�Pupils Fail Because They Can�t Read and Write�

The Adenta Municipal Director of Education, Rosemond A. Aduku, has blamed pupils� poor performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) on their poor reading and writing ability. She has therefore tasked teachers within the municipally �to do whatever it takes to ensure that the children can read, understand and write.� She asked the teachers not to be concerned about finishing their syllabus on time but also ensure that the pupils absorb the lessons. Addressing the maiden teacher�s durbar of the Ajirigannor Circuit, Ms. Aduku, however, warned that her call should not be used as a license by the teachers not to prepare their notes. She said �I only want you to be innovative in your method of teaching and not to be innovative in your method of teaching and not to be too scrupulous. Teachers should be innovative enough to get their pupils to read and write.�Ms Abuku said the assembly was prepared to sponsor teachers desirous to further their students in the teaching and learning of Ga as a Ghanaian language. She explained that the assembly decided to sponsor Ga �because we are on their land and we should promote the teaching of the language.� The Member of Parliament for the constituency, Kojo Adu-Asare, said as part of the programme to motivate teachers, he would reward 10 teachers from public schools this December. Prizes at stake include scholarships, gas cookers and mobile phones. He also promised to change the black board at the schools to white Formica boards. Mr Adu-Asare also advised them to close their ranks and not to allow themselves to be influenced by politicians, saying, �This is the only way you can get what is due you.� During the durbar, most of the teachers complained about lack of water and electricity which they said, were inhibiting teaching and learning They also complained of lack of adequate infrastructure to cope with the increasing number of the students. Similar durbars were held at Adjirigannor, Ashaley Botwe and Amrahia for the three circuits of education within municipality.