The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has expressed concern over the poor performance of candidates of the Basic education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West African Senior Secondary School (WASSCE) in recent examinations being undertaken by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). The Union said Government must therefore make adequate allocation for the educational sector as it prepared the 2008 Budget, whiles students, parents and educational stakeholders also make concerted efforts to reverse the trend.

Mr Kweku Tuoho Bombason, NUGS President made the statement at a media interaction in Accra on Friday to share the visions and aspirations of the newly elected NUGS officers for 2007/2008. Mr Bombason said the provision of adequate resources must be government's priority to increase infrastructure and incentives for employees in the sector to forestall industrial action and facilitate the smooth implementation of the new Education Reforms. In relation with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) loan Scheme, the NUGS President said beneficiaries, especially fourth and third year students, have not yet received their package for the about to end semester, saying this was worrying considering the increment of fees, high cost of accommodation and living standards in and around campuses.

"For two years now, the SSNIT Loan Scheme has not received any increment. In view of this, NUGS wish to request government to consider increasing the loans to help make life a bit bearable for students and parents", he added.

Mr Bombason further called for streamlining of modalities regarding the implementation of the new student loan scheme: " The Student Trust", which would cater for students in their first and second years in tertiary institutions.

He commended the Public Accounts Committee for the on-going public hearing, saying it was an effective tool to free Ghana from corruption. The NUGS President also expressed concern on lack of consultation with policy makers, which had over the years accounted for poor student involvement in decision making.

"We wish to encourage the entire populace to take interest in the student movement, in terms of helping it to find her feet in our current democratic dispensation, after all a good NUGS means students will have a good power and less stress for parents and guardian", Mr Bombason added. Ms Afia Appiah, Manageress, Herge Foundation, a non-governmental organisation commended the students for adapting themselves to changing global demands, saying this was appropriate for the youth to assume new roles to contribute effectively to the country's development agenda. Dr Nii Alabi, a Communication Consultant also urged the students to adopt new attitudes that would change public perception on them and harness their student power to influence decision making and society.

Source: GNA