SRCs commended for reduction in school riots

Koforidua, Aug. 30, GNA- Mrs. Ewurabena Ahwoi, Eastern Regional Director of Education, on Monday expressed satisfaction with the work of Student Representative Councils (SRC) in the region that had reduced the rate of student unrests in second-cycle institutions. She was optimistic that they would continue to work for conducive learning environment in schools devoid of acrimony between students and authorities.

Mrs. Ahwoi was speaking at the Fourth Annual Residential Congress of the SRC at the Ghana Secondary School, Koforidua being attended by students from 78 schools.

The Congress is a platform used by the SRC to take stock of its activities during the previous year, equip new elected officers with leadership skills and discuss emerging policies affecting the students. Mrs. Ahwoi said resolving feuds that had often resulted in violent unrests and the subsequent breakdown in academic work on campuses were a major concern to education administrators.

She said the new partnership between heads of schools and the SRC executives that thrive on mutual respect and dialogue had helped to prevent the eruption of violent demonstrations often resulting in the massive destruction of state property.

Mrs. Ahwoi identified students as a "creative force" who should be well-groomed and given skills that would enable them become productive citizens of the nation.

The Regional Director of Education asked the students to keep their campuses clean and strive to protect the little resources placed at their disposal for optimal use.

Mr Yaw Barimah, Eastern Regional Minister, in an address read on his behalf, said it would be only through free and uncensored expression of opinions that the Government could be kept responsive to the electorate and political power transferred peacefully.

He, therefore, advised the students to let this supposition reflect in their lives since democracy could only thrive when divergent opinions are tolerated.

Mrs. Rosemond Bampo, Headmistress of Ghana Secondary School, appealed to the students to ensure that all efforts were geared towards sustaining a strong SRC and also reach out to students on pertinent issues that promote education and good morals.