President John Dramani Mahama has stated that no new school will be constructed without corresponding teacher accommodation.
He stressed the need to celebrate, support and empower teachers, emphasising that teacher support and empowerment were crucial for national development.
In a speech read on his behalf at the last session of the 30th Congregation of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), last Saturday, the President said improving basic education and infrastructure remained dear to his administration.
"Our plans include a focus on teacher education and capacity development, addressing the challenges faced by rural-based teachers, and potentially developing housing and auto loan schemes through teacher unions," he stated.
"We have pledged to enhance basic education by constructing additional libraries, reinstating the supply of textbooks and reading materials to all basic schools, and ensuring the prompt release of the capitation grant," he added.
He further indicated that the government intended to complete and operationalise abandoned technical and vocational education and training (TVET) facilities and E-blocks to help reduce overcrowding in schools.
No fees stress policy
President Mahama further stated that the “No Fees Stress” policy and the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities were all initiatives to bridge the gap and guarantee access to higher education for persons with disabilities, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
The President said the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) had been mandated to allocate GH¢50 million annually to support this programme and the “No Fees Stress” policy.
Advice to graduates
He urged the graduates to uphold the responsibility to nurture minds, shape character and inspire future generations.
"The future of Ghana’s education and, indeed, the future of Ghana itself will depend on how faithfully and passionately you serve.
"Let your education empower you not only to teach, but to lead; not only to speak, but to listen; not only to dream, but to act. Whether you go into classrooms, offices or communities, let integrity and excellence be your trademarks," he added.
Chancellor
The Chancellor of UEW and the Paramount Chief of Winneba, Neenyi Ghartey, addressed the menace of galamsey, commending the government's renewed resolve to fight the illegal mining activities, saying the new measures in the fight offered hope.
"Already, nine forest reserves have been reclaimed from illegal miners and a stronger regulatory framework is taking shape. The declaration of forests and water bodies as “security zones” and their placement under the NAIMOS (National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat) has led to hundreds of arrests and the seizure of more than 900 water-pumping machines.
These measures mark a significant step forward," he stated.
He said the next step would be to fully equip and resource the lawful authorities who risked their lives to enforce environmental and mining laws with modern surveillance technology, protective equipment, swift-response logistics and sustained funding.
"Only then can we neutralise the emboldened networks of illegal miners, reclaim our degraded lands and rivers and restore Ghana’s environment to the dignity and purity our people deserve.
This is the moment for collective vigilance, decisive action and support for those defending our national interest. Our water, our lands and our future depend on it,” Neenyi Ghartey added.
Graduates
The 30th Congregation saw a total of 8,283 students graduating.
Out of the figure, 336 students, representing four per cent, were awarded diplomas; 6,875 students, representing 83 per cent, had first degrees, while 1,073 students, representing 13 per cent, received postgraduate degrees, including 34 doctoral degrees.
Of the 6,875 first degree graduates, 816 obtained First Class; 2,257 had Second Class Upper; 2,272 had Second Class Lower; 1,206 had Third Class, while 324 obtained a Pass.
The Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, said the UEW, with support from the government, was embarking on significant infrastructural development, a commitment to continuous growth, academic excellence and a truly transformative campus experience.
He advised the graduates to let their skills, integrity and dedication be vital while upholding UEW's motto of “Education for Service”, and to let honesty, humility, excellence and respect guide every action as they stepped into the world as teachers and professionals shaping the future of Ghana and beyond.
Governance structure
The Chairman of the UEW Governing Council, Justice Jacob Amonoo Kinney, said the university had, over the past years, made significant strides in consolidating its governance architecture.
He said that the council had worked closely with the management of the university and key stakeholders to deepen transparency, streamline institutional processes and reinforce systems that would ensure accountability, adding that UEW was committed to nurturing not just skilled graduates but a governance culture worthy of public trust.
