Some of the graduates. INSET: Dr. Francis Hull Adams
Government has assured that it will support teachers with the requisite resources, professional development opportunities and reforms that will enable them to excel in the discharge of their duties.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, who gave the assurance, said, “Government wants to ensure effective teaching and learning, and so it is poised to support the various colleges of education with the requisite resources to deliver on their mandate.”
He stated this in an address read on his behalf at the 18th Congregation and 4th Graduation ceremony for the Bachelor of Education Programme of Holy Child College of Education in Takoradi.
The theme for the graduation ceremony of the all-female College of Education was “Women’s Education: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development.”
In all, 279 students graduated from the various programmes offered by the College.
Among them, 44 students obtained First Class Honours, 140 graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 70 with Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 20 with Third Class Honours and five with Pass degrees.
The minister indicated that teacher education is high on the agenda of the current government.
To this end, he noted that plans are afoot to establish a University of Teacher Education to help upskill teacher education in Ghana.
The Principal of the College, Dr. Francis Hull Adams, disclosed that accommodation of the College remains inadequate, resulting in overcrowding in the halls of residence.
“Our washroom facilities are under considerable pressure due to increasing enrolment, making further investment in sanitation infrastructure an urgent necessity,” he stated.
Dr. Adams mentioned that security also remains a major concern. He said the absence of a completed perimeter wall has made the College a thoroughfare, exposing members of the community and College property to avoidable risks.
He further stated that lack of sustainable internet connectivity also affects effective teaching, learning and research in the era of digital transformation.
“The College also requires additional vehicles to support its expanding academic and administrative activities.
“I therefore appeal to government, our development partners, alumnae, corporate organisations and all friends of Holy Child College of Education to continue supporting the College,” he pointed out.
Dr. Mrs. Phyllis Agyeman Nyarko, Principal of Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education, who was the Guest Speaker, noted that any country that wants to experience sustainable development does not joke with women’s education.
“Educating women plays a vital role in a country’s economic growth, public health, poverty reduction and environmental stewardship among others,” she stated.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi