The National President of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), Prof. Samuel Atintono has provided an update on the progress of the 300-bed capacity hostel project in the colleges of education.
The project, which was promised by the Minister of Education and commenced in June 2022, was initially expected to be handed over to the public colleges of education in August 2023.
However, Prof. Atintono has stated that due to unforeseen challenges, the completion of the project within the expected timeframe is not possible. Nonetheless, he reassured that the projects will be completed next year.
Efforts to Ensure Completion
During an interview on the Probe Show on JoyNews monitored by Coleman Publications, Prof. Atintono emphasized that plans and measures are being put in place to ensure the completion of most of the projects in the colleges by next year.
He highlighted that the Ministry of Education has made payments to contractors who are currently on-site working in some of the colleges. This is aimed to expedite the progress and ensure the timely completion of the hostel project.
Challenges Facing Colleges of Education
While the completion of the hostel project will be a significant step towards addressing the infrastructure deficit in the colleges of education, the National President of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), Prince Obeng-Himah, raised concerns about the project’s limitations.
He argued that the completion of the project alone cannot fully solve the infrastructure deficit problems faced by the colleges. As an alternative solution, he suggested that the ministry should consider allowing trainees to rent their own accommodations.
Colleges with Ongoing Work
Several colleges of education have seen progress in the hostel project, with contractors actively working on-site.
Among the colleges where work is currently underway are the;
- Accra College of Education
- Al-Faruq College of Education
- Berekum College of Education
- E.P College of Education in Amedzofe
- Offinso College of Education
- Presbyterian Women’s College of Education in Agogo
- SDA College of Education in Koforidua
- St. Francis College of Education
- St. John Bosco’s College of Education
- St. Louis College of Education
- St. Teresa’s College of Education.
Colleges with Abandoned Work
Unfortunately, some colleges have experienced a halt in the project, as contractors have abandoned their work. These colleges include the;
- Akrokerri College of Education
- Bagabaga College of Education
- Gbewaa College of Education
- Kibi College of Education
- Mampong Technical College of Education
- Methodist College of Education in Oda
- St. Ambrose College of Education
- St. Monica College of Education
- Tamale College of Education
- Tumu College of Education
- Wesley College of Education.
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Colleges with Pending Work
In certain colleges, the contractors have visited the site but have not yet started the project. These colleges include the;
- Komenda College of Education
- Mt. Mary College of Education
- NJA College of Education
- Presbyterian College of Education in Akropong
- SDA College of Education in Agona
- St. Joseph’s College of Education
- St. Vincent College of Education
- Wiawso College of Education
- Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education
- Ada College of Education
- Akatsi College of Education
- E.P. College of Education
- Foso College of Education
- Gambaga College of Education
- Holy Child College of Education
- Jasikan College of Education.