The lack of financial clearance is placing an enormous strain on both teaching and non-teaching staff at St. Monica's College of Education in the Ashanti region.

As a result of retirement and resignation, the college has lost six members, one teaching and five non-teaching staff. Two non-teaching staff will reach the mandatory retirement age of 60 by June 30, 2023, and consequently leave active service.

The principal of the institution, Dr Okyere Korankye, has said that the college needs to recruit 12 teaching staff and 18 non-teaching staff to supplement the current staff strength for optimal performance.

The college currently has 38 staff instead of at least 50 to teach 1800 students.

“Every tutor or lecturer should have a maximum of about 40 students to teach. But in our case, it is not like that. We are praying that the government gives financial clearance – so that we be able to recruit more to augment what we have,” he said.

Dr Korankye believes the college has no choice but to convert management staff to teach the students if the government fails to address the situation.

“Even the council chair was saying that areas that he can help, he can help. Management members who can teach are teaching. We are using IGF to also get some people on board,” he added.

Dr Korankye was speaking during the college's 14th graduation ceremony.

According to the college, it is committed to raising teaching and learning standards and will pursue policies and initiatives that will help students maintain their excellence.

The academic board has added mathematics and ICT to the JHS program as specialized courses.

This, he said, is "part of their intention to participate in the promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education agenda of the country and to develop the confidence of the female teacher and specializing in the STEM courses."

He said that 11 Level 100 students were offered admission to pursue mathematics and ICT as elective courses under the JHS programme.

“Our intention is to eventually establish a robust science and mathematics education in the college. Our theme for this year's congregation, Promoting STEM Education in Ghana: The Role of the Female Teacher has been crafted to fit into this agenda.”

The guest speaker, Dr Mrs Irene Kafui Vorsah Amponsah of the Department of Statistics at the University of Cape Coast advised the graduates to use their voices to challenge systemic barriers that hinder girls' access to quality STEM education.

She encouraged them to preserve and break through the glass ceilings that limit female representation in STEM.

"You have the opportunity to be advocates for change and catalysts for progress. Use your voices to challenge systemic barriers that hinder girls' access to quality STEM education. Organise workshops, mentorship programs, and outreach activities to inspire young girls and expose them to the wonders of science, Ttchnology, engineering and mathematics," Dr Amponsah stated.

Overall best student, Miss Anaa Frimpong, B.Ed Primary Education, emphasised that her success came from her determination.

She said once a person teaches they learn, “so one of the things I did on campus was to teach my colleagues who were finding it difficult in areas – some of the courses we were offering. Anytime, and anywhere they came, I was willing to teach them."

The college's graduation class this year is the first batch of students from the Basic Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programme, who completed their studies in 2022 and are currently having their national service.

Four hundred and twelve (412) students graduated, with 16 receiving first class, 174 obtaining second class upper, 174 gaining second class lower, and 48 receiving third class.