The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced the government’s decision to establish a new College of Education in Ezinlibo in the Jomoro Municipal District of the Western Region, with construction expected to begin in 2027.

According to the minister, the project forms part of a broader strategy to expand access to teacher training and improve educational infrastructure in underserved communities.

“Government has taken a policy decision to establish a new teacher training college in Ezinlibo, Jomoro, in the Western Region… Work on it will commence somewhere in 2027, subject to the availability of resources,” he stated.

He disclosed that discussions are already underway with the Ghana National Gas Company to explore partnership opportunities, particularly to support communities within its operational areas.

“This morning I met with the Chief Executive of Ghana Gas to discuss how the government can partner… to support the community in the catchment area of its operations,” he said.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the governing board of St. John Bosco College of Education on March 31, an event that also highlighted the government’s renewed focus on strengthening governance structures across educational institutions.

As part of this policy direction, the minister revealed plans to increase alumni participation in school governance, particularly at the secondary school level.

“It is now the decision of the government that all governing councils of second-cycle schools in Ghana… will review appropriate legislation to allow for more participation of alumni groups,” he said.

He explained that each secondary school will be required to include at least two alumni representatives on their governing board, with attention to gender balance.

“Every second cycle institution now should have a minimum representation of two—one for a woman… to keep with the promise of increasing gender representation,” he noted.

Mr. Iddrisu emphasised that alumni contributions to educational development must be formally recognised and integrated into decision-making processes.

“We expect that all secondary schools… give respect and presence to alumni to recognise their contribution to those institutions,” he stressed.

He also addressed public discussions around transfers of headteachers, describing them as routine administrative decisions.

“I’ve seen some publications in the media about the transfer of headmistresses and headmasters. It’s a normal occurrence,” he clarified.

The planned College of Education in Jomoro is expected to serve as a key institution for training teachers within the enclave, helping to bridge gaps in educational access and quality in the Western Region.