Bolgatanga: The Bolgatanga Municipal branch of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) has made a heartfelt appeal to the government to provide one hot meal a day for Junior High School (JHS) pupils. The initiative is especially aimed at benefiting students in mining and underprivileged communities to boost school enrollment and attendance.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Theophilus Akwara, the Municipal Chairman of COHBS, underscored the need for such an intervention at the fourth dinner night and send-off event for retirees. "Allow me to speak for the many young lives entrusted to our care. Poverty in some of our communities has become a silent enemy, one that pushes children into 'galamsey' not out of choice, but out of hunger," Akwara stated.
The Chairman highlighted that numerous JHS students attend school on empty stomachs due to their inability to afford even a single nutritious meal. This leads many to abandon school in search of food. "With the deepest respect, we make a passionate appeal to government: please consider providing one hot meal a day for JHS pupils, especially in mining and deprived communities," he reiterated.
During the event, Mr. Akwara and the gathered head teachers, dressed in vibrant outfits, celebrated their dedication to education and acknowledged their colleagues who were reassigned to the Municipal Education office. Mr. Akwara also expressed his gratitude for being unanimously re-elected as the Chair of COHBS for a second term, pledging to work diligently and transparently for the benefit of every head teacher.
He emphasized the strong relationship between COHBS leadership and the Municipal Education Directorate, assuring continued collaboration to enhance the quality of basic education. Mr. Abdul-Wahab Adam Hamid, the Regional Chairman of COHBS, also praised the commitment of members in the Municipality, urging them to persist in their efforts to shape future leaders through quality education.