Maakro (Ash), Aug 6, GNA - Proprietors of private schools have been cautioned against the tendency of pursuing educational programmes that would undermine the government's strategic plan of enrolling all children of school-going-age in basic schools.

Mr Eddy Obeng-Darko, Atwima-Nwabiagya District Director of Education, who gave the advise, said instead, proprietors should increase community involvement in educational development and also improve the quality of teaching and learning as well as giving opportunities to girls and other disadvantaged groups.

He was speaking at the Open Day of Akomaah Memorial Educational Centre at Maakro near Abuakwa at the weekend. Mr Obeng-Darko asked the private schools to strictly pursue programmes, standards and guidelines set up by the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the provision of quality education. He warned that the GES would not hesitate to sanction any private school whose major motive was to maximise profit at the expense of providing quality education.

Mr Appiah Baafi-Acheampong, Proprietor of the school, said from a modest beginning with four children in 2003, the school's enrolment has increased to over 250.

He commended the parents and staff of the school for their co-operation and support, which had immensely contributed to the school's academic and moral improvement. Mr Baafi-Acheampong said the major objective of the school was to offer dedicated and quality education to the majority of the poor and rural children, and also improve the quality of early childhood education in the school.

Mr Francis Alex Tuffuor, headmaster, said the school offered particular attention to developing the leadership skills of the children and also actively promote academic and professional development of the teachers.

Mr Acheampong Ababio, a retired public servant who presided, said the basic foundation for attaining higher academic knowledge was for the school authorities to promote and improve the quality of early childhood education.