The Principal of Komenda College of Education, Very Reverend Professor Kwesi Nkum Wilson, has called on government to abolish the quota system for teacher trainees, describing it as a major obstacle to access and to the supply of qualified teachers needed to meet Ghana’s educational demands.
He made the appeal at the College’s 15th Congregation and Graduation Ceremony, where 590 students graduated, including 189 with First Class Honours. Prof. Wilson disclosed that although the College received over 3,800 qualified applications this year, only 400 could be admitted under the quota system.
“The quota system is limiting opportunities for many capable young people who want to serve as teachers. If Ghana is serious about improving education and addressing the teacher deficit, then access to training colleges must be expanded. The gains of the cedi and other national reforms must be matched by hard work and visionary policies, not restrictions,” he said.
Infrastructural challenges
The Principal further lamented the poor state of infrastructure at Komenda College, pointing to abandoned projects such as a three-storey classroom block awarded in 2015, a 1,600-seater auditorium, and a 6-kilometre road network linking the campus to the town.
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He appealed to government and contractors to complete the projects, stressing that quality education cannot thrive in environments with inadequate learning and residential facilities.
“We have demonstrated academic excellence, but we need the supporting infrastructure to match our growing student population and the demands of modern teacher training,” Prof. Wilson noted.
Institutional progress
Despite the constraints, Prof. Wilson announced that Komenda College had attained full accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). He described the institution as financially stable, gender-inclusive, and aligned with national education reforms. He also praised staff for delivering the College’s best academic results in its history.
He further recommended reforms to teacher education, including making Ghanaian languages, music, and physical education compulsory for all trainees, to foster cultural identity and holistic development in the next generation.
Keynote address
Delivering the keynote address, the Lay President of The Methodist Church, Ghana, Bro. Kwasi Attah-Antwi, urged the graduates to see teaching as a “sacred calling” that goes beyond imparting knowledge.
“As teachers, you are not just conveyors of information; you are beacons of hope and agents of transformation. In every community, especially in deprived and rural areas, your presence must inspire progress and change,” he said.
Bro. Attah-Antwi also advised the graduates to embrace technology, innovation, and lifelong learning in order to adapt to evolving global education trends.
Valedictory Speech
In his valedictory address, Mr. Dominic Graham who had a CGPA of 3.92 described the ceremony not only as the end of an academic journey but also the beginning of a lifelong mission to shape lives through education.
“Today, we gather not only to mark an end but to celebrate a journey that began on January 12, 2021. We arrived with dreams in our hearts, fears in our minds, and suitcases filled with hope,” he said to loud applause.
He took the audience through memorable moments of their three-year journey, recalling the “Level 100 weeding,” long nights of study, spirited dining hall debates, SRC Week festivities, and internships that tested their resilience. These, he said, were more than experiences — they were lessons in perseverance and service.
“Fellow graduands, as we stand on the brink of tomorrow, let us remember that we are not just graduates. We are torchbearers, builders of minds, and guardians of dreams. Let us go forth as teachers who do more than impart knowledge; let us ignite transformation.”
He further called on his colleagues to carry the spirit of Komenda College into every classroom and community they serve.
“The world awaits us, graduating class of 2024. Let us step out with boldness, vision, and the unshakable belief that the light within us will shine brighter than any darkness ahead. God bless KOSA ’24, God bless Komenda College of Education, God bless Ghana.”
New facilities commissioned
As part of the celebrations, a 10-unit market store, funded by the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), and an 8-unit toilet facility, donated by the 2000-year group of the Komenda College Old Students Association (COSA), were commissioned to support student and community welfare.
The colourful ceremony brought together representatives of the University of Education, Winneba, chiefs, clergy, alumni, education officials, and families who joined to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.
Source: Anthony Sasu Ayisadu/ATLFMNEWS
