Gender parity important in education – Minister
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Deputy Minister of Education, on Tuesday reiterated government’s readiness to promote and encourage girl-child education in order to create gender parity in the educational system.
He said the attainment of gender parity in the educational system over the years had not been possible because most girls drop out of school before reaching the level of completion.
Mr Ablakwa said this when he addressed and interacted with pupils of the ASHMA 1 & 2 Basic Schools, Ashiaman No. 2 A&B Basic School and Blessed Clementina Catholic Basic School, all in the Ashiaman Municipality.
The visit was part of the “My First Day at School” programme initiated by the Ministry where new pupils are welcomed into the formal academic environment.
The tour was also to encourage children who have been admitted to school for the first time to remain in the classroom and urge them to submit to discipline and remain respectful in order to become productive individuals in the society.
Girl-child education is very important to the socio-economic development of the country, Mr Ablakwa said, and urged the pupils to take their studies seriously.
He also appealed to teachers not to relent in their efforts but work harder to bring out the best of the children, for national development.
The Deputy Minister, who later distributed school uniforms, pencils, exercise books, erasers, cups, and toffees to newly enrolled kindergarten and primary one pupils, also appealed to parents to show concern about the educational needs of their children.
Mr Samuel Ansah, Director, Teacher Education Division (TED) also visited the Osu Salem 1 primary School, John Wesley Methodist Basic School and Kaneshie North Cluster of schools.
He urged pupils to focus on their education, saying “through hard work and determination, you can achieve your aim in life”.
He advised the children to obey their teachers and pay attention to lessons, adding that through that they could be future leaders of the country.
He also presented cups to the children to welcome them to their new schools.
Source: GNA