The Principal of Akatsi College of Education (AKATSICO), Dr. Felix Kwame Kumedzro has appealed to the government to extend the re-tooling initiative of second cycle schools to Technical Colleges of Education.

He explained that the Colleges also need the re-tooling support to enable them to produce teachers with the requisite knowledge to be transferred to second-cycle students.

Speaking at the 15th Congregation of the AKTSICO, he explained that this would contribute effectively to positioning Ghana to benefit from the fourth industrial revolution agenda.

“I, therefore, call upon the government and the private sector to help re-tool the Technical Colleges of Education to enable the Colleges to train competent teachers to support the effective teaching and learning at the Technical and Vocational Schools.

“As a country, we need to prioritise technical and vocational education at all levels of education. This will make it possible for the nation to achieve sustainable development”, he said.

Dr. Kumedzro entreated the government to as well resolve the infrastructure and challenges in the education sector to enhance academic activities.

Infrastructure Development in AKATSICO

Dr. Kumedzro outlined that the management has partnered with the Kings and Queens Teaching Hospital to construct a clinic to enhance healthcare delivery in the College community.

He said that that there would be no financial commitment by the College, explaining that “the financing of the project, construction, supply of medical equipment, consumables and operation of the hospital shall be borne by Kings and Queens Teaching Hospital.

“The College Management has already made land available for such a project. In the absence of the College Council, a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Shall be submitted to the Director-General of GTEC for his advice and subsequent approval”, he further indicated.

To expand information, communication, and technology infrastructure, Dr. Kumedzro hinted at the College’s intention to sign a contract with FG&B Technology Limited to build a robust network infrastructure and provide the College community with internet services.

He said the project would be in two phases, with the first phase focusing on covering critical areas of the institution including the administration block, ICT Lab, Science Lab, Staff Common Room, library, Vice Principal’s block, principal’s residence, and dining hall.

The second phase he said would cover the lecture halls, male and female hostels, and staff bungalows, adding that some computers have been procured to support the e-library project.

“I am happy to inform the congregation that the operations of the College library are being automated or digitized”, he said.

Infrastructure deficit

Dr. Kumedzro lamented the situation of inadequate infrastructure the College is grappling with, explaining that some structures have become “unsafe for use.”

He mentioned the lack of an auditorium and a weak structure housing the technical department as stumbling blocks in the effective training of students.

He called on the leadership of the Avenor Traditional Area to allocate lands for the expansion of the College, as it has exhausted its land area.

“The College urgently needs land for building various facilities, such as lecture halls, student housing, staff bungalows, new administrative block, auditorium, and recreational centers.

“These infrastructures are crucial for the effective functioning and future growth of the institution. In this regard, we are appealing to Chiefs and families who have lands to make their land available to the College for the ultimate development of Avenor Traditional Area”, he said.