At Somanya in the Eastern Region, Ghana’s Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, is urging teacher training colleges to embrace innovation, technology, and partnerships to better prepare educators for the evolving needs of today’s classrooms.
Speaking through Prof. Mahama Dawiejua at the 75th anniversary celebration of Mount Mary College of Education (MOMACOE) in Somanya, the Minister said colleges must move beyond traditional methods and build systems that truly support the modern teacher.
“We can no longer train teachers the way we did decades ago,” the Minister noted. “We must create an environment where educators keep learning, stay current with the times, and use technology not just occasionally, but as a core part of their teaching.”
He also called for stronger collaboration between colleges of education, the Ministry of Education, and bodies like the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to ensure consistent support for teacher development.
Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that as society changes, so must the way teachers are trained.
He encouraged institutions to regularly review their curricula, teaching styles, and learning tools—especially to support schools in rural or underserved areas.
Guest speaker Rev. Fr Dr. Michael Kodzo Mensah, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, acknowledged challenges facing Catholic teacher education, but said they also offer a chance to innovate.
“Let’s not be discouraged by the hurdles,” he said. “With creative training programs and support from universities, we can strengthen both academic excellence and our Catholic identity.”
Principal Dr. Cecilia Esinam Agbeh shared that MOMACOE now has 1,456 students (580 males and 876 females), supported by 54 teaching staff and 93 non-teaching staff.
While proud of the college’s achievements, she raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure and appealed for help from alumni and partners.
The President of the MOMACOE Alumni Association, Joseph Saki Venyor, echoed the call, encouraging former students to give back and help the college continue its mission.
Student leader Maxwell Amuzu Foli, President of the SRC, pledged the students’ commitment to upholding MOMACOE’s values of excellence, integrity, and service.
Wrapping up the event, Most Rev. Fr. Joseph Afrifa Agyekum, Catholic Bishop of Koforidua and chairman of the occasion, appealed to the local community to resolve land disputes involving the college.
He said peace was essential to allow much-needed infrastructure development to move forward.
The celebration, themed “Celebrating 75 Years of Teacher Education with Catholic Values: Impact, Challenges and Prospects”, reflected on MOMACOE’s legacy and its commitment to shaping the next generation of educators for Ghana.
By: J.W Quarm
