Takoradi, July 4, GNA- Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, on Thursday said the Assembly had decided to give more support to schools and institutions under its jurisdiction. He explained that the assembly had been assisting schools under the Ghana Education Service than educational institutions under its care. Mr Nkrumah was speaking at the graduation of 44 students of the Takoradi Community Development Vocational Institute after three-year course, under the theme "Make the Youth More Resourceful", at Takoradi. He said the assembly was planning to adequately address problems facing the institute that was under its' care. Mr Nkrumah announced that the litigation over a plot of land acquired by the institute at Anaji Old Brigade Camp in 1973 has been resolved.

He called on individuals and organisations to supplement the efforts of the assembly in meeting the needs of the vocational institute. Mr Nkrumah advised the graduands to put skills they had acquired at the institute to good use to their benefit and the society instead of "Putting the skills aside to engage in trading". Mr Winfred Wek Edu, Western Regional Director of the Department of Community Development, advised students of the institute to be disciplined and take their studies seriously to justify the investment being made by their parents and guardians in their education. He said, "You should not be detracted by the fanciful things you see and hear but concentrate on your books to become responsible citizens". Mr Edu commended the teachers for their contribution to the development of the institute and advised them update the skills and knowledge to enable them to give off their best.

Mrs Georgina Baaba Otto, headmistress, said due to the New Education Reforms, the duration of training for students at the institute has been extended from three years to four years. She said the institute could not increase enrolment because of the lack of boarding facilities adding most of the teaching and learning materials there were obsolete and need replacement. Mrs Otto said government was only paying salaries of full-time teachers of the institute and the authorities had to rely on the scanty fees paid by students.