The government has intensified efforts to transition Ghana’s 48 Colleges of Education into full-fledged universities, a move expected to transform teacher training and tertiary education delivery nationwide.
Speaking at the inauguration of seven governing councils for Colleges of Education in Sunyani, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that the migration process will not only affect the conditions of service for staff but also require significant legal reforms.
According to him, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has been directed to work closely with the Attorney General’s Department to amend the enabling Act that established the colleges.
The Minister further urged governing councils to collaborate closely with GTEC in all major decision-making, particularly on appointments, while the legislative adjustments are underway.
Mr. Iddrisu also disclosed that nearly 20 principals of these institutions are due for retirement or the end of their mandatory terms next year, urging councils to ensure a smooth succession process.
Beyond governance reforms, the Minister highlighted that three new colleges—Savanna College of Education, Ghana Muslim Mission College in Beposo, and Christ the Teacher College in Nsoko—have recently been added, bringing the total to 48 public Colleges of Education funded by the taxpayer.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges with hostel infrastructure, the Education Minister assured that government remains committed to completing stalled projects to support the full transition of these colleges into universities.
“In 2023, the Ministry of Education initiated processes for the construction of 45 hostels across 46 Colleges of Education,” the Minister stated. “Unfortunately, only nine of these projects have made significant progress and are nearing completion, while 11 have shown steady progress, and 25 have not seen much work done”.
