Member of Parliament for Effutu Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on local teachers to avoid influencing students with their political beliefs as the 2024 December elections approach.
He emphasized that such actions can create division and tension within schools.
During a laptop distribution event for teachers in Effutu, part of his one-teacher-one-laptop initiative, Afenyo-Markin stated, “In this election year, everyone is entitled to their political opinions. However, as educators, it’s crucial to maintain a harmonious environment. Engage in political discussions if you must, but keep them civil and avoid causing unnecessary strife. Don’t let the political climate extend to your students.”
He further urged, “Express your views and offer critiques in a constructive manner. The politics of insults are detrimental to our country. We should be able to debate respectfully, like I do with my colleague Dr. Ato Forson, and still enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, or ‘waakye’ together afterward. That’s the essence of democracy. This is common practice in more developed democracies.”
Afenyo-Markin also encouraged teachers to maximize the use of the tablets provided, noting, “We want to support you in educating our children. In this age of Artificial Intelligence, it’s vital to have the right tools to stay ahead. Without them, students might outpace you in knowledge. Utilize these resources, research, and pass on your findings. Effutu is well-equipped with libraries, offering ample materials to aid in educating the youth,” he concluded.