The Government of Ghana has granted policy approval for the establishment of a new College of Education at Ezinlibo in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region, in a move aimed at expanding access to tertiary education and strengthening teacher training across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, during a high-level meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas). The initiative forms part of government’s broader strategy to improve educational infrastructure and address the growing demand for trained teachers, particularly in underserved regions.
According to the Minister, the Ministry of Education, working closely with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), has made a strong case for the establishment of the institution, noting that it aligns with national priorities to enhance the quality and accessibility of teacher education.
“This approval represents a significant step towards expanding opportunities for tertiary education in the Western Region and ensuring that more young people have access to quality teacher training.”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education.
Partnership with Ghana Gas
The proposed college will be developed in partnership with Ghana Gas as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The collaboration reflects an increasing trend of public-private partnerships in Ghana’s education sector, where corporate institutions contribute to national development through targeted investments.
Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas, Miss Judith Adjoa Blay, explained that the engagement followed a formal proposal submitted by the Nzema Academia and Educationalist Association, which has been advocating for the establishment of a teacher training institution in the area.
She noted that the meeting with the Ministry of Education was intended to discuss the policy direction and overall framework for the project before moving into a more detailed technical phase.
“This engagement allows us to align on the vision, scope, and implementation framework of the project before we proceed to the next stage, where technical requirements will be fully outlined”
Miss Judith Adjoa Blay, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas
Addressing Educational Gaps in the Western Region
The establishment of the College of Education at Ezinlibo is expected to play a key role in addressing longstanding educational gaps in the Western Region, particularly in teacher supply and training.
Over the years, stakeholders have raised concerns about the limited number of teacher training institutions in certain parts of the country, which affects the distribution of qualified teachers and impacts learning outcomes at the basic education level.
By situating the college in Jomoro Municipality, government aims to decentralize access to teacher education and encourage more students from the region to pursue teaching as a profession. This is expected to improve teacher retention in rural and coastal communities, where shortages are often most severe.
Education experts have consistently emphasized that improving teacher training capacity is critical to strengthening Ghana’s education system, particularly at the foundational level where literacy and numeracy skills are developed.
Timeline and Funding Considerations
The Minister indicated that the project is scheduled for implementation in 2027, subject to the availability of funding. He noted that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) will play a central role in financing the establishment of the college.
While policy approval has been granted, detailed planning and technical assessments are expected to take place in the coming months to determine infrastructure requirements, staffing needs, and accreditation processes.
The involvement of multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and the private sector, is expected to ensure that the project is delivered efficiently and meets national standards for tertiary education institutions.
Boosting Local Development
Beyond its educational impact, the establishment of the college is also expected to contribute to local economic development in Ezinlibo and surrounding communities.
The presence of a tertiary institution typically leads to increased economic activity, including job creation, infrastructure development, and growth in local businesses such as housing, transportation, and retail services.
For residents of Jomoro Municipality, the project represents not only an opportunity to improve access to education but also a pathway to broader socio-economic transformation.
A Step Towards Inclusive Education
The planned College of Education forms part of Ghana’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and equitable education across all regions. By expanding access to teacher training, the government aims to build a more resilient education system capable of meeting the needs of a growing population.
Stakeholders remain optimistic that the collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Ghana Gas will deliver a modern, well-resourced institution that will serve generations of students and contribute meaningfully to national development.
READ ALSO: Mining Firms Cushioned as GSL Bill Secures Presidential Assent
