DCE Encourages Kassena-Nankana West Pupils to Pursue Academic Dreams

The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kassena-Nankana, Mr. Stephen Aeke Akurugo, has urged school children in the District to pursue their academic dreams, just like their peers in Ghana’s major cities.

He gave this encouragement on Tuesday in Sirigu, Upper East Region, when he welcomed first-time pupils of the Mother of Mercy Nursery and Primary School during the nationwide “My First Day in School” celebration.

“I see future nurses, teachers, directors, and presidents amongst you; all you ought to do to become these is to take your studies seriously and obey school authorities,” Mr. Akurugo said.

He further assured them of the government’s continued support through interventions such as the School Feeding Programme and the Capitation Grant to ensure quality education across the district.

He stressed that access to education has improved significantly compared to decades ago, when students had to walk long distances and even cross rivers to attend school.

The DCE also disclosed that plans are underway to expand the School Feeding Programme to cover more schools, adding that the district will benefit from increased government investment in the education sector.

Concerned about the safety of the pupils, Mr. Akurugo proposed that the school be fenced and called for discussions with community leaders, GES, and the school’s management on how best to address the issue.

The District Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Madam Mary-Magdalene Wompakea, in her remarks, urged pupils to approach the new academic term with renewed energy after their six-week vacation.

She expressed concern that few pupils expressed interest in becoming teachers, reminding them that the teaching profession remains the foundation for all other careers.

“At all times as students, concentrate on your studies, respect your teachers and listen attentively in class, but ask questions where you don’t understand,” she advised.

Both the DCE and the GES Director later gave biscuits to the new pupils and cautioned them against absenteeism, which can affect their performance.

Judith Twumwaa, ISD