By Agbaxode Emmanuel, GNA
Akatsi (VR), Dec. 23, GNA- A total of 469 graduands comprising 125 Upper Primary Education and 344 JHS Education categories of the Akatsi College of Education (Akatsico) have been conferred with a Bachelor of Education Degrees.
The academic performance of the graduating class, according to the school authorities, was unprecedented, with as many as 104 students attaining first-class honours, compared with 49 last year.
This was disclosed in an address by Dr Felix Kumedzro, Principal of the College, who stated that 269 students earned second class Upper, 84 graduated with second Class Lower, and 12 with third class.
“One significant highlight of this year’s results is that no student graduated with a pass which is a remarkable and notable achievement in the history of the college.”
“This success was made possible by the collective support of various Stakeholders. I acknowledge with appreciation the support accorded to the graduands by parents, guardians, and staff of the College, Head teachers of our partner Basic schools, and mentors.”
Dr Kumedzro acknowledged the invaluable support received by the College from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) through the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
He said the supports have enhanced their ICT facilities, the upgrade of the College’s library, making it one of the well-resourced libraries among the Colleges of Education in Ghana, and improved the furniture situation within their lecture halls.
Dr Kumedzro also touched on the state of the College involving all sectors as well as the challenges facing them among which he said, include inadequate water supply, understaffing, infrastructure deficits such as inadequate lecture halls and hostel facilities, staff accommodation, and the absence of College Auditorium.
Dr Samuel Addae-Boateng, Principal of Atebubu College of Education and Guest Speaker for the ceremony, on his part, stated that the event served as an opportunity for all to collectively examine the state of teacher education in Ghana and determine how best they could secure its future within the tertiary landscape.
Speaking on the theme, “Sustaining the Tertiary Status of Colleges of Education in Ghana: Challenges and the Way Forward,” he said the quality of teacher preparation remained central to the quality of education in Ghana.
Dr Addae-Boateng, who also serves as Secretary to the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Ghana (PRINCOF), called for urgent steps to mitigate what he titled ‘realistic challenges’ facing Colleges of Education in Ghana.
These, he said, include funding constraints, infrastructural gaps, incomplete GETFund projects, limited autonomy in academic and administrative decisions, staffing and professional development challenges.
“A defining feature of any tertiary institution is the strength of its staff. Yet, Colleges of Education continue to grapple with a significant shortage of qualified Lecturers, particularly PhD holders.”
Dr Addae-Boateng also added that sustaining the tertiary status of Colleges of Education called for bold thinking, decisive reforms, and a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to place teacher education at the center of national development.
“The challenges confronting our institutions are real, but they are not insurmountable. They call for coordinated solutions grounded in policy, innovation, and collaborative leadership.”
Dr Cynthia Sena Kpeglo-Freiku, the College Council Chairperson in an address during the dissolution of the congregation, reminded the graduating students that the certificates earned remained the symbols of trust.
“Trust that you will teach with competence, live with integrity, and uphold the values of our society. Remember that in our tradition, leadership is measured by service, and true knowledge is proven through humility and good conduct.”
On behalf of the Governing Council, Dr Kpeglo-Freiku reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the College through effective governance, strategic partnerships, and respectful collaboration with traditional authorities and all stakeholders.
Dignitaries from academia, business partners, traditional rulers, including Mr Dnaiel Dagba, the Akatsi South Municipal Chief Executive, among others took part in the event.
Miss Doe Princella was adjudged as the overall best graduating student with cash prizes and awards going to deserving students.
GNA
Edited by: Awumah Maxwell/Linda Asante Agyei