He said the activities of illegal small-scale miners in water bodies at the countryside were polluting sources of drinking water for most Ghanaians and, therefore, called for frantic efforts by all stakeholders to curb the practice.

 

     Mr Alfred Ekow Gyan made the call during the 58thIndependence Day Parade at Agona-Nkwanta in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region, under the theme,” Achieving Transformation Through National Unity”

 

     He entreated Ghanaians to develop positive attitudes to work and be disciplined at all times to achieve the vision of the forefathers.

 

     The Deputy Minister expressed regret over corruption, indiscipline, religious intolerance, poverty and squalor that had engulfed the African continent, which is drawing the continent back and called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to remedy the situation.

 

     He entreated school children to take their studies seriously in order to take the mantle of leadership of this country in future.

 

     The District Assembly and the Ghana Education Service presented awards to four students who excelled in last year’s Basic Education Certificate Examinations.

 

     The beneficiaries, who are currently in second cycle educational institutions, are Seth Baidoo, Ghana Secondary Technical School, Winifred Koomson, Adiembra Secondary School, Francis Arthur, Nkroful Agricultural Secondary School and Joyce Koomson, Aggrey Memorial Secondary School.

 

     In all, 700 students and pupils from selected basic, junior and senior high schools in the district took part in the parade.