The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu has unveiled new measures to strengthen infrastructure and governance in Ghana’s Colleges of Education.
Speaking in Sunyani at the inauguration of seven governing councils for the colleges, the Minister confirmed that the country now has 48 public Colleges of Education funded by the taxpayer.
This includes three institutions added under the previous administration — Savanna College of Education, Ghana Muslim Mission College in Beposo, and Christ the Teacher College in Nsoko.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has been directed to finalize the absorption processes for these three colleges.
Addressing the acute shortage of hostel facilities, the Minister explained: “In 2023, the Ministry of Education initiated processes for the construction of 45 hostels across 46 Colleges of Education. Unfortunately, only nine of these projects have made significant progress and are nearing completion, while 11 have shown steady progress, and 25 have not seen much work done.”
Mr. Iddrisu announced that contracts for the stalled projects have been canceled and will be re-awarded, with GH¢403 million allocated under the GETFund to complete the works and ease the burden on students.
The Minister further highlighted the ongoing migration of the 48 Colleges of Education to full university status.
This shift, he explained, will affect staff conditions of service as well as the enabling Act that established the colleges.
GTEC has therefore been tasked to work with the Attorney General’s Department to amend the Act, with changes expected to be finalized in the next sitting of Parliament.
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Given the complexities of the transition and the absence of a fully aligned legal framework, the Minister urged all college councils to collaborate closely with GTEC on major decisions, particularly key appointments.
He also revealed that about 20 principals will retire or complete their mandatory terms next year, calling on the governing councils to work with GTEC to ensure a smooth succession process.
The Ministry of Education, he assured, remains committed to supporting the transition and improving the quality of tertiary education in Ghana.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
