By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Beyin (W/R), July 18, GNA– Traditional authorities in the Nzema area have unanimously endorsed plans to establish Ghana’s first Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) training college in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.
The traditional leaders representing the people of Beyin, Ezinlibo and neighbouring communities pledged their support for the project.
The endorsement was given during a courtesy call by a high-level government delegation spearheading the proposed Jomoro College of Education (JOCoE) project to the traditional leaderships of these communities.
The delegation was led by Professor George K.T. Oduro, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Education, and included officials from the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), academia and members of the JOCoE Project Committee.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, Awulae Agyefi Kwame III, Paramount Chief of the Jomoro Traditional Area and President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, declared the chiefs’ full support for the initiative.
“We have 100 per cent endorsed this project,” he said.
According to him, the college would expand educational opportunities for young people and contribute significantly to the development of the Nzema area.
Awulae Agyefi Kwame III said the institution would also complement the proposed Petroleum Hub Development Project by helping to produce the skilled workforce needed to support future industrial activities.
“We will need technical skills and people with the technical know-how to support the Petroleum Hub. This project will help groom our children to become the workforce needed for such developments,” he stated.
Professor Oduro said that the engagement with the chiefs was fruitful and encouraging.
He said the success and sustainability of government projects depended largely on the support of local communities and traditional authorities.
“Policies alone do not guarantee implementation. You need community support, stakeholder support and the support of traditional authorities,” he said.
He noted that the project aligned with government’s agenda of strengthening STEM education from the foundational level through tertiary education.
The chiefs’ engagement formed part of a four-day working visit by the delegation to the Western Nzema area. Earlier, the team toured the Ghana Gas Processing Plant at Atuabo to explore opportunities for collaboration and regional development.
The delegation also held discussions with Members of Parliament, Municipal Chief Executives, Assembly Members and Municipal Directors of Education, and visited the Nzulezo stilt village.
The proposed Jomoro College of Education is being promoted as a pioneering institution that will combine teacher education with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Unlike conventional colleges of education, the institution is expected to prepare teachers with practical technical and technological competencies to support Ghana’s evolving knowledge and industrial economy.
GNA
Reporter: Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Email: [email protected]
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong