stepping-stone and leave at the least chance in search for better jobs, while others still refuse postings to rural areas and deprive rural children the chance of receiving quality education.

Rev Fr Alex Ebo Ansu, Rector of St James Seminary Secondary School, appealed to the trainees to strengthen the purpose of education by their active involvement in community service and advising parents to take advantage of the free feeding and capitation programmes to educate their children.

Ms. Augustina Quartey, President of the Association, Ashanti/Brong-Ahafo Sector, appealed to all stakeholders to run a top-up programme for Certificate "A" students to enable holders to gain recognition in the system.