He wondered how 13,000 candidates out of 45,000 in the last Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) only managed to secure results beyond aggregate 36.

The region, he noted, had what it takes to reverse the trend, which denies most residents the opportunity to attend the ‘best schools’ in the country, which incidentally were located in the region.

Mr. Duncan was speaking in an interaction with media personnel at Cape Coast, to spell out his vision for the region after assuming office.

He explained that per the BECE results, only 300 students were able to make aggregate six while 35,000 students had between aggregate six and 36.

As a way of improving performance at the basic level of education, he said, he would work towards the introduction of a teacher’s awards scheme at the districts and regional level.

Mr. Duncan urged parents and stakeholders to encourage students from the region to make it to the top schools, instead of relying solely on the 30 per cent quota.

He said he would ensure that all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives promote sanitation.

The Regional Coordinating Council, he said, would not accept any excuse regarding poor sanitary conditions at the various assemblies.

He also indicated he would ensure job creation and woo investors to the region.

On the operations of the Komenda Sugar Factory, Mr. Duncan explained that the company was not functioning and did not have working capital to aid production.

The company, he said, only had a skeletal staff, adding that plans were underway to secure funding for the irrigation of sugarcane plantations since the raw material available was not enough.

“The factory must not be allowed to go waste and we are determined to ensure that it operates effectively and efficiently”, he intimated.

Mr. Duncan commended the media for promoting the development of the region, adding that he would collaborate with journalists towards the development of the region.

From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast