AFRICA, GHANA, Varsity Don, Omanhene Condemn Extra Classes

Effiduase-Ash — THE PRO-VICE Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Professor Peter Donkor has bemoaned the extra classes phenomenon which is lingering in the various Senior High Schools.

He said the syndrome has come to discourage students from learning on their own, thus impairing their potential as critical thinkers.

The pro-Vice Chancellor was addressing the first ever Speech and Prize Giving Day of the Effiduase Senior High and Commercial School (EFFISCO) over the weekend.

According to him, students have become over dependent on extra classes, such that without extra classes students refuse to learn on their own and solve own problems as critical thinkers and trained academicians.

"Extra classes are creating room for students to be over dependent on learning by rot, which become known as 'apo', something he says affects the students when they get to tertiary level.

Prof. Donkor commended EFFISCO for expanding their curriculum from commercial school to modern day Senior High School, resulting in the production of individuals with workaholic skills, such as accounting, purchasing and supplying, which is key to the unemployment situation in Ghana.

The university don thanked the teachers, saying as a teacher himself, their reward is in heaven, and lauded the students who were awarded for their excellence in the various disciplines of study.

He urged students to work hard in humility and always contribute to the growth of their school. "When you get money, donate to your alma mater since that is your root", he advised.

The university don also expressed worry over the negligence of science education, which is the key to national development by the various governments.

Professor Nana Agyewodin Adu-Gyamfi Ampem, the Omanhene of Achirensua Traditional Area, on his part urged Ghanaian teachers to adopt heroic attitude and teach school children to the best of their ability as professional teachers for the good of Ghana, without charging any extra money and stay away from mercenary attitude which has characterized their profession.

The Omanhene's concern was premised on the infamous expensive extra classes which are being organized by teachers in Senior High School across the length and breadth of the country.

Taking his turn to address students, teachers and parents at the occasion, which also marked the 70th anniversary of the school, the academician cum traditional ruler charged teachers not to throw professional ethics to the dogs by charging GH¢100.00 extra classes fee, for what they are being paid for.

According to him, standards of education were steadily deteriorating in the second cycle level in Ghana following the phenomenon.

Mr. Kwadwo Opuni Boakye, the head master of the school, appealed to the government to come to the aid of the school by providing adequate spaces for dormitories.