The Member of Parliament for the Mfantseman West constituency of the Central Region, Aquinas Quansah is in somewhat of a battle with former MP for the area and former Minister of Information in the Kufuor administration, Stephen Asamoah Boateng over who initiated vacation classes for students in the area. Speaking on Asempa FM’s current affairs talk show, Ekosii Sen on Wednesday, Mr. Quansah said about a month ago he had discussions with three heads of Senior High Schools in the area on an initiative to engage the students in an academic exercise during the long vacation period. According to him he sent letters of correspondence to head teachers and parents who pledged their support towards this course. He said the target was students in second cycle institutions in the area who are on vacation. He explained that in consultation with the District Director of Education for the area they decided to give the students a week’s rest and commence the classes on the 6th of August through to the 9th of September 2011. Mr. Quansah disclosed that he was utterly dismayed when he received reports that the former MP for the area was publicizing via information vans that he was also organizing vacation classes in the area. He hinted that he has not been in touch with Mr. Asamoah Boateng over the issue but assured that he has a team in place that is working to set things right. He said he has no problems with anybody who has intentions of supporting the youth in the area through education. Meanwhile Stephen Asamoah Boateng has told Asempa FM’s Nana Bobie Ansah that he was the first to have initiated the exercise since 2001 even though it came to a halt some few years back due to certain challenges which have now been resolved. Mr. Asamoah Boateng noted that he was surprised when he heard that the incumbent MP had started his recently. He maintained that the focus is on the students and will not be worried if anyone decides to organize another. He also denied allegations that the information vans announced that the classes were being organized by the NPP. He expressed worry over the situation and promised to do everything within his power to settle the matter. Story by Abraham Lante Lamptey/Asempa News/Ghana