Government to align teacher training programs with global standards

By Kodjo Adams/ Benedicta Quaye

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA – Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, has announced that the government is working on developing teacher training programmes that meet global standards.

He stated that the government was dedicated to enhancing collaborations between Colleges of Education and global institutions to share knowledge and adopt best practices.

The Minister said this in a statement delivered on his behalf during the launch of Accra College of Education’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

It was on the theme: “60 Years of Teacher Education in Ghana: Reflecting the Past, Understanding the Present, and Transforming the Future — The Role of Accra College of Education.”

The Minister assured that the government would prioritize teacher research and innovation through continued collaboration with institutions like NACA and others to improve the quality of education in the country.

“The ministry remains committed to supporting Accra College of Education in the broader vision of transforming Ghana’s education system, he said.

Dr Adutwum said the government had implemented the national teacher education curriculum framework to improve teacher quality in the country.

The government had also introduced inclusive education policies to prepare teachers to address diverse learning needs.

Dr. Adutwum said that the government had incorporated digital learning tools and ICT into teacher education to modernize teaching methods across Colleges of Education.

He noted that the Free Senior High School policy had increased access to secondary education, which in turn required a steady supply of well-trained teachers, making Colleges of Education essential to the success of the policy.

The Minister urged stakeholders to continue collaborating with Accra College of Education to help achieve the country’s educational transformation goals.

Professor Samuel Atintono, the Principal of Accra College of Education, acknowledged that the institution was facing challenges with inadequate infrastructure, particularly in terms of classrooms and residential facilities.

He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had worsened these issues, and currently, only 400 students could be housed in residential facilities.

To accommodate more students, the college had repurposed existing spaces, raising capacity to 700.

“Despite these hurdles, the institution remains committed to producing skilled, adaptable teachers to drive sustainable development in the country,” he said.

Prof. Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ghana, said the college had shown resilience and adaptability in the changing environment, integrating digital tools, online learning academics, and modern pedagogy to prepare teachers to thrive in the 21st century classroom.

He commended the College for embracing inclusivity and fostering an environment where students from all backgrounds could access quality teacher education.

GNA