A Deputy Minister of Education, Mrs. Gifty Twum-Ampofo says a lesson learnt in Africa’s educational system is the continent’s low capacity in skills development.
The strategy then has been to expand technical and vocational opportunities at both secondary and tertiary levels and strengthen linkages between education and industry, as well as give opportunities to the youth to deploy their skills, to employ themselves and others.
Mrs. Twum-Ampofo shared this sentiment at the 11th congregation of Mampong Technical College of Education at Asante Mampong. This year’s event saw the graduation of 675 finalists completing the Diploma in Basic Education program.
Out of the number, three had First Class, 79 Second Class Upper Division, 183 Second Class Lower Division, 242 Third Class Division and 168 Pass.
Mrs. Twum-Ampofo noted that Ghana’s march towards a skilled workforce would come to naught, if investments are not made in institutions that are supposed to deliver teaching and learning.
It is for this reason that the Nana Akufo-Addo Administration has laid emphasis on education and in particular, technical and vocational education as a major pillar for development.
She said every effort is being made to mainstream technical and vocational education as a first and not a last option for young Ghanaians.
Mrs. Twum-Ampofo explained that what the Government seeks to achieve in this respect will be crucial in sustaining the One District, One Factory program.
Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, advised the graduands to engage in continuous learning and take due advantage of any opportunity to upgrade themselves.
They should be mindful of the fact that their Diploma in Basic Education Certificate alone is not enough to secure and sustain them in the teaching profession in this new dispensation where College of Education are now pursuing a Four-year Bachelor of Education program.
The Principal of Mampong Technical College of Education, Mrs. Doris Boakye-Ansah noted that the introduction of the new Bachelor of Education programme poses a challenge for the institution in the area of student accommodation.
She therefore appealed to the Ghana Education Trust Fund to ensure the speedy completion of the three-storey dormitory block project, which has stalled due to nonpayment of claims to the contractor.
