By: Ama Gyamfuah
The Accra College of Education has launched the 60th anniversary celebration (diamond jubilee) of the college under the theme, “60 Years of Teacher Education in Ghana, Reflecting the past, Understanding the present and Transforming the future: The role of Accra College of Education”.
This milestone which was launched on Thursday, 8th August 2024, at the college auditorium is being commemorated with a series of events and activities designed to honor the college’s history and contributions to education in Ghana.
College Principal, Prof. Samuel A. Atintono said on his welcome address, “The life of this institution is worthy of celebration. If it were a human being, we would be talking about retirement but for an institution, life has just started for our college”.
He explained that the college’s journey started with a vision to be the center of academic excellence in teacher training.
“Today, as we celebrate this Diamond Jubilee, we honor the legacy of those who lay the foundation of this institution and therefore fight not only to nurture students but to become torchbearers of knowledge and innovative teachers” he said.
According to him, their mission remains clear and it is to produce not just competent teachers, but compassionate teachers who ignite curiosity, innovation, empathy and lifelong learning.
He expressed his deepest gratitude to the chairman of the college and council members for their support and commitment.
“Looking ahead, I’m confident that your ongoing support will elevate us further. Keeping our shared vision of transformative education at the forefront of our hard working staff, both present and past constitute the heart of the success of this institution” he noted.
Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who was the special guest of honor said, “As we celebrate this 60th anniversary, understand that you’ve made some giant strides and the future is going to be very bright for the Accra College of Education”.
He disclosed that the institution is one of the 5 colleges of education the government has earmarked for advancement.
“One of the 5 that God willing we may seek approval from the government of Ghana to become an independent college. It will be called the college of Applied Science and Arts and education is going to be part of it of course because education is going to be the central feature of this college’s upgrading” he mentioned.
He added that their upgrading will mean they will no longer be affiliated to any university.
The minister also assured them that their allowances had been released and will be given to them soon.
“I also want to commend you for your discipline and dedication. I’m well informed that you do peer tutoring, you study together and do everything possible to engage yourselves in active learning. You have reassured me that the future of our nation will be very bright with you as the teachers of the future”he highlighted.
He advised the students to remain focused and determined to help them reach their desired goals and achieve their dreams and also assured them of some good school projects the government is working on to help them work in comfort after school.