The Ashanti Region has received 19,310 uniforms under the Free School Uniforms programme by the President Atta Mills government.

The region has also taken delivery of 7,001,796 exercises books, under the Exercise Books scheme.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Kofi Opoku-Manu, in an Independence Day address to school children at the Jubilee Park, disclosed that more books and uniforms would soon arrive for distribution in the region.

He stressed the government’s commitment to reducing the burden of parents in the education of their wards manifested in the said programmes.

The Regional Minister reminded school children that the future of the nation depended on them, hence the need for the government to devote maximum attention to the education of the youth, and groom and prepare them for the task ahead in life.

Mr. Opoku-Manu also reminded parents of their responsibility towards the healthy upbringing of their children, and the need to guide the youth, to avoid the trappings of society.

At Effiduasi a contingent of about 2,000 school children, drawn from 28 primary, 20 junior High and four Senior High schools, took park in this year’s 53rd Independence Day parade at the local Methodist School park.

The American Co-operative School was adjudged the best in the primary category, with Effiduase Methodist Junior High School, and the Asokore Ahmadiyya Girls Senior High School, emerging first in their respective categories.

The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Kwadwo Adae, assisted by Divisional Police Commander, Supt. C. K. Amenyo and the District Director of Education, Mr. Amponsah Peasah, took the salute as the school children marched past the dais.

DCE Adae, referring to the theme of anniversary, “Investing in the youth for a Better Ghana” reminded the children that the future of the nation depended on them.
He advised them to concentrate on their books, and avoid bad company and behaviours that would prevent them from achieving their aspirations in life, and called for respect for the elderly.

Mr. Adae also called for discipline, particularly with time at school, at work, in the office, on the road, in the market, and in all spheres of life

Gracing the parade were the District Magistrate, Mr. Eric Baa, Nana Adu Ameyaw III, Effiduasehene, and a representative of the Asokorehene.