The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has presented twenty (20) brand new twin-turbo engine Toyota Prado vehicles to selected Colleges of Education to enhance effective supervision and administrative operations.
The presentation forms part of an initiative by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), with support from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), aimed at strengthening the monitoring and supervisory roles of principals across Colleges of Education nationwide.
Beneficiary Institutions
The beneficiary institutions include Accra College of Education, Ada College of Education, Akatsi College of Education, Al-Faruq College of Education (Wenchi), Bagabaga College of Education (Tamale), Berekum College of Education, Enchi College of Education, Foso College of Education (Assin Foso), Holy Child College of Education (Takoradi), Jasikan College of Education, Nusrat Jahan Ahmadiyya College of Education (Wa), Offinso College of Education, OLA College of Education (Cape Coast), Presbyterian Women’s College of Education (Aburi), SDA College of Education (Asokore-Koforidua), St. John Bosco College of Education (Navrongo), St. Vincent College of Education (Yendi), Tamale College of Education, Tumu College of Education, Wesley College of Education (Kumasi), and the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG).
Commitment to Teacher Education
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu noted that although the ideal number of vehicles required was forty-six, resource constraints made it possible to deliver twenty at this stage. He urged beneficiary institutions to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles.
The Minister emphasized that the initiative goes beyond mobility, highlighting government’s commitment to improving efficiency, effectiveness, and welfare within teacher education. He reiterated that quality education begins with quality teachers, stressing the importance of investing in teacher training institutions.
Inclusion of Mission-Based Institutions
Hon. Iddrisu also acknowledged that eight of the beneficiary Colleges of Education are mission-based, describing the gesture as a reflection of the strong partnership between the state and faith-based institutions in delivering equitable and quality education across the country.
Appreciation from Beneficiaries
Delivering an acceptance statement on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Council Chair of the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, Prof. Olivia Kwapong, expressed gratitude for what she described as a timely and valuable gift, and pledged responsible use of the vehicles.
Similarly, the President of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Ghana, Prof. Samuel A. Atintono, commended the government and GTEC for recognizing the critical role Colleges of Education play in shaping the future of teacher education. He noted that the vehicles would significantly improve supervision, outreach, collaboration, and administrative efficiency.
Call for Responsible Use
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the GTEC Council, Prof. Mahama Duweijua, urged principals to appreciate the strategic efforts led by the Director-General of GTEC in securing the vehicles. He emphasized that the vehicles were acquired through careful allocation of resources and should be viewed as essential tools for advancing quality education rather than mere means of transportation.
