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LV & SV Dr. W.G. Bruce-Konuah
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GV Delegates seated.
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SCU Dr. Bruce-Konuah speaking
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SV Delegates
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CU Mr. Nii Amaa Ollennu listening
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GV Delegates
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CU & GV Dr. Bruce-Konuah speaks and delegates listen (4 shots)
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GV Delegates applaud.
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SV African-American Labour Centre delegate speaking and audience listening (5 shots)
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Initials BB/1200 JH/BOB/BB/1214



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The first African regional conference of the International Federation of Free Teachers Unions opened in Accra on Tuesday (7 December). In the opening address, Ghana's Minister of Labour and Co-operatives, Dr. William Bruce-Konuah, called for continued dialogue among African countries in educational and social fields.

Seven nations were represented at the opening session--and more are expected later during the week-long conference.

SYNOPSIS: Ghana's Minister of Labour and Co-operatives speaks in Accra in Tuesday's opening session of the first African regional conference of the International Federation of Free Teachers Unions.

In his opening address, Dr. Bruce-Konuah called for greater African cooperation in educational fields.

The first day of the week-long conference was chaired by the speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Nii Amaa Ollennu.

Delegates from Ghana, Togo, Dahomey, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tunisia attended the opening session of the conference, which has as its theme "Education in a developing economy". The Labour Minister told the delegates that Ghana is trying to build a strong and effective labour administration which would be fully equipped to bear the new and broader responsibilities demanded by growing social and economic complexity. Dr. Bruce-Konuah added that Africa must use its human resources rationally and productively to eradicate inequality and create political freedom.

Mr. Leonard Schillar, leader of the African-American Labour Centre delegation, expressed solidarity with the Federation. He told the delegates that he wished the conference success in its deliberations and said his Centre would try to be a worthy partner in all their endeavours. Conference sources have said they expect additional countries to join the conference during the week.