The Government of Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding and strengthening teacher education as a key pillar of national development.
It stressed that quality education must begin with well-trained, motivated, and well-resourced teachers, adding that it will continue to invest in teacher training institutions, educational infrastructure, curriculum reforms, and professional development for educators.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly, Hon. Samuel Adongo, delivered the message on behalf of the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, during the 16th Congregation Ceremony of the Seventh-day Adventist College of Education held over the weekend in Koforidua.
He emphasised that Ghana’s pursuit of improved learning outcomes, innovation, and socio-economic transformation depends largely on the quality of teachers produced by institutions such as SDA College of Education.
He assured stakeholders that government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for excellence in teacher preparation across the country.
Hon. Adongo commended the College for its contribution to teacher education and national development, noting that teacher preparation remains central to the government’s broader educational transformation agenda.
He further assured the College community of continued government support in strengthening infrastructure, improving learning environments, and advancing initiatives that enhance teacher training.
He also reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to the construction of a proposed multipurpose auditorium complex and a male hall of residence for the College, describing the projects as part of efforts to improve tertiary education infrastructure.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, highlighted the institution’s longstanding partnership with SDA College of Education in implementing Ghana’s teacher education reforms.
She explained that the collaboration supports the rollout of the four-year Bachelor of Education programme and ensures alignment with national standards.
According to her, the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2023 under the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission places responsibility on UEW to provide academic oversight in teaching, examinations, research, publications, and facilities.
She noted that the partnership has strengthened staff development, research capacity, quality assurance, and programme implementation.
Prof. Danso-Wiredu expressed optimism that with improved infrastructure and governance systems, SDA College of Education could evolve into a full-fledged university with the capacity to design and award its own degrees.
She also called for greater flexibility in approving elective courses within Colleges of Education, arguing that affiliated institutions and mentoring universities should be empowered to introduce new options based on available expertise.
In her address to graduands, she reminded them that teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of society and urged them to demonstrate competence, integrity, creativity, confidence, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
She further commended the College leadership, Council, lecturers, and staff for their dedication to educational excellence.
The Principal of the College, Prof. Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah, described the institution as a centre of academic excellence committed to producing teachers who are academically strong, professionally competent, and spiritually grounded.
He noted that the College continues to promote holistic education through teaching, research, innovation, community service, and character formation.
The ceremony marked the graduation of the Class of 2025 and recognised the contributions of staff who have supported the institution’s growth.
However, the Principal raised concerns about several challenges, particularly declining student enrolment, which dropped from 2,032 in 2024 to 1,465 in 2026.
He also highlighted limited staffing, clearance challenges, inadequate residential facilities, absence of a suitable auditorium, and stalled infrastructure projects.
He expressed concern over a stalled 300-capacity hall of residence, which has become overgrown and poses safety risks, and appealed to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to intervene.
Despite these challenges, the College recorded notable achievements, including a successful Founders’ Day and fundraising initiative to support legacy projects.
Financially, the institution reported significant growth, with total asset value rising by 108 percent from GH¢47.8 million in 2024 to GH¢99.6 million in 2025.
It also generated over GH¢10 million in internally generated funds through improved revenue mobilisation strategies.
The College expressed gratitude to President Mahama, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, GETFund, GTEC, the New Juaben Traditional Area, alumni associations, church leadership, and other stakeholders for their support.
A total of 670 students graduated with Bachelor of Education degrees in Early Grade Education, Primary Education, and Junior High School Education.
The graduating class comprised 303 males and 367 females. Of these, 102 achieved First Class honours, representing 15 percent, while 288 obtained Second Class Upper Division honours.
Prof. Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah urged the graduates to embrace innovation, adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning as they enter the teaching profession.
He reminded them that modern educators must be effective communicators, reflective problem-solvers, and collaborative professionals capable of shaping future generations.
He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors of SDA College of Education and contribute meaningfully to national development through quality education.