University students appeal to gov't for exemptions from

Accra, Dec 1, GNA - The Private University Students' Association of Ghana (PUSAG) has appealed to government to exempt educational institutions from the on-going load shedding (dumsor) exercise during the examination period.

A statement jointly signed by Mr Richard Odame, PUSAG National President, and Mr. Francis Kwabena Asante, Media Relations Director, to the Ghana News Agency said, the call had "become even more imperative considering the fact that students at the various universities are starting or have started to take their end of semester exams'.

The leadership of PUSAG believes that government and the Electricity Company of Ghana could spare the universities of the on-going load shedding exercise at least for the next three weeks (exams period) to enable students enjoy an incident free examination period; thereby improving academic performance.

The statement recalled the intervention of the Education Ministry last semester, which led to public universities being exempted from the load shedding during the exams season.

PUSAG said it was calling for the same intervention but this time should be extended to include private universities.

'We are by this statement, essentially calling for the same intervention and adding that, it should be extended to include private universities since we are all students of Ghana and taxpayers for that matter.' said the statement.

PUSAG also commended the government on the various plans and programmes that are being rolled out in the enterprise of education.

The statement further urged government to take the necessary steps to reverse the flaws and mishaps that has risen from the recent brouhaha from published books and materials at the Junior High School.

'These flaws and mishaps range from the recent issues emanating from published books and materials at the Junior High School level, to the unrelenting blind eye turned towards the plight of Tertiary students in Ghana.

'The students of Ghana are indeed very worried and wish to plead with His Excellency the President and his government to immediately take the necessary steps to reverse these worrying trends,' said the statement.

GNA