Pidgin English said to be accounting for poor school results

Mr James Gunu, Akatsi-North District Chief Executive has attributed students’ poor showing in examinations to the use of Pidgin English and poor spelling abilities.

He appealed to parents and teachers in particular to encourage students to cultivate the habit of speaking good English and taking English dictation and spellings at home and school right from the basic level.

Mr Gunu was addressing the final spelling competition dubbed: “Spelling-Bee,” for four basic schools from the Akatsi-South and Akatsi-North districts to select the final schools to represent the areas in the Volta Regional contest.

The competition was instituted by the National Commission for Civic Education for Civic Education (NCCE) clubs in schools to help students master spelling, identified as major challenge facing many students.

Mr Gunu also suggested the institution of a special scheme to enhance the quality of English language.

He urged teachers, parents and other stakeholders to contribute to shaping the country’s education sector without which “our society would stagnate and wallow in poverty”.

Mr Gunu said there was need for serious work in improving education in his district.

He commended the competing schools for the excellent performance as well as the NCCE for the programme.

Mr Godwin Agboada, Akatsi-South Director of NCCE said the Commission is interested in the promotion of community and national interest to ensure sustained development hence the civil education class.

Ami Junior High School (JHS), a private basic school became first with 67 marks, Torve JHS, a public school was second with 63 marks, Ave-Afiadenyigba JHS  came third with 55 marks and Wisdom JHS also a private school, fourth with 54 marks.

Source: GNA