By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Mahama, as part of his Resetting Ghana tour of the Eastern Region, has cut the sod for the construction of a multipurpose hall at the SDA College of Education, reaffirming his government’s commitment to improving teacher training and expanding access to education.
Addressing staff and students at the ceremony, the President recalled his previous visit to the institution, where a key policy aimed at easing financial barriers to higher education was launched.
“I am pleased to return to the SDA College of Education, a place where, just a year ago, we gathered to launch a promise that spoke directly to the future of our young people,” he said.
He explained that the introduction of the “No Fee Stress Policy” was intended to address the gap between secondary and tertiary education, despite the gains made under the Free SHS programme.
“While Free SHS has opened access at the secondary level, many students still face difficulties progressing to the university level. The policy is designed to remove that barrier and give every qualified Ghanaian child a fair chance to continue their education without financial strain,” he noted.
President Mahama indicated that his return to the college was also to fulfil a commitment made during that earlier visit, following requests by the school’s leadership.
According to him, the Principal at the time, Prof. Vincent Adzahlie-Mebsah, highlighted several pressing needs, including a multipurpose hall, improved hostel facilities, and buses to support academic work.
“It is in response to that request that we are here today to cut sod for the construction of this multipurpose hall,” he stated.
The facility, he said, will serve as a hub for academic, social, and community activities, significantly enhancing the learning environment for students and staff.
Beyond the hall, the President disclosed that steps are being taken to address other challenges facing the college, including plans to provide a bus for the institution.
He further revealed that the government has responded to requests for official vehicles for principals, noting that the Principal of the SDA College, Prof. Vincent Adzahlie-Mebsah, is among beneficiaries of newly procured vehicles.
“These interventions form part of our broader effort to support teacher training institutions, because the quality of education in our country depends on the strength of the teachers we produce,” he emphasised.
President Mahama commended the leadership, staff, and students of the college for their dedication and service, assuring them of continued government support.
“I assure you that government remains committed to supporting this institution and others like it as we work together to improve education across the country,” he said.
The President, who was en route to the May Day celebrations in Koforidua, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and optimism about the successful completion of the project.
