The Ministry of Education has announced a series of strategic initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, governance, and institutional development across Ghana’s public Colleges of Education.
Speaking at the inauguration of seven newly constituted governing councils in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, revealed that the number of public Colleges of Education in Ghana now stands at 48 — all funded by the taxpayer.
“This number includes three newly added institutions under the previous administration: the Savanna College of Education, the Ghana Muslim Mission College in Beposo, and Christ The Teacher College in Nsoko,” the Minister stated.
“We have directed the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to finalize the absorption processes for these colleges into the public system.”
The Minister also addressed the persistent challenge of inadequate hostel facilities in the Colleges of Education.
“In 2023, the Ministry initiated the construction of 45 hostels across 46 Colleges of Education,” he said. “However, only nine of these projects have seen significant progress and are nearing completion. Eleven others are moving steadily, but unfortunately, 25 projects have seen little to no advancement.”
To address the delays, the Ministry has taken decisive action.
“We have canceled the contracts for all stalled projects and will be re-awarding them,” the Minister announced. “An amount of GHC403 million has been earmarked under the GETFund to ensure the timely completion of these projects and to alleviate pressure on student accommodation.”
The Minister further highlighted that the 48 Colleges of Education are currently undergoing a transformation to attain university status — a transition that affects both governance and staff conditions.
“This migration necessitates amendments to the enabling Act that established the colleges,” he explained. “GTEC has been tasked to collaborate with the Attorney-General’s Department to facilitate the necessary legislative changes. We expect this process to be completed during the next sitting of Parliament.”
Given the transitional complexities and the absence of a fully revised legal framework, the Minister called on college councils to collaborate closely with GTEC.
“It is critical that governing councils consult with GTEC before making major decisions, especially regarding appointments and structural changes,” he emphasized.
The Minister also noted that approximately 20 principals across various institutions are set to retire or complete their mandatory terms in the coming year.
“I urge the governing councils to work hand-in-hand with GTEC to ensure a seamless and transparent process for selecting new leadership,” he added.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Colleges of Education through this critical phase.
“Our goal is to strengthen the tertiary education sector and ensure our colleges are well-equipped to deliver high-quality teacher education for generations to come,” the Minister concluded.
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