By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Aug. 5, GNA – Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, has sworn in Pastor Colonel (Rtd) Peter Nyarko Duodu as the new Governing Council Chair of the Asokore-Koforidua SDA College of Education.
He charged the new chair to work closely with the college management to enhance institutional performance and strengthen teacher education in the country.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Accra, Mr Iddrisu described the Asokore-Koforidua SDA College of Education as one of Ghana’s leading teacher training institutions and expressed confidence in Pastor Colonel (Rtd) Duodu’s ability to provide the leadership needed to support its growth and development.
The Minister disclosed that Government was considering the establishment of a National Teachers’ University, with the colleges of education serving as affiliated institutions.
“The proposed institution will group colleges into specialised areas, including early childhood education, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as language studies, including local Ghanaian languages,” he added.
He explained that some colleges would focus on early childhood education, while others would specialise in STEM and language instruction to strengthen teacher preparation and professional development.
On recent public discussions concerning the possible introduction of foreign languages into the national curriculum, Mr Iddrisu stressed that no policy decision had been taken by Government.
“Government has not taken a decision on any foreign language. Neither the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Education nor Cabinet has approved any such policy,” he stated.
He explained that the discussions were based on recommendations contained in a curriculum review document currently under consideration by the GES.
According to him, no official decision would be made until the GES submits its report and Government completes the required review process.
Mr Iddrisu reaffirmed that English remained Ghana’s official language and medium of instruction, while Government continued to promote the teaching and use of Ghanaian languages in schools.
In his acceptance remarks, Pastor Colonel (Rtd) Duodu pledged to promote effective leadership, strengthen governance structures and champion infrastructural development to enhance the college’s status as a leading teacher-training institution.
He said his immediate priority would be to ensure effective leadership and sound governance systems that would improve the overall performance of the college.
Pastor Colonel (Rtd) Duodu, who is also President of the South East Ghana Union Mission (SEGUM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, said his appointment came with the responsibility of supporting management in delivering quality teacher education.
He pledged to serve as an ambassador for the institution and help attract more students and stakeholders to support its development.
He said his immediate priority was to ensure that effective leadership and sound governance systems were put in place to improve the overall performance of the College.
He expressed his commitment to promoting the institution wherever he goes, describing the College as one of the best colleges in the country.
“Attracting more students and stakeholders to the institution will contribute significantly to its growth and development,” he added.
He also urged trainee teachers to approach their profession with passion and dedication, noting that teachers played a critical role in nurturing children and building a solid educational foundation for future generations.
Professor Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah, Principal of the College, commended the Education Minister for facilitating major infrastructure projects at the institution following President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to launch the Government’s No Fees Stress Policy.
He said although the President had initially planned to provide the college with a new hall of residence, the Minister successfully advocated for the institution to receive both the hall of residence and a multipurpose lecture theatre and auditorium complex also requested by the college.
Prof Adzahlie-Mensah said work on the projects had commenced through the intervention of the Minister and with support from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
He added that the college had also been promised a bus to complement a Toyota Prado vehicle already provided for official duties.
As a sign of appreciation, the Principal announced that the planned lecture theatre and auditorium complex would be named after President John Mahama, while the new hall of residence would be named after the Education Minister.
Prof Adzahlie-Mensah expressed confidence in the leadership of Pastor Colonel (Rtd) Duodu, saying his military and pastoral experience would strengthen governance and decision-making at the institution and contribute to the training of quality teachers for the country.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah