Government plans to eliminate shift system

Fijai (W/R) May 9, GNA – Government has set in motion measures to have the school shift system brought to an appreciable level or eliminated, Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, said on Wednesday.

Mr Aidoo said the laudable educational programmes which the government is pursuing are meant to ensure that every child of school going age attends school without difficulty.

In an address read on his behalf at the 6th Western Regional Education Sector Annual Review Meeting at Fijai near Takoradi, he said in line with the 1992 Constitution, the National Poverty Reduction Strategies, the Millennium Development Goals and other international development goals on education, basic education should be free to all children of school going age.

Mr Aidoo said this principle has guided education development in recent times and had remained a constant reference point for the development of the Education Strategic Plan, which serves as a blueprint for the implementation of education policies throughout the country.

He said education policies of government cannot achieve the desired impact without the active collaboration and support from stakeholders in education.

Mr Aidoo appealed to stakeholders at the meeting to make objective evaluation of issues and come out with solutions that would promote the development of education in the region.

In an address read on her behalf, Madam Nanaa Biney, Director-General of Ghana Education Service (GES), said an educated society is a breeding ground for tolerance, peace, justice, understanding, innovation and advancement as well as positive self-sustaining growth.

She said the obligation of improving the country's educational system should not involve only enthusiastic actors from central and local government departments, development partners and non-governmental organisations.

Mr Augustus Nii Lante Cleland, Regional Director of Education, said review meetings have been instituted by the GES to enhance accountability and transparency among stakeholders of education and to help implementers appreciate the expectations of the stakeholders.

GNA