We must embrace innovation in teacher education — Minister
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has entreated all colleges of education to embrace innovation and collaboration in the administration of their respective colleges to enhance quality products from the colleges for the basic schools in the country.
He said colleges of education needed to foster a culture of continuous professional development in order to ensure that “our teachers are well equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
We must leverage technology effectively, not just as a tool, but as an integral part of the learning process.”
“We need to strengthen partnerships between colleges of education, the Ministry of Education, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and all other stakeholders to create a supportive ecosystem for teacher training and career progression,” the minister stressed.
Mr Iddrisu said this in a speech read on his behalf by Prof. Mahama Dawiejua at the 75th Anniversary of Mount Mary College of Education (MOMACOE) at Somanya in the Yilo Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region.
The anniversary was on the theme: “Celebrating 75 Years of Teacher Education with Catholic Values at Mount Mary College of Education: Impact, Challenges and Prospects’’.
Constant evaluation
The education minister noted that the evolving needs of the society demanded constant re-evaluation of curricular, pedagogical approaches and the skills required of educators as the colleges of education grappled with issues of access to quality training, particularly in underserved areas.
A Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Rev. Fr Dr Michael Kodzo Mensah, said while it was true that Catholic teacher education in Ghana faced challenges, it was important to recognise that those difficulties also presented opportunities for growth and development.
“The perceived lack of trained Catholic educators can be addressed through innovative training programmes and partnerships with universities which can enhance the quality of instruction and reinforce the schools’ religious identity,” he added.
The Principal of the College, Dr Cecilia Esinam Agbeh, said the current population of the college stood at 1,456 made up of 580 males and 876 females, with 54 academic and 93 non-academic staff.
She mentioned infrastructure deficit as a major challenge facing the school and called for assistance from the alumni of the college and other stakeholders to help.
The President of the Alumni Worldwide, Joseph Saki Venyor, said it was the duty of the old students to support the college in its continuous pursuit of academic work and professional excellence.
The Student Representative Council President, Maxwell Amuzu Foli, pledged recommitment of the students to upholding the values of excellence, integrity and service that defined MOMACOE for 75 years.
Land litigation
The Bishop of the Koforidua Diocese of the Catholic Church, Most Rev. Fr. Joseph Afrifa Agyekum, who chaired the function, pleaded with the people in the Krobo area to stop land litigation on which the college is built for more infrastructure developments.
