Facilities in Osu schools to improve(1/11/08)

The Osu Divisional Council and the Ga Traditional Council have budgeted to support infrastructure development and other projects in selected schools in Osu with about GH¢3 million.
Sixty per cent of the amount will be used for educational projects, while the remaining 40 per cent is earmarked for health and other social projects.
Addressing the heads and teachers of some selected schools in the area, the Osu Mantse, Nii Nortey Owuo III, said the council was aware of the numerous problems the schools faced and gave the assurance that these would be solved.
“It is clear the needs of our schools are many; with this first step taken by the council little effort will be needed from the metropolitan authorities to help find solutions to these problems”, he added.
The Circuit Supervisor of Osu Doku Circuit 45, Mrs Stella F. Abbey, told the elders that ”for efficient and effective future of the schoolchildren, quality education is very important, thus, the need for the provision of the necessary educational materials to enhance their academic pursuit”.
She added that the introduction of the Capitation Grant had increased enrolment in the schools and greatly stretched the schools' facilities.
Mrs Abbey said this development had created some challenges for the schools.
She said, "the schools lack textbooks, toilet facilities, potable drinking water as well as libraries”.
She added that the schools had to contend with lunatics and drug users who paraded the compound, putting the lives of pupils and teachers at risk.
The Circuit Supervisor added: ” Osu, being a very popular entertainment and marketing centre, has attracted some pupils into economic activities, to the detriment of their education”.
According to her, pupils spent long hours at Internet cafes, accessing pornographic materials and making money, which had negative effects on their academic performance.
“These children come to school tired and usually sleep in class, which hinders learning", she stated.
Mrs Stella Abbey appealed to the council for a community library and an ICT centre which would help improve the reading habits of the pupils and entertain them as well.
She called on the council to pay frequent visits to the schools to encourage and motivate pupils to study hard.
“The visits would also serve as a check on the teachers as well, ” she added.