Winneba (C/R), Nov 7. GNA - A total of 2,000 pupils from nine public schools in the Effutu Municipality have so far been supplied with free school uniforms and exercise books by government since the distribution programme started.

Nii Ephraim, Effutu Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and Mrs Elizabeth Amoako-Enimil, Municipal Director of Education, made this known when they presented some uniforms and the exercise books to pupils in seven schools in the Effutu Municipality. The schools are the Gyangyanadzi Primary, Ghyahadzi Primary and Junior High, Essuekyire Primary and Junior High, Osubonpanyin/Ateitu Primary and Junior High, Municipal Assembly A and B, Municipal Assembly Junior High and Municipal Assembly C and D in Winneba. According to the MCE and Municipal Director of Education, the books and uniforms were in fulfilment of President John Evans Atta Mills' campaign promise to Ghanaians in 2008.

They assured those that had not been supplied to exercise restrained as they would soon receive theirs. Nii Ephriam said education was one of the topmost priorities of good governance and development of every country, adding that it was in this respect that the government was channelling more resources into education.

He said children, as future leaders, must be well trained and equipped to enable them to contribute effectively towards the growth of the society.

Nii Ephraim entreated the pupils to concentrate on their studies, avoid bad friends and desist from immoral acts including indecent dressing and smoking and become useful citizens in reciprocity to the huge investment being made in them by the government and their parents. The MCE advised teachers in the area to give off their best to enable the children pass their examinations. Nii Ephraim assured teachers at the Gyahadzi and Gyangyanadzi that the Teachers' quarters and the Health Post would be connected to the national electricity grid within the next two weeks. Mrs Elizabeth Amoako-Enimil advised parents to take advantage of the free uniform, capitation grant and the school feeding programmes to send their children to school.

She appealed to them to provide the children with all their needs and encourage them to learn hard, adding that the future of the country rested on the children.

She appealed to the teachers to do their best to help improve education standards in the municipality.

Neenyi Akon, Chief of Osubonpanyin, on behalf of the beneficiary communities, thanked the government for the uniforms and exercise books and other interventions it had made in education in the area.