Chief commends government for making education more accessible

Nsesereso (B/A), Feb. 13, GNA - Nana Brafo Ababio, Chief of Nsesereso in Dormaa district has commended the government for instituting measures to make formal education more accessible to every Ghanaian.

He commended the government, particularly, for introducing the capitation grant scheme, which he described as "a great shot in the arm of formal education in the country".

The 49-year-old chief, known in private life as Kwabena Brafo, was speaking at a community gathering to welcome Squadron Leader Benjamin Anane Asamoah (RTD), District Chief Executive, who was on a familiarization visit to the area.

Nana Brafo, himself, took advantage of the capitation grant and enrolled as a pupil in class four at the local Roman Catholic Primary School. His two children are also in the school.

He said his desire to go to school at that age was largely motivated by the government's measures, saying his position as the Chief "ends at the gate of the school" where he considered himself one of the pupils bound by school rules and regulations.

Squadron Leader Asamoah described the chief as a model of policy implementation and challenged persons occupying responsible positions in the district to emulate him by joining the national campaign of "Education for all in the nearest future".

Mr. Alex Dei Agyemang, headteacher of the school, in an interview with Ghana News Agency, commended the zeal and humility of the chief during school activities, in spite of his age and position. He said Nana's enrolment had influenced eight dropouts to come back to the school this year. His presence has also bolstered discipline among the pupils.

"Nana Brafo displays enthusiasm during morning devotion, reciting the National Pledge, singing of the National Anthem and condescends to the level of a pupil during sporting activities," Mr Agyemang said. The headteacher said the chief's presence in the school had also boosted the morale of teachers to give off their best. The chief's wife, Madam Elizabeth Misaah, who teaches at the School's kindergarten, told the GNA that her family did not regret Nana's decision and was prepared to offer him the necessary moral and material support.

She noted that her husband's life had begun to see "some positive changes" over his one-year school period, especially in terms of society's attitude towards the place of women in the home. 13 Feb. 06