Saltpond (C/R), March 09, GNA - A Member of the Council of State, Mrs. Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie has called on Ghanaians to honour achievers during their life time to encourage them to do more for their communities and the nation. Mrs Afenyi-Dadzie said honouring people posthumously did not make any meaning to the dead. She was commenting on an honour done to Mr Ato Essuman, Member of Council of State by authorities of Saltpond Methodist Senior High School. Mr. Essuman, who is also the Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports was honoured with a bust erected at the forecourt of the School.

The ceremony to unveil the bust by Right Reverend Isaac Kwesi Quansah, Bishop of the Cape Coast Diocese of the Methodist Church and Chairman of the School's Board of Governors, coincided with the School's 27th Speech and Prize-giving day. Speaking on: "challenges facing the developing schools within the new educational reforms", Mrs Afenyi-Dadzie said there was the need for a better understanding among communities where schools were sited promote effective teaching and learning. She said the increase in both duration and programme coverage posed some challenges to the educational system, especially for developing schools. Mr Afenyi-Dadzie appealed to the people of Saltpond to assist in improving conditions in the school since government alone could not bear all the responsibility for addressing the challenges of developing schools. "Many of the acclaimed developed schools have reached their present status not because of high government inputs but through the strong support of stakeholders", she stated. She said there was no room for mediocrity in today's world and urged students to strive to remain focused on their studies.

Mr. Essuman reminded parents of the role the home environment played in moulding the character of children and urged them to make the home conducive For the up-bringing of children. He expressed gratitude to the school for the honour done him.

He announced adoption of the school by his family and offered GH¢10,000 endowment fund for needy students of the school. Mr. Essuman instituted a personal scholarship scheme for three best students each in Mathematics, ICT, and tuition and boarding and lodging. He and his family donated 10 computers and two printers with accessories to the school.

Bishop Quansah urged Mission Schools to strive to be a beacon of hope for the society in ensuring morality and discipline. Reverend Paa Solomon Grant-Essilfie, Headmaster enumerated challenges facing the school which included accommodation for staff, a dining hall, assembly hall complex and administration block. He commended government for infrastructure facilities and vehicles donated to the school.

Mr Robert Quainoo-Arthur, Mfantseman Municipal Chief Executive outlined measures being taken to solve perennial water problem and power outages in the area.