The Government has been urged to improve conditions in basic schools in the country to enable them function effectively under the new Education Reform, expected to begin next month. The improvement was necessary since for a long time to come, the schools would remain the only source for the acquisition of basic knowledge for many Ghanaians. Reverend Father Samuel Batsa, Director of Catholic Institute of Business and Technology in Accra, made the appeal at the maiden Speech and Prize-giving Day of the Star of the Sea JSS at Ngleshie Amanfro near Kasoa on Saturday. He said some schools, especially those in the rural areas needed more teachers, classrooms, furniture and other infrastructure to ensure effective teaching and learning. Rev. Batsa said "The success of any educational set up depended on good and committed teachers, quality administration, regular supply of teaching inputs, good supervision, remuneration of teachers and sustainable training programmes for them." He advised school children to learn hard to enable them to pass their examinations to justify the huge investment being made in their education by their parents and government. Rev. Batsa asked children to take their destiny into their own hands, saying, "if you do not help your self you cannot be where you want to be." Mrs Mary Nkelenbie, Headmistress of the School, appealed to individuals, organisations and government to assist the school with funds to enable it function effectively adding that the school was facing irregular supply of government textbooks. She said the school was constructing a three-storey classroom block, modern laboratory and library. Nana Kobina Akwanu I, Chief of Gomoa Adzintem in the Central Region, appealed to the Ghana Media Commission to regulate the showing of films in the country, especially those that portray violence and immorality. The Chief attributed the current spate of robbery, murder, rape and other crimes in the country to such films. Master Zenobia Yormekpe, a JSS two student of the School, was adjudged the best student. Source: GNA