By: Hannah Dadzie and Evelyn Frempong.
Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to establish polytechnics in all regions of the country. He said the initiative aims to provide viable pathways beyond Senior High School, enhance employability, and strengthen the connection between education and industry. To this end, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has been tasked with developing a comprehensive blueprint for the rollout of the polytechnics.
Speaking at the commissioning of GTEC’s newly renovated conference facility in Accra, Mr. Iddrisu noted that the move is expected to improve access to higher education and strengthen the nation’s manpower base.
“Now that all polytechnics have become universities, don’t you think that another need will be for us to have a polytechnic in each in all 16 region. It’s a possible pursuit in expanding access to higher education, we want your council to look into this and give the President a blueprint” the Minister of Education said.
The facility which was originally constructed in 2010, had not undergone any renovation, resulting in significant deterioration over the years. The newly upgraded conference center is expected to serve as a hub for policy dialogue, academic conferences, and collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing Ghana’s tertiary education. The facility has been thoughtfully redesigned with clients’ needs.
Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, commended GTEC and acknowledged the contributions of both past and present academic and policy leaders to Ghana’s education system.
He also advocated for inclusive education policies, particularly for persons with disabilities, emphasizing that no Ghanaian child should be left behind.
“Today we have university population of over 6,000, traditional and private, it simply means, Ghana has made significant strides in expanding access to higher education. Thanks to the sacrifices of those men and women, including Dr Paul Effah, the one we’re honouring with this Hall as reference. Thanks to these leaders, we have a strong regulator in the higher education space today. How are we ensuring that marginalised groupshave access to higher education.” Mr Iddrisu stated
He further thanked Professor, the Director General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, GTEC, Professor Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai for his exemplary leadership and encouraged him to do more.
Chairman of the newly constituted GTEC Governing Board, Professor Mahama Duwiejua, assured the Minister that they will work towards fulfilling the instructions given to them for the good of the country.
Highlights of the renovated facility include the Paul Effah Hall, a 600-capacity auditorium designed for maximum comfort and optimal visibility.
Additionally, three multipurpose meeting halls, Nikoi Kotey Hall, Ahmed Jinapor Hall, and Kwame Dattey Hall have been designed to accommodate breakout sessions, seminars, and executive meetings.
Former Executive Secretary of GTEC, Dr. Paul Effah, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues for the honor bestowed upon them. He pledged GTEC’s continued commitment to strengthening higher education in Ghana.
“On behalf of my colleagues, we would like to thank the management, members of the Commission and the entire staff for the recognition given to us. Such recognition is an honour and privilege and for which we are grateful. Leaders work with and to people, if we were able to make any significant improvement to GTEC, it was because we had capable, technical, administrative and professional support from our staff and the various councils, we thank them, salute them and share this honour with them.”Dr Effah expressed
The renovated GTEC conference center represents a significant step toward creating conducive spaces for educational discourse and strategic decision-making. It aligns with the broader goal of transforming Ghana’s tertiary education landscape.
