Chief Urges C'nity To Check Encroachers

NENE Nuer Keteku, Paramount Chief of Agortime Traditional Area, has asked communities to fiercely resist encroachers of public lands and ensure that local authorities prevent unauthorized developments on such lands.

Addressing the maiden speech and prize-giving day of the Agortime Secondary School on Saturday, he said the encroachment of school lands was becoming rampant and urged communities to expose those who sell public lands for their selfish gain.

Speaking on the theme, “The challenges of deprived schools and the way forward,” Nene Keteku advised estate developers “ to seek clarification of documents at the Lands Commission to avoid haphazard development and also protect school lands from encroachments”

He observed that encroachment on school lands, “if allowed to persist will affect quality teaching and learning and stall infrastructure development”.

Nene Keteku asked school authorities to be mindful of encroachers so that they would be exposed.

Mrs. Gifty Ohene- Konadu, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and PSI, reiterated government determination to overcome the challenges confronting the educational sector, especially inadequate infrastructure, human resource recruitment, retention of qualified teachers and transportation in deprived communities.

To complement government's efforts, she challenged teachers, parents and school authorities to contribute their quota and provide the atmosphere conducive for academic studies and personal discipline in order to ensure a brighter future for the youth.

“I would like to assure you that government will continue to develop and offer all the tools and facilities necessary to support our young ones in our deprived areas in their educational pursuits in order that they take their rightful place as future leaders fully equipped to contribute to the upliftment of their communities,” she said.

Mr. F.K. Fianordzi, Headmaster of the School, enumerated problems facing the school which include lack of infrastructure, transportation and teaching staff. He appealed to the government for support for the Board of Governors and the Parent Teacher Association in the rehabilitation and provision of infrastructure.

He advised parents not to castigate school authorities when their children were sanctioned for acts of indiscipline since it could be a recipe for chaos.

Mr. Joseph Nayan, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, advised students to make the best out of the educational system so that it did not impact negatively on them.

In all, 30 students received prizes for their academic performance and discipline.