By Stanley Kwabla Arku
Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that all 48 public Colleges of Education in Ghana are in the process of being upgraded to full university status.
Speaking at the inauguration of governing councils for seven Colleges of Education in Sunyani, Mr. Iddrisu said the move is part of government’s commitment to strengthening teacher education and aligning it with the demands of a modern tertiary education system.
He explained that the migration process will affect the scheme and conditions of service for staff as well as the legal framework under which the institutions operate. “The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has been directed to work with the Attorney General’s Department to amend the enabling Act of the Colleges of Education to reflect their new university status,” he stated. The amendments are expected to be laid before Parliament at its next sitting.
The Minister urged all college governing councils to collaborate closely with GTEC on major decisions, particularly appointments, until the transition is legally completed. He also highlighted looming leadership gaps, noting that about 20 principals will either retire or complete their mandatory terms next year. He called on the councils to work with GTEC to ensure a seamless succession process.
Mr. Iddrisu further provided updates on government’s investment in infrastructure, particularly in addressing the accommodation deficit. In 2023, the Ministry initiated the construction of 45 hostels across 46 Colleges of Education. Out of these, nine projects are nearing completion, 11 have made some progress, while 25 remain stalled. To resolve the challenge, government has cancelled non-performing contracts and allocated GHS 403 million under GETFund for the re-awarded projects.
The 48 public Colleges of Education include the newly added Savanna College of Education, Ghana Muslim Mission College at Beposo, and Christ The Teacher College at Nsoko, whose absorption processes are being finalized by GTEC.
Mr. Iddrisu assured that the Ministry of Education remains committed to providing the resources and governance structures necessary for the smooth transition of Colleges of Education into universities.