The Evangelical Presbyterian College of Education in Amedzofe in the Ho West District of the Volta Region has graduated the first batch of students since the introduction of degree programs at the teacher training institutions. 

Some 174 students graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Primary and a Bachelor of Education in Junior High School. 

The graduation was unique as it witnessed the awarding of First-Class honours to seven students, the highest in about a decade. 

Addressing the 15th Congregation, the Principal, Dr Dickson Tsey, lauded the students and teaching staff for chalking such an envious feat in the history of the College. 

He entreated the graduands to continue to upgrade their knowledge and endeavour to contribute significantly to the growth of the country after joining the workforce. 

“I, therefore, challenge you to go out there with passion to make a difference and impact your generation. In doing this, I want to encourage you to be guided by the principles of hard work, perseverance, and integrity”, he said.

He is optimistic the increase in teaching and non-teaching staff strength to 103 would positively impact academic activities and enhance students' performance. 

Dr. Tsey outlined the construction of 6 units, a 2-bedroom apartment, which is about 70% completed to house some staff on campus. 

This and the construction of a 10-seater modern sanitary facility are being financed with the college’s internally generated funds with support from the school’s alumni association. 

He also said the management is undertaking a 180-bed capacity hostel to help accommodate the increasing number of female students. 

He announced that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has awarded a 300-bed capacity and added construction works have already started on the project at the French campus.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am also glad to inform you that the GETFund, through GTEC, has approved the re-awarding of the 10-year-old abandoned four-story female hostel in the College.

"Thankfully, the procurement processes have started, and the project will soon be awarded to a contractor to continue work. Thanks to the Government of Ghana and GETFund in particular”, he said. 

Dr Tsey indicated that the institution has fortified its French Information Communication Technology lab with 10 sets of brand-new computers and established a scholarship scheme for best-performing students. 

“In order to inculcate the spirit of studiousness and academic competition among our students to help sustain this enviable principle, the Academic Board had given its approval for Management to institute a scholarship scheme for students”, he said.