.

Regional ministers decry fallen standards in basic schools

Regional ministers have expressed concern over the fallen standard of education at the basic level and have called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to address the challenges that hinder the development of the sector.

In a communiqué at the fourth Regional Ministers’ Review Conference in Elmina on Monday, the ministers said the situation was worrying and needed all hands on deck to stem the tide.

The communique, read by the Chairman of the conference, Mr Mark Woyongo, who is also the Upper East Regional Minister, noted some of the challenges arising from the status and the roles of the regional co-ordinating councils in the initial implementation of the Legislative Instrument 1961.

It said the LI was at variance with provisions of existing laws, such as Act 462, Act 656 and PNDC Law 327, and called for an immediate clarification and resolution of the conflict.

The communique also expressed concern over the spate of agitation for the removal of metropolitan/municipal and district chief executives and asked all assemblies to follow due process.

It commended the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development’s commitment to the decentralisation programme and its continuous support for the conference of regional ministers.

The conference urged the ministers to support the government to enhance waste management and sanitation in the country.