Education is the bedrock of any nation’s development, and in Ghana, teacher training institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring quality basic education. Well-trained teachers form the foundation of a robust educational system, equipping students with knowledge and skills necessary for national progress.
Recognizing this, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing teacher education by transforming colleges of education into degree-awarding institutions, expanding infrastructure, and implementing financial support mechanisms.
Speaking at the ninth congregation of the Nustrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education, Upper West Minister Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing reiterated the dedication of the John Mahama-led NDC administration to fulfilling its educational promises as outlined in the party’s manifesto.
He emphasized that teacher education remains a central pillar of the nation’s development agenda.
Education is the cornerstone of development, and for that matter, teacher education remains central to the aspirations of the people. The future of Ghana’s basic education rests on the shoulders of competent and well-trained teachers.
To this end, the NDC government has pledged to complete the transition of all colleges of education into fully-fledged degree-awarding institutions. According to Hon. Puozuing, this initiative is aimed at equipping teacher trainees with the highest level of training and professional development to meet global standards.
Infrastructure remains a key focus for the NDC government’s education agenda. To accommodate the increasing student intake, plans are underway to expand infrastructure across various colleges of education.
“We will expand infrastructure in colleges of education to accommodate increasing student intake and ensure that no qualified Ghanaian is denied the opportunity to pursue teacher education due to financial constraints.’’
Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Upper West Minister
Financial support remains a major challenge for many teacher trainees. To address this, the NDC government plans to improve and resource the student loan scheme to enable students to access funds with ease, reducing the financial burden on them and their families.
Additionally, the Minister added that government has proposed a no-fee policy for all first-year students in tertiary institutions, including colleges of education. This initiative is expected to increase enrollment and enhance access to quality teacher education.
Challenges
Despite these promising initiatives, the Nustrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education, continues to face infrastructure challenges. The principal of the college, Mr. Shani Osman, highlighted some of the pressing needs during his address at the congregation.
He pointed out that there is an urgent need for the completion of a two-story lecture complex with offices and other ancillary facilities in the school. Unfortunately, the contractor took possession of the site but has not returned since 2020 because government did not pay him.
The delay in completing such critical projects poses a challenge to the effective delivery of education in the institution. He urged the government and relevant stakeholders to intervene and ensure the completion of these projects to enhance the teaching and learning environment.
Academic Excellence, Statistics
The ninth congregation saw the graduation of 274 students, forming the second batch of the four-year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) program. Seven students attained first-class honors, including one female. The distribution of first-class honors by elective specializations was as follows; Mathematics and Science Specialism: 2 students, Agricultural Science and Home Economics Specialism: 2 students, History and Religious and Moral Education Specialism: 2 students, History and Geography Specialism: 1 student
In addition to the first-class graduates, 130 students (47.6%) obtained second-class upper division, 150 students (72.4%) obtained second-class lower division, and 21 students (7.7%) graduated with third-class honors.
Professor Issaka Kanton Osumanu, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Simon University of Business and Integrated Government Studies, represented the Ghana Education Commission and conferred the honors on the graduating students. In his address, he encouraged graduates to embrace professional growth.
“To become more knowledgeable, your quest must not end here but must continue with further training and constant learning.’’
Professor Issaka Kanton Osumanu, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Simon University
The emphasis on continuous education and professional development aligns with the NDC government’s vision of transforming teacher education in Ghana. By providing enhanced training and financial support, the administration aims to produce competent and well-equipped teachers who will drive the nation’s educational agenda forward.
The NDC government, under the leadership of John Mahama, remains committed to improving teacher education through policy reforms, infrastructural expansion, and financial support.
While challenges persist, including incomplete projects at institutions such as the Nustrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education, the overall outlook for teacher trainees remains promising.
With the continued focus on education as a key driver of national development, Ghana’s future in basic education rests in the hands of well-trained and highly skilled teachers.
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