Minister Speaks Against Protocol Admission Of Students

Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Transport, has noted that the tendency by some people to seek the assistance of politicians for �protocol� admissions into second-cycle and tertiary institutions is worrying. He said it was a bother when the students on whose behalf their parents or guardians were acting obtained poor grades. Admissions to second and third cycle institutions are done on merit, based on required passes in all subjects including Mathematics, English Language and Science, he said. Alhaji Dauda was speaking on behalf of the Vice President, Mr John Dramani Mahama at a durbar to climax the bi-annual Apomaso festival of the chiefs and people of Ntotroso Traditional Area in Asutifi District of the Brong Ahafo Region, on the theme: �Promoting and Sustaining Quality Health through Chieftaincy.� He entreated farmers to place premium on the education of their children, adding that it is only through their support that their offspring would be able to obtain professional qualifications to secure lucrative jobs to become responsible and useful citizens. As part of the celebration of the festival, a fund-raising was organised towards the establishment of a Nursing Training College (NTC) at Ntotroso. Mr Eric Opoku, Deputy Regional Minister, gave the assurance that the Regional Co-ordinating Council would assist in the community to establish the NTC. He stated that government had increased allowances for trainee nurses from GH₵40.00 to GHC290.00 and appealed to the students to be nationalistic and accept postings to deprived communities after graduation. Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese, Paramount Chief of Yeji urged the people to support the council�s efforts by their contributions, especially with practical manifestation of the spirit of communal labour so as to achieve the goals of promoting quality health in the area. Mr. Paul Sowley, General Manager, Environment and Social Responsibility of Newmont Ghana Ahafo Mine said the company had spent about $370,000 to implement a number of development projects in the Ntotroso community. Barima Twereku Ampem III, Chief of Ntotroso appealed to politicians to refrain from trading insults and focus on developmental issues for the betterment of the lives of the people.